Let’s face it, this has been a challenging year for all of us due the Covid 19 pandemic. Art Starts, like many other organizations, had to regroup and find a way to reach our communities without the luxury of in person outreach. We managed and now all of our art and mentorship programs are online.
At first, we were worried that we wouldn’t find the people to participate or that once they got online that we wouldn’t have a captivated audience, but after visiting the 11 programs that we are currently offering - on Zoom of course - I was happily surprised by the enthusiasm and dedication that our participants have towards our programming.
We are living in a time where we are concerned about the mental well-being of youth and children, and I believe that our programming is having a positive impact. Students show up day after day eager to create, dance and learn. They ask questions in the chat room and keep the communication flowing.
Even though they choose to hide themselves by not turning on the video, there is still a sense of camaraderie amongst the participants - a sense that we are in this together and the hope that we get through this pandemic better and stronger.
Over the next few weeks we will share their stories and offer a glimpse of the work that we do with and for our communities.
- Nicole Peña, Program Director
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A Success: Drag Academy for LGBTQ+ Youth
This Winter, Art Starts was proud to provide the opportunity for youth ages 15-19 to explore their fabulousness through self-expression workshops in partnership with Drag Academy.
Following RuPaul’s Drag Race’s footsteps, we thought that providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to explore the wonderful world of Drag is the best chance to celebrate self-expression, joy, and acceptance. Focusing on Lawrence Heights, Oakwood and Eglinton, Neptune, Chester Le, and Glendower communities, Art Starts launched a new project that sends youth to creative programs all over the city.
We appreciate The Drag Academy for making this opportunity possible. The Drag Academy is a collective of local drag performers and is designed to elevate Drag as an art form. Drag Academy provides instructional classes which include makeup, costume design, stage presence, and much more!
We thank our supporters who bestowed gifts to The Express Yourself Project Fund which enabled us to guide youth on their Drag Academy journey. Thank you!
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One of our current programs, String Me Along, has received an amazing response and is now full! This Beginner Guitar class will teach participants basic melodies, riffs, and scales in an effort to learn at least 2 songs.
Thank you to everyone who shared this opportunity and signed up!
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ASAP FRESH: Unique & Inspiring DIYS
Date/Time: April 6th-20th
Tuesday, April 6th: 4-5 PM
Monday-Friday, April 12th-16th: 1-2 PM
Tuesday, April 20th: 4-5 PM
Where: Online
Join us for our exciting Spring Break program and create original DIY art projects using fabric, canvas, sneakers, and more! Limited spots available, register now!
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OWN IT: OASIS (SPRING BREAK)
Date/Time: April 7th-21st
Tuesday, April 7th: 4-5 PM
Monday-Friday, April 12th-16th: 3-5 PM
Tuesday, April 21st: 4-5 PM
Where: Online
Escape the stress and isolation by joining us on our creative getaway. Refresh, beautify, and awaken your inner goddess by designing unique Insta-worthy DIYs and art projects.
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Program Without Walls: Serenity
Date: February 17-April 21, Every Wednesday
Time: 4-5 PM
Where: Online
Program without walls is proud to offer a FREE Wellness Workshop online once a week for 10 weeks. This calming program is designed for parents/guardians with children 0-6 to reduce stress and promote physical and emotional well-being. Come and join our community!
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Program Without Walls: Synergy Yoga Class
Date: February 22-March 29
Time: 4-5 PM
Where: Online
Program without walls is proud to offer a FREE Yoga class online once a week for 5 weeks. The beginners class is designed for parents/guardians with children 0-6 to relax your mind and soothe your body. Come join us on a journey towards tranquillity and find inner peace.
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Program Coordinator at Art Starts
DEADLINE TO APPLY: MARCH 25TH?
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Artist Facilitator at Art Starts
DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 15TH
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Calling arts administrators! We are looking for a Program Coordinator to join Art Starts. The ideal candidate will have experience as an arts administrator, be self-directed and work well in a team environment.
The Program Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating specific projects within the organization and will report directly to the Program Director.
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Are you artistic and love working with youth? We are currently looking for artist facilitators who have experience teaching children & youth. The ideal candidate will be from the Lawrence Heights, Neptune or Eglinton-Oakwood neighbourhood.
We believe in equal opportunity, if you are an artist who is passionate about arts education, we want to hear from you!
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Check This Out!
Raised in Toronto, Q-X is a singer/songwriter and producer. Q-X has participated in one of our programs and moved up to become a program assistant in the Villaways community. He also performed during an Art Starts fundraiser in 2015. During this slower period, we talk to Q-X about getting back to leveraging his online presence and promoting his new single ‘Paradise’.
Read the blog >
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A huge thank you to all our funders for their support!
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