Pathways for Creative Futures
Pathways for Creative Futures reimagines work-integrated learning (WIL) for the creative industry by bridging students into creative careers and linking industries with fresh talent eager to tackle innovation and collaborative challenges.
From September 2024 to February 2025, Pathways for Creative Futures offered 134 students curricular WIL opportunities across three areas: emerging technologies, arts entrepreneurship and service learning for lens-based artists. Blending academic learning with practical experience, the Pathways for Creative Futures provides hands-on training through partnerships with industry, community organizations, artists, curators and cultural workers to enhance the creative sector’s resilience and develop a strong talent pipeline.
From September 2025 to March 2026, Pathways for Creative Futures will extend to support 350+ students through two connected WIL streams: Entrepreneurship Pathways stream, which offers course-embedded Applied Research Project WIL, as well as industry-paid, part-time Work Experience roles through an Industry Pathways stream delivered through Career + Work Integrated Learning Office.
The Entrepreneurship Pathways stream will engage senior undergraduate and graduate students in structured opportunities to test ideas with real partners, audiences, and markets; gain paid professional experience; and build clearer employment and self-employment pathways. Alongside guest experts brought into classes, Entrepreneurship Pathways stream will also introduce Mentorship-in-Residence component to strengthen learning, project outcomes, and access to guidance—especially for equity-deserving learners.
Pathways for Creative Futures is funded in partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable and with support from the Government of Canada.
