Our Impact

We don't just perform—we build platforms, create opportunities, and expand access

What Audiences Say

  • “Charles Smith’s vision touches a hidden level of experience that lies just below the surface of our awareness. […] The experience stayed with me long after I left the theatre..”

    — Kerry Gordon, PhD

  • “wind in the leaves is not soothing; it is profoundly disturbing and thought-provoking although delivered with a light touch […]. Just maybe, it will disturb us enough to move more earnestly towards healing.”

    — Yola Grant, human rights lawyer

  • “The piece was so moving to me personally and recharged me spiritually in a much needed way!”

    — Vivia Kay, Minister of Outreach and Hospitality, Church of the Messiah

  • “Gorgeous!”

    — Bea Pizano , Artistic Director, Aluna Theatre

What Artists Say

  • “Building off our successful pilot season in 2019, we are thrilled to be hosting wind in the leaves collective and all of their Allies & Friends shows at The Citadel."

    — Laurence Lemieux, Artistic Director, The Citadel+Compagnie

  • “This [IBPOC Artists Touring) network has the potential to tip the scale in terms of where resources are allocated and also the measures of "artistic excellence" - a shift that is still desperately needed when we're talking about the Canadian arts sector.”

    — Respondent, 2023 Public Survey

  • “Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to share our work again this year. The IBPOC Touring Network is such a powerful bridge to audiences we wouldn't normally reach; it has been a truly exciting way for us to re-enter and further develop Kula Devi. It was a joy to see the work grow in this environment and I hope this network continues to flourish and reach even more communities!”

    — Rachana, Kala Collective

  • “Friends — Thank you so much for an amazing evening of dance and spoken word last night. It's been an amazing run of shows with the IBPOC Network, and last night was the perfect note upon which to end this season. I hope to see all of you again!"

    — Sam Varteniuk, Executive Director, The Registry Theatre

  • “The evening felt rich for us as well...spacious, attentive, and quietly charged. Moving between dance, spoken word, and music felt clear and connective. The audience felt open and deeply present, which was genuinely nourishing. And wonderful to make new friends, too. We’re grateful for your care and work as a presenter, and for the care and work of Wind in the Leaves Collective...without whom the evening wouldn’t have been possible."

    — Yvonne Ng, Tiger Princess Dance Projects

What Communities Say

  • “Working with the ‘wind in the leaves collective’ is always a pleasure. The collective is made up of a dynamic group of individuals artists all committed to bringing high quality, participatory arts projects to neighbourhoods and underserved communities throughout Toronto. Their commitment to social justice and inclusivity is admirable, while their collaborative program design ensures participants have a role in all stages of the project. They are a great example of community arts in this city.”

    — Melissa Foster, Program and Outreach Manager North York Arts

  • “The facilitators were very knowledgeable in their own artistic mediums. Every session was unique and thoughtfully structured. Each facilitator held the space so well, and left lots of room for us as participants to engage […], which allowed for connection and creativity to flow in such an authentic way. This workshop allowed us to explore multiple mediums to create a holistic, almost transcendent kind of art form. […] This was an experience I found very inspiring, and one that I will not soon forget.”

    — Beeta Senedjani (workshop participant)

  • “I felt connected and comfortable. […] I looked forward to each session and was never disappointed, for each session was a new learning experience. The leaders shared their knowledge with patience and tolerance. […]I thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us – it’s people like you who make this world a better place.”

    — Cynthia Walker (workshop participant)

  • “I am writing to express my appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the recent Art Meets program at the East Scarborough Storefront. The leaders shared their knowledge, inspiration and patience as they led […] us through a process that was transformative for me. Thanks again.”

    — Kerrin Churchill (workshop participant)