We heard the call for a public action plan, and have committed to continually educating ourselves, connecting with our community, and having conversations with our partners about how we can better Black representation in the fashion and art industries and within PARK. We want more than a surface level change and have implemented a strategy that will result in tangible differences to our business practices which will better Canada’s Fashion industry.


We have drafted an action plan and want to make sure we are making changes in a thoughtful and impactful way, that are supported and vetted by the community members we are working with. This is an ever evolving plan, which we will continue to refine and adapt. If you are interested in being a part of this conversation please contact us using the form below.

Kara, Jessie, and the PARK Team

 

Our Action Plan

 

  • Continuing to, and making a priority to, celebrate, support, and promote Canadian Black owned businesses through our events, newsletters, website, and social media feeds. Making a conscious effort to highlight, support, and lift these businesses up on a regular basis.

  • We will take a more active role in promoting diversity and representation in our events and campaigns. Ensuring that our runway showcases all types of beauty and diversity not just within our cast, but also within the looks of the Black models we hire. We vow to ensure that no individual is denied access to modelling opportunities for reasons other than availability or qualifications.

  • We will encourage our clients to hire diverse casts in advertising, photo shoot, and campaign work.

  • We will support and encourage new policies of our partners, such as Mode Models, on their initiatives to make systemic changes in our industry and our society.

  • We will continue to learn about our Black community, and make a more conscious effort to book Black artists and performers for our events, and to include more Black owned businesses in our vendor markets and shows.

  • We will continue to diversify our volunteer organization, and continue to recruit more Black & multicultural volunteers for our events to increase the number of voices in our organization

  • We will continue to provide equal opportunity for hiring and paid work within our organization. We vow to ensure that no individual is denied access to volunteer or employment opportunities for reasons other than qualifications and availability.

  • A zero tolerance policy for any racism or bias towards any Black people or any person of colour at our events, backstage, and on set. We will do this through promoting an inclusive environment, and ongoing training with our production crews, volunteers, and executive teams on how to identify and handle situations that arise.

  • Commit to having Black hair stylists and make up artists at all of our events and productions moving forward. Commit to ensuring that our make up artists and hair stylists are qualified to style Black skin and hair, and are equipped with the right tools and supplies to do their jobs without discrimination.