Our Values
MASC was founded on the importance of introducing professional artists of diverse backgrounds to students with the goal of developing a culture of awareness and cultural appreciation through schools. Find out more about our values below.
Land Acknowledgement
MASC recognizes that we are located in the unceded and unsurrendered traditional territory of the Algonquin Annishanaabe people. We are grateful to the custodians of this land who have been here for millennia. MASC is committed to respecting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action as they apply to our work. We are committed to continuing to work with Indigenous elders, artists and cultural ambassadors to guide us. Please view our Land Acknowledgement video by following the link below.
More Info
Artistic and Program Excellence
MASC offers high-calibre, unique arts education and community arts programs and events. We are dedicated to curating programs led by diverse artists experienced in and passionate about arts education and/or community engagement who are booked regularly by MASC partners. We aim to deliver consistently strong programs and events with exceptional artists that provide both in-depth experiences as well as reach broadly into the community.
Equity and Diversity Policy
At MASC, we recognize the diverse background in race, ethnicity, nationality, nationhood, religions, culture, sex, gender, sexuality, age, income, and ability as a fundamental characteristic of Canadian society. Through equitable strategic planning and policymaking, we aim to identify and eliminate systemic barriers that affect diverse communities and individuals to participate in our workforce, programs, and activities. MASC’s Equity & Diversity Policy ensures the development and implementation of strategies and regulations to promote equitable participation of individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds and identities in its workplace and in its activities.
More Info
Cultural Appropriation Policy
Guided by our Mandate and the Equity and Diversity Policy, MASC is committed to offering professional artistic experiences that genuinely represent Canada’s diversity in schools and communities. We fully embrace the ethical responsibilities and sensitivities that arise when working with individuals and groups belonging to Indigenous Peoples & Equity-Seeking Groups (IP & ESG) communities and Culturally Diverse Groups in this specific context. MASC will rigorously strive to avoid arts programming that is cultural appropriation. MASC continues to work with our Indigenous Advisory Committee to review all Indigenous programming.
More Info
Anti-Racism Statement
MASC condemns all types of racism, including systemic, against Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour. At MASC, we champion the fundamental diversity of Canadian society and oppose discrimination, harassment and stereotypes based on race, ethnicity, nationhood, nationality, sex, gender, sexuality, creed, disability, age, income, marital status, family status, literacy level, and conviction for which a pardon has been granted. MASC believes in the need of dismantling systemic racism. This means the de-construction of racist laws, processes, procedures, and protocols within all public and private institutions. We truly believe that “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist”. - Angela Davis.
Police check
All MASC roster artists hold a Level 2 Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Police check and sign an annual Offence Declaration. Ottawa Police Services informed MASC that since MASC artists are not in a position of trust or authority with participants when working within school and community settings, this is the appropriate level of police check required. This advice is based on official Acts and directives from the federal and provincial governments as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. MASC follows these Federal and Provincial Acts and requires our artists to hold a Level Two (Criminal Record & Judicial Matters) police check and not a Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector) Police check, which is intended for those in a position of trust or authority with vulnerable populations. While MASC would be pleased to confirm that any artist holds a police check, MASC does not send copies of these private documents to partner venues.