STORIES OF NOW: Art City

“STORIES OF NOW” is part of a project ArtBridges is working on with Judith Marcuse Projects’ ASCN (Arts for Social Change Network) and ICASC. It is about gathering and sharing stories emanating from the field now and about what issues and areas of focus matter.

STORIES OF NOW: Art City (Winnipeg, MB)
As told by: Josh Ruth, Managing Director of Art City, December 3rd, 2021 to Seanna Connell (ArtBridges).

Excerpt:

"If you could tell a story about your community-engaged arts initiative now, this year, what would the story be about? What are the main themes?

JR: Art City is founded on the belief that art can transform individuals and communities. We see art as an end in itself; providing art experiences is our only agenda. We think that having the opportunity to express yourself creatively in a safe environment along with tools for practicing arts has tremendous benefits. Our programming is open to all ages and abilities and offered free-of-charge. We don’t limit participation in any dimension. Our programs are designed to engage children and youth specifically, but are accessible to anyone at any stage of their artistic development or interest.

Our mandate also allows us to be a place that’s generative and supportive to the artists it serves, our local artists. We try offer good wages, professional development and resources to develop their respective art practices. We see it as investing in artists, who are very important change makers and world builders in our culture. Winnipeg is known for its robust arts milieu; it is also known as a place rampant poverty and racism. Art City becomes a convergence space where connections are made across social barriers through creative collaboration.

That story has not changed despite the pandemic…we stay true to what we do, our model, our core values… that is the story, still this year. We are a community of innovators. When challenges arise, we innovate."

For the full Story, click the Download link or follow the link here:
http://artbridgesblog.ca/en/2022/02/stories-of-now-art-city-winnipeg-mb/

Published By

Art City Inc.
http://www.artcityinc.com

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