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.

Hamilton Youth Poets (HYP) was « created in 2012 to give the Hamilton community’s youth the opportunity to develop their creative skills and have their voices heard. HYP has grown into a community hub centered around literacy and evolved into an arts organization that engages Hamilton youth in the act of telling and celebrating their own, authentic stories through year-round programming in spoken word, verse, multimedia, and new age journalism. The work is celebrated every spring in an awe inspiring culmination through the annual youth hip-hop poetry festival, Louder Than A Bomb Canada (LTABC), which brings together communities in a communal, barrier-breaking celebration of our differences. »

To read more about Hamilton Youth Poets, please see their profile in ArtBridges’ Community-Engaged Arts Directory and Map