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TAIKO IN CANADA: LEADERS CONVENING 2026
Are you a leader in a taiko group in Canada?
We invite you to apply to participate in the Taiko in Canada: Leaders Convening (TCLC), August 4-6th, 2026!
This project is being hosted by RAW Taiko as an extension of our 2026 Toronto Taiko Festival.
ABOUT THE TCLC
The Taiko in Canada: Leaders Convening will bring together 10 leaders of taiko groups from across Canada for a 3 day gathering. Taiko leaders will connect, share their knowledge, and learn together. In particular, this group of taiko leaders will have the chance to think about access, equity, and social justice in taiko arts. We hope this convening will foster artistry, nurture collaboration, and lay the foundations for more explorations within taiko in Canada in the future.
The goals of the Taiko in Canada: Leaders Convening are to:
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Foster a curious, conversational, and collaborative spirit between groups and across geographic regions
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Exchange knowledge and strategize on how to support and build community through taiko in Canada
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Envision performance, education, networking and/or community building activities for the future
The convening will take place August 4-6 at Studio RAW (1220 Dupont St, Toronto, ON) in the days leading up to Toronto Taiko Festival (August 7-9, Downtown Toronto). While it is not mandatory, we hope that taiko leaders who participate in the convening may be able to stay for the festival, perform in the festival concert, and apply to teach a festival workshop!
A sample agenda of the TCLC is below. Please note, the workshop topics will be decided through conversations with the taiko leaders after they have been selected. We hope to match the learning opportunities to the needs and interests of the cohort.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
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Day 1: August 4th
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12:30-2:30pm Introductions
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2:30-3pm Break
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3-5pm Facilitated Conversation: Past, present, and future hopes for taiko in Canada
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5-6pm Group Dinner (Provided)
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6-8pm Hands-On Taiko Skills
Day 2: August 5th
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12:30-2:30pm Skill Building Workshop 1
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2:30-3pm Break
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3-5pm Skill Building Workshop 2
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5-6pm Group Dinner (Provided)
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6-8pm Hands-On Taiko Skills: New Repertoire (learn a RAW original, commissioned for this convening!)
Day 3: August 6th
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12:30-2:30pm Visioning the Future(s): Taiko groups and taiko in Canada, Part 1
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2:30-3pm Break
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3-5pm Visioning the Future(s): Taiko groups and taiko in Canada, Part 2
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5-6pm Group Dinner (Provided)
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6-8pm Hands-On Taiko Skills: New Repertoire (ctd.)
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8-8:30pm Closing
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
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Must be 18+ to apply
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Must be actively in a position of leadership in taiko in their local context
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Must be available to travel to Toronto and participate in all 3 days of the convening from August 4-6, 2026. Please note, we recommend reserving August 3rd as a travel day to make your way to the city.
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Participation in Toronto Taiko Festival (August 7-9) right after the convening is not mandatory, but is enthusiastically encouraged!
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While this convening is specific to taiko in Canada, we invite applications from all regardless of citizenship or immigration status. What’s important to us is simply that you are actively participating in and wishing to further your contributions to the taiko community in Canada.
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Must abide by Studio RAW Community Guidelines & Masking Protocol​​​
​​PROGRAM COSTS
Participation in the TCLC is at no cost to taiko leaders. All taiko leaders who are selected for the convening will receive a $1000 CAD artist fee for their participation, and the following expenses will be covered:
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Air fare (reimbursed up to $1000 CAD)
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Accommodations (individual rooms in a shared house)
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Per diem ($50/day, with some additional group meals also covered by the program)
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We graciously acknowledge project funding from the Canada Council for the Arts without which this project would not be possible.
SELECTION PROCESS​​
A total of 10 participants will be selected to participate in the leader convening. Participants will be chosen by a Selection Committee based on the following priorities:
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Cross-country representation: We will prioritize bringing together taiko leaders from as many distinct regions as possible. This means there will be higher competition for applicants from regions in which there are multiple taiko groups.
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Commitment to improving community experiences of taiko: While we will definitely play taiko together, and exchange repertoire and technique along the way, the focus of this convening is not on improving our taiko skills. We hope to bring together taiko leaders who are curious about improving community experiences of taiko, whether that be through…
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Increasing access to taiko spaces by reducing barriers to access
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Changing or adapting outreach strategies to reach more communities
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Tools and strategies for crafting balanced and resilient internal group cultures
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Reviewing or revitalizing your group’s mission or vision
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Optimizing your group’s structure and resources for the type of practice you want
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Incorporating social consciousness (or social justice) into your group and/or performances
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… and more!
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Inter-generational potential: We hope this convening provides an opportunity to connect established groups, mid-career groups, and emerging groups, as we prioritise knowledge sharing, mentorship, and connection across multiple generations of existence.
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The Selection Committee will be composed of RAW Taiko leadership and community members.
To apply, fill out the following form by March 8th at 11:59pm EST
If you have any questions about the project or application process, please email Mila Mendez at mila@rawtaiko.ca