“What does it take to make a living making art in Sault Ste. Marie and the greater Algoma Region? Who is represented in our local arts community and who is missing? asks Rihkee Strapp, facilitator for “Make A Living Making Art.”
“Make a Living Making Art” is a series of FREE events designed to provide skill building and networking opportunities for underrepresented artists. The project aims to provide FREE training on seven topics that are important for anyone working in the arts sector today such as: project development, new technology, artful equity, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurship. These trainings are useful for anyone who is an artist, regardless of art discipline, and anyone who uses art as a tool for social change in their communities. Single use bus passes will also be available to folks who need to travel to the workshops. All the events will have delicious food prepared and sourced locally by the Gore Street Cafe.
“The partnership with the Gore Street Cafe means the events will have meals and snacks that won’t burn us out by the end of the meeting.” says Strapp.
For the full event listing check out our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MakeALivingMakingArt/
The project is also seeking shared studio space for artists and community organizers to create work and hold their own events. Whether this becomes a permanent fixture or temporary space during the project will depend on the community.
“Many local residents are interested or already working towards similar goals. Since starting the project, I was able to meet with 118 people from 14 groups locally and across the province, comprising of youth, grass-roots collectives, businesses, and non-profit organizations. From these meetings I was able to make 7 formalized partnerships, and there are more groups I am still connecting with. I’m excited to connect more local artists with the abundance of allies and resources available to them.” says Strapp.
“Make a Living Making Art” is partnered with Social Entrepreneurship Evolution, Thinking Rock Community Arts, Tidal Records, Soo York City Urban Arts Collective, the Gore Str. Cafe, the Art Gallery of Algoma, and Urban Indigenous Youth For Change.
This project is funded through the TD Michaëlle Jean Bursaries. The TD Michaëlle Jean Bursaries provide up to $10,000 to a young person, aged 18-30, who has demonstrated excellence in using the arts to address issues of concern in disadvantaged communities in Canada.
Contact:
#MakeALivingMakingArt
https://www.facebook.com/MakeALivingMakingArt/
Mx. Rihkee Strapp, pronouns They/Them/Theirs
rstrapp@marsdd.com
Ph: 1+705-971-8994
rihkeestrapp.ca”
Submitted by Rihkee Strapp
