FENTSTER

Who is leading SHVILIM?

This initiative is a collaboration between FENTSTER - a Jewish arts organization, No Silence on Race - a hub celebrating ethnically diverse Jewish experiences, and Shoreline Collaboratives - leaders in equity-driven organizational change. Our team of Jews and allies is joined by an exceptional, multi-racial group of project consultants and researchers that includes artists, educators, arts managers, Jewish spiritual leaders, and equity professionals. With wide ranging backgrounds, perspectives and politics, we see ourselves as bridge builders, committed to eliminating all forms of oppression including that faced by artists. Our aim is to develop a values-based, community-focused approach to making the breadth of Jewish diversity visible in the arts and dismantling anti-Jewish oppression. Our work is not about blaming, shaming or calling out. We approach this work in an arts-informed, multi-vocal way, building solidarity and emphasizing non-punitive ways to address antisemitism. We aim to support Ontarians to unravel unconscious bias that can perpetuate anti-Jewish oppression and hinder the thriving of all people.

SHVILIM & the Ontario Arts Council

In May 2023, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) sought out community-based partners to lead projects in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) for a number of demographic groups. SHVILIM is one of the projects recently launched in partnership by OAC to grow EDIA resources.

The SHVILIM team was selected through a competitive process.

As a commissioned pilot program, SHVILIM is one of many initiatives that OAC has under development for understanding and engaging in anti-oppression work in the sector.

Why is this initiative being carried out at this time?

In response to a steady increase in incidents and expressions of antisemitism, in May 2023, the OAC shared a call for expressions of interest for leaders on a new project addressing antisemitism through the arts. Five months later, as violence against Israelis and Palestinians yielded increased rhetoric and danger for Muslim, Palestinian and Jewish communities worldwide, the need for this work became even clearer.

Although this initiative is not a reaction to current global events, it is grounded in an understanding of the intensified climate facing Jews, Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims, including within the arts community.

Our approach is intentional and collaborative, building connections across differences rather than deepening divisions. Recognizing that discussions around antisemitism can be emotionally charged and polarizing, our team seeks to de-escalate the discourse in order to centre collaborative allyship while harnessing the power of the arts to draw attention to our shared humanity.

What is SHVILIM engaged in?

Our work began in spring 2024 by circulating two surveys across the province: one to a wide array of arts organization leaders and another specifically to Jews engaged in the arts sector. The surveys act as one of multiple tools SHVILIM will use to guide development of community engagements, educational resources, cultural programming, and outreach activities in the coming months and years. The insights gathered, along with follow up conversations, provide a better understanding of the needs, challenges and opportunities for our work, particularly at this time.

Deep reflection on what we heard from you as well as consultations with our network of advisors and with the Ontario Arts Council, are informing the next steps for SHVILIM.

Updates will continue to be added here.