Affinity Art Advocacy

A socially minded economic initiative that reinvests proceeds from Advocacy Art, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Equality, Accessibility, Anti-Oppression, and Sustainability (IDEEAS) services, as well as from other collections, to offer Portraits of Hope at no cost to individuals and families facing life challenges. Rooted in the belief that art has the power to connect, support, and inspire change, the initiative strengthens communities through creativity, compassion, and shared purpose. Art with purpose. Advocacy with heart.

Mission 

Affinity Art Advocacy makes art accessible to everyone, regardless of income. We create and share art that builds connection, supports care and wellbeing, and advances equity and inclusion. Through community-rooted art initiatives and socially conscious creative services, we bring people together and honour lived experience.

Vision

We envision communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected, and where art is used as a tool for care, belonging, and social change.

Mandate

Our mandate is to:

  • Create accessible, community-based art experiences that centre lived experience

  • Offer IDEEAS-informed creative and facilitation services to businesses, government, not-for-profit organizations, and communities.

  • Reinvest all net revenue from art sales and services into free programs such as Portraits of Hope and Community Art Connections.

  • Strengthen equity, accessibility, and collective wellbeing through art and dialogue

About me

A Time of Personal Crisis and Transformation

My medical situation created an unexpected pause that allowed me to care for myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. During this time, I was surrounded by many sad and challenging moments. Several loved ones were navigating serious health struggles, and within my own family, we faced end-of-life care and the loss of two cherished people in the same week. It was a period marked by grief, deep worry, and profound change.

Discovering Art as Healing

I began painting at my lowest point. At first, this was a way to cope and a form of art therapy for myself. Over time, it became a bridge between processing my own emotions and connecting with others. The work I create today grew directly from these experiences, shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and a quiet determination to rebuild.

Showing Up Through Art

At the heart of my practice, art is an act of love, care, and recognition, a way of saying you are not alone. It is an expression of gratitude for the chance to walk this path with you.

Bianca Baldo is a bilingual artist and IDEEAS professional whose work bridges art, community engagement, and social change. With over ten years of experience in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Equality, Accessibility, Anti-Oppression, and Sustainability (IDEEAS), she designs and leads creative, community-centered initiatives that strengthen belonging and accessibility.

Education
Bianca holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from McGill University, a Civil Law degree (LL.L.) from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours B.A. in Comparative Development from Trent University.

Selected Experience
• Managing Director and Artist, Affinity Art Advocacy – creating socially engaged art projects and inclusive community exhibitions
• Senior Consultant in IDEEAS, Graybridge Malkam – designing and facilitating equity-focused learning initiatives
• Advisor and Manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Canada Post – advancing organizational IDEEAS strategy
• DEI Specialist and Facilitator, Intersol Group – leading participatory training and stakeholder engagement

"Painting became a lifeline during that time, a form of art therapy and expression, a place where I could say what words could not hold because of my health."  

Get involved

Community Art Initiative

Portraits of Hope

Collaboratively created and freely gifted portraits for individuals and families facing illness, grief, disability, or life transitions, growing over time as new stories are shared.

Community Art Connections

Portraits and stories that highlight neighbours, organizations, and frontline workers who strengthen belonging and resilience in our community.

  • Association des résidents du village d’Aylmer Collection
  • Changemakers Series Collection in collaboration with Aylmer Bulletin (Coming soon)

 

Art Shop

Advocacy Paintings

Artwork exploring the social and environmental issues shaping our shared future.

  • Advocacy Art Collection

Spiritual Collections

Spiritual Exploration invites reflection on how spirituality and religion connect, guide, and ground us in kindness.

  • Maria Collection

  • Birth, Death, and Beyond Collection

Commissioned portraits

Custom, co-created portraits that honour personal stories, relationships, and lived experiences.

Prints From Our Collections

High-quality prints of all collections are offered at accessible prices so everyone can bring meaningful art into their home.

IDEEAS Services

Benchmarking and Equity Assessments

Understanding where your organization stands and identifying clear pathways for improvement.

Planning and Organizational Development

Building inclusive, sustainable strategies that support strong systems and engaged teams.

Facilitation and Meaningful Dialogue

Creating guided conversations that foster understanding, collaboration and shared solutions.

Employee Experience and Engagement 

Listening to staff and communities to surface insights, needs and lived experiences.

Accessibility and Compliance

Supporting accessible environments and meeting required standards with clarity and confidence.

Training, Wellness and Creative Art Therapy

We offer art therapy sessions for individuals, teams and organizations through tailored creative and learning experiences that deepen self-awareness, support wellbeing and inspire personal and collective growth.

Donations are welcome

All proceeds from the Art Shop and IDEEAS go to support the creation of free Portraits of Hope.