Diffusion

DIFFUSION

A Program of the Association for Opera in Canada

Diffusion is a national initiative connecting equity-deserving opera creators with Canada’s multidisciplinary presenter networks. Through a curated showcase, coaching, and network-building, the program builds new touring pathways for smaller-scale, high-quality new opera, and helps lay the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive opera touring ecosystem in Canada.

GOALS

  • Introduce opera creators to Canada’s multidisciplinary touring ecosystem
  • Familiarize multidisciplinary presenters with new Canadian opera work and its creators
  • Support opera artists in becoming “tour-ready” through coaching and resources
  • Build strong relationships between AOC and national presenter networks
  • Develop long-term touring strategies for new opera – Share findings, tools, and case studies with the sector

Stretch Goals

  • Given that presenters typically program 12–18 months in advance, our stretch goal is to see viable opera tours begin to take shape organically by the second year of this initiative.

 WHY “Diffusion”?

In French, diffusion can mean presentation or touring—the sharing of artistic work with audiences across regions. It’s a common term in Francophone arts ecosystems to describe the act of bringing a work to the public.

In both languages, diffusion carries a second layer of meaning: the spreading out of something more widely, the way light, energy, or knowledge moves through a space. It’s about connection, reach, and resonance.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

Submit your work to our New Works Showcase for consideration. This helps presenters discover who you are, what your work is, and why it’s tourable.

🔗 Submit to the Showcase
 📌 Note: You must be a member in good standing of the Association for Opera in Canada to participate.

SO, A PRESENTER IS INTERESTED IN ME — NOW WHAT?

If a presenter expresses interest in your work, they may:

  • Invite you to pitch at a regional or national event
  • Request a 1-on-1 conversation (facilitated by AOC)
  • Ask for written materials (tech rider, video, work description, tour availability)
  • Ask for your availability to tour

We’ll coach you through these next steps and support you in delivering effective, professional responses.

CAN I REACH OUT TO PRESENTERS MYSELF THROUGH THIS PROGRAM?

Not through this program: Diffusion uses a facilitated, presenter-curated model. AOC and our network partners will introduce your work to presenters and interested networks or presenters will reach out to you. However, if you are reaching out to presenters outside this program, here’s some guidance:

Tips for Reaching Out Professionally:

  • Do your research: Learn about their programming, venue, and audience
  • Be clear and concise: Respect time and space
  • Understand their local context: Geography, budget, demographics
  • Reference their past programming: Show that your outreach is informed
  • Provide relevant materials: Short video, tech info, touring availability
  • Rule of thumb: Avoid adding presenters to general email lists, no mass emails

WHO IS THE LEAD CONSULTANT?

Joel Klein
 📧 joel@jkleinarts.ca
🌐 www.jkleinarts.ca

Joel Klein is a respected arts leader and advocate for equity in the performing arts. He has worked across theatre, opera, dance, and hybrid forms as a producer, consultant, and strategist. He currently serves as Director of Touring and Global Collaboration at Volcano Theatre and has previously led Art Circulation (Montréal), Dance West Network (Vancouver), and served as General Manager of the Association for Opera in Canada. A classically trained opera singer, Joel is deeply invested in building access, representation, and sustainability in the arts. He has helped hundreds of artist-producers build their touring capacity, and he brings decades of experience in cultural diplomacy, sector development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

WHICH NETWORKS ARE INVOLVED?

Diffusion is a collaborative project involving a wide national consortium of presenter networks:

  • BC Live Arts
  • Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta
  • Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC)
  • Manitoba Arts Network
  • Ontario Presents
  • Jeunesses Musicales Canada (Québec)
  • Atlantic Presenters Association
  • Prairie Debut

Additional Partners:

  • CAPACOA (Canadian Arts Presenting Association)
  • Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA)

We hope to integrate Francophone networks in the next phase of this initiative.

WHAT IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PRESENTER?

Multidisciplinary presenters are organizations—such as theatres, festivals, and concert series—that bring a variety of live performances to their communities: music, theatre, dance, family shows, and more. These presenters:

– Program for broad, diverse audiences
– Operate across all regions of Canada, from major cities to rural towns
– Are often non-profit and community-focused
– Frequently work within limited budgets and technical capacity

Opera is almost entirely absent from this ecosystem. Diffusion aims to help change that, by introducing opera creators to this landscape, and helping presenters discover the vibrant new work that is ready to tour.

IS THIS PROGRAM FOR ME?

Short answer? Probably. And if you’re not sure, reach out and ask—we’re happy to chat.

This is a members-only program of the Association for Opera in Canada, but membership is easy and affordable.
🔗 Sign up for membership here

DIFFUSION IS DESIGNED FOR: 

  • Opera companies, artist collectives, and independent creator-producers
  • Artists and teams working at a small scale, with ideal per-performance fees in the range of $5,000–$12,000 (Note: Higher fees may be considered depending on the presenter, the region, the work, and audience attendance in the presenter’s area.)
  • Projects that are tour-ready ideally, works that have already premiered and are technically and logistically viable to travel
  • This program will focus on artists / companies / creative teams who identify as equity-deserving, and works that reflect a diversity of lived experience, stories, and aesthetics

DON’T FEEL READY?
A big part of this program is about filling knowledge and skills gaps. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or don’t know what “tour-ready” means, we can help. We’ll walk with you to build an understanding of how touring works, what presenters need, and what tools you’ll need to succeed.

📧 Questions? Reach out to Joel

RESOURCES

Coming Soon:

✅ Tour-Ready Checklist – Understand what you need to be ready to tour
✅ Presenter Info Grid – Who’s who, and how they work
✅ What Is a Multidisciplinary Presenter? – A primer for opera creators
✅ Case Studies – Learn from peers who’ve done it before

Diffusion is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts through a Strategic Funds and Initiatives: Seed Grant.