Seanna Connell and Kate Austin came up with the idea for ArtBridges and began research and development for the project. Seanna came from 18 years of founding and directing a community arts charitable organization (ArtHeart), Kate founded and operated three successful arts business ventures.

ArtBridges/ToileDesArts was accepted as an official Project of Tides Canada Initiatives, a shared platform that supports social change initiatives across the country with shared in-house governance and administration.

ArtBridges created and implemented an Intended Impact Statement and Theory of Change with Innoweave. http://www.artbridges.ca/about/about_glossary?lang=en

ArtBridges worked on a Strategic Planning process facilitated by volunteer Michelle Smith (Senior Manager in Strategic Initiatives with the United Way of Greater Toronto). It evolved from outcome and directions from our Year 2 External Evaluation and builds upon our current Theory of Change. The strategic plan provides direction for activities over the next three years.

ArtBridges was designated as a Registered National Arts Service Organization and became a registered charity by Canadian Heritage and the CRA. ArtBridges was also incorporated as a not-for-profit (May 2017).

ArtBridges began to operate as its own organization and officially left Tides Canada, after 10 great years.

The ArtBridges office has been based in Toronto, however, staff and consultants have also worked from other parts of Canada including Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie.

ArtBridges created an Evaluation framework with an external evaluator, Nayar Consultants, and conducted 2 years of formal project evaluation. These evaluations positively informed and drove project activities, long-term strategic plans and organizational direction.

Explored options for sustainable models of operation: Completed research and exploration of potential organizational models for ArtBridges re: best possible options for long-term sustainability. Had guidance and collaboration in this process from a M.A.S. (Management Advisory Services) volunteer consultant.