As ArtBridges’ Community-Engaged Arts Directory grows, we realize that it’s a bit overwhelming to read through all of the profiles. We’re hoping that by occasionally highlighting some profiles on our blog, you may learn about an initiative that you may not have initially seen in the directory. Also, if you know of a Canadian community-engaged arts for social change initiative that isn’t in our directory, but should be, please let us know! We love and need your input/feedback in building this resource! -Lisa, Content Coordinator at ArtBridges.
“Working with community partners, we create spaces for Emerging Artists from equity seeking groups to showcase their work, to access opportunities for professional development and to engage communities meaningfully and actively in hands-on, high quality arts education integrated to issues of Social Justice.
OUR WORLD OF A THOUSAND COLOURS:
A (12) twelve-week art-workshop for children. During this time we guide participants (age 4-11) to explore various art forms: painting, sculpture, print making and photography.
Participants play with different materials while having conversations about DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, and COMMUNITY We work with professional artists, emerging artists, youth completing their community hours and other community members in delivering a curriculum that is respectful of each participant individualities and talents; we encourage the integration of all our talents for the creation of Collective Art pieces.
THE STORIES WE SHARE:
The Stories We Share: is a series of Creative Writing workshops for Refugee and/or Newcomer women (persons who self-identify as women). Women from different backgrounds participate in creative writing, collectively create poetry and share through creative writing, their stories of migration to Canada. In a safe space, women work together to produce individual and collective work. Their work is part of an annual Zine name THE STORIES WE SHARE. The project focuses on Refugee and Newcomer women who have interest in creative writing and who want to be part of a group of women working toward the creation of a Zine to share experiences of migration to Ontario, Canada.
READY MADE:
READY MADE: A Visual Conversation about IDENTITY in a Multicultural Society, is a youth photography project where youth ages 15-19 from the Latin American communities and other equity seeking groups. Youth are engaged through photography. This workshop will encourage participants to use photography as a way of self-expression and allow the opportunity to explore societal power imbalances in relations to identity.
Youth receive an intense 10-hour hands- on photography class using digital cameras; they are invited to explore photography as an Art form and way of self-expression.
Youth participate in a four-hour field trip which is intended for them to integrate the elements of power imbalances and identify in their photographic compositions.
COMMUNITY ARTS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Sick Muse Art Projects shares artistic experiences with rural communities; we create spaces for skill development and exchange between local artists (In Latin America and The Caribbean) and artists living in Canada. We bring Community Arts to rural areas and underserved communities with the belief that a creative human being is capable of dealing and coping with adversity. Art is a powerful tool that can transform the world in magical, unexpected and positive ways. ”
To read more about Sick Muse Art Projects, please see their profile in ArtBridges’ Community-Engaged Arts Directory and Map
