Our Mission 

Urban Ink uplifts Indigenous and diverse voices through storytelling and performance.

Our Values

Community: We create relationships rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and reciprocity.

Integrity: We strive to be humble, accountable, and truthful, and encourage care and respect in our circle.

Bravery: We honour the courageous creators, change makers and storytellers who bravely share their voices and ground us in stories of who we have always been and who we could become.

Our Story

Urban Ink is guided by our mission to support Indigenous and diverse voices. We aim to empower Indigenous and diverse artists and encourage collaboration, inclusivity, and social change through challenging, thought provoking, and groundbreaking productions.

Based on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl’ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, we support Indigenous and diverse artists, providing opportunities to those in our community, while paving the way for new practices. For 20 years, Urban Ink, and its circle of artists have broken barriers, through stimulating story, performance, and media. As we look ahead to the next 20 years to come, we strive to continue an Indigenized practice that centres Indigenous and diverse voices, making space for Indigenous and diverse artists and communities across Turtle Island. 

For 20 years Urban Ink, and its circle of artists have broken barriers, through story, performance, and media. Your support now will help to carry us forward, as we look ahead to the next 20 years to come.

To learn more about Urban Ink, visit urbanink.ca

Photo Credits:

1. Children of God a new musical written and directed by Corey Payette, Production Design by Marshall McMahen, Lighting Design by Jeff Harrison, actor Michelle Bardach. An Urban Ink production in association with National Arts Centre English Theatre and Raven Theatre, photo by Emily Cooper Photography.

2. 20th Anniversary Celebration Video

3. Children of God Trailer

4. Transform: A Cabaret Festival 2019 curated by Corey Payette and Heather Redfern in collaboration with The Cultch. Artists Martha Chaves, Nour Hadidi, Veda Hille, Quelemia Sparrow, Virago Nation.

5. Sedna created by Corey Payette, Reneltta Arluk, & Marshall McMahen. Directed by Corey Payette. Production (Set/Puppet) Design by Marshall McMahen. Costume design by Jay Havens. Lighting Design by Jill White. An Urban Ink & Caravan Farm Theatre co-production. Actors: Brefny Caribou and Raes Calvert. Photo by Tim Matheson.

6. Les Filles du Roi a new musical by Corey Payette & Julie McIsaac. Directed by Corey Payette, Production Design (Set/Costume/Props) by Marshall McMahen, Lighting Design by Jeff Harrison. A Fugue Theatre/Raven Theatre production in association with Urban Ink and the Cultch. Actors: Kaitlyn Yott, and Merewyn Comeau. Photo by David Cooper.

7. Moonlodge by Margo Kane. Directed by Corey Payette. Actor: Paula-Jean Prudat. An Urban Ink production in association with Arts Club Theatre and the Talking Stick Festival with the support of the National Arts Centre – English Theatre.

8. Burning Vision by Marie Clements. Directed by Peter Hinton. Actors: Marcus Hondro, Julie Tomiko. A Rumble production in association with Urban Ink and the Firehall Arts Centre.

9. Children of God a new musical written and directed by Corey Payette, Production Design by Marshall McMahen, Lighting Design by Jeff Harrison, actors Herbie Barnes, Kim Harvey, Cheyenne Scott, Kevin Loring, Kaitlyn Yott, and Aaron Wells. An Urban Ink production in association with National Arts Centre English Theatre and Raven Theatre, photo by Emily Cooper Photography.

10. Urban Ink Artistic Directors past to present. left to right: Corey Payette, Diane Roberts, Marie Clements. Photo by Nadya Kwandibens.