Part residency, part training program, Creative Producers offers a showcase opportunity to uplift and celebrate artists from equity-seeking backgrounds. The program includes facilitated workshops, a strong network of mentors, and resources to support their Festival production. Whether they identify as a producer first, or a creative first, in the Creative Producer program, participants exercised both of those muscles.
Fatuma Adar
Fatuma Adar is a Somali-Canadian writer based in Toronto. She was long-listed in CBC’s Creative Nonfiction Prize and profiled in Up Close: Young Black Women Making Canada Better. In 2017, she performed in the third cohort of The Bars Workshop at the Public Theater in New York City. She’s won two Canadian Screen Awards (21 Black Futures, The Legacy Awards). Fatuma wrote the book, music and lyrics to “Dixon Road” which won a Dora Award for Outstanding New Musical. Her one woman musical comedy show “She’s Not Special” is available now on wherever you stream music.
Facilitating the Paprika Creative Producers program has been an inspiring journey, working closely with the talented Srutika and Greg to help them develop their shows and bring their artistic visions to life. Seeing as they were both already on the path to creating the art they want to see in the world, my role was to be their cheerleader and guiding ally, balancing their creativity as artists with their leadership as producers. It’s been a privilege to support their growth and witness their incredible dedication. I can’t wait for everyone to experience their remarkable work at the Paprika Festival and beyond!
-Fatuma Adar, 2025 Creative Producers Facilitator
