A Note From Jasmine

Continuing the Journey: Creative Collaborations 

Since my last feature with North York Arts, my creative journey has expanded in new and meaningful directions. I’m still rooted in the values I cultivated growing up in North York—culture, community, and storytelling—but now I find myself bridging digital and analog practices, exploring cultural heritage, food sovereignty, and youth empowerment in new ways and collaborations. 

This year, I’ve been working on Dutch Pot in Diaspora, an anthology and workshop series that celebrates the power of food sovereignty and Black cultural storytelling through poetry and visual art. It’s a love letter to family recipes, the wisdom of elders, and the role of food in shaping identity inspired by my exhibition at DesignTO titled Nourishing Roots: Cultural Memories. I am so grateful for my collaborators Martin Gomes and Shelly Grace who have co-facilitated Pot of Poetry which created space for conversations around cultural fusion, gentrification, connecting with our senses, and food sovereignty. A limited print run of the Dutch Pot in Diaspora anthology will be available on my website for pre-order.  

I’ve also deepened my work as a mentor and facilitator, co-leading the Verse & Vision program with my collective Verse & Visual Expressions. Verse & Visual Expressions is a multidisciplinary collective founded by me and Shelly Grace where we explore the intersection of poetry and visual art and center the narratives of equity-deserving artists. Our vision is to create transformative artistic experiences that encourage self-expression, collaboration, and community building, while amplifying underrepresented voices within the arts sector. Rooted in spoken word poetry and visual storytelling, we challenge conventional modes of artistic production by merging written and visual art forms. Our work is deeply influenced by Afrofuturism, diasporic connections, and Black resilience. Through our creative lens, we explore themes such as identity, memory, social justice, and freedom, and engage artists in conversations around selfhood and cultural reclamation. By integrating the fluidity of mixed media visual art and the power of poetry, we produce immersive performances that push the boundaries of both disciplines. We offer mentorship and professional development, aiming to foster a community that reflects our values of collaboration, inclusion, and artistic growth. Our flagship program, Verse & Vision: Collaborative Creations, serves as a platform for equity deserving artists to develop their skills, collaborate, and showcase their work in community settings. This summer on August 28th, we will have a showcase that celebrates the collaborative works created in the cohorts so stay tuned on IG @verseandvisualexpressions to save the date! 

Shot of Verse & Vision Collaborative Creations Cohort 2024 Showcase at JAYU

Art, for me, is a vehicle for connection and transformation. Whether it’s painting murals that reflect our community’s diversity or facilitating workshops that empower youth to share their narratives, I am committed to using creativity as a tool for social change. Collaboration and curation are where my spirit feels most alive (see Northbound 2024). I see myself as a catalyst and story weaver—someone who brings people, art, and ideas into active conversation. These exchanges aren’t just creative; they’re transformative. Every collaboration expands my worldview and grounds me in the power of collective imagination. I’m no longer interested in working in silos or sitting in stagnation. I’m drawn to integration—sharing resources, knowledge, and creativity to unlock alternate realities rooted in community care and social wellness. Curating and collaborating allow me to practice abundance, reflection, and possibility.

There’s a lot happening this summer and I invite you to come by all the showcases, exhibitions, and installations that will be popping up over the next few months and share what sparks interest for you! (There will be more sneak peeks shared on my social media) 

If you’re interested in booking a workshop, collaborating on a project, seeking out mentorship, exchanging ideas, or anything else creative and community-centered—I’d love to connect! I’m an open book and always excited to collaborate alongside others. Reach out through Instagram @articulately_jasmine or my website www.jasminevanstone.com to begin the conversation. 

Anna’s Farewell: With Gratitude and Love

Declan David – North York Artist

Declan David is an emerging visual artist and animator based in Toronto, celebrated for his vibrant use of colors and innovative styles. Influenced by his Trinidadian and American heritage, the Neo-expressionist movement of the 1980s, and the graffiti culture of the 1990s, Declan’s works delve into the contemporary Black male experience. His diverse portfolio includes experiential paintings on glass and canvas, illustrations, and animations, steering away from sensationalized depictions of Black bodies.

This past year, Declan has expanded his impact beyond visual art by venturing into teaching. In October and November 2024, he led a series of painting workshops for The Youth Art Mentorship Program, where he helped teens elevate their painting skills and provided professional development guidance. This March, he will continue to inspire young artists by teaching at the North York Arts’ Teen Art Hub, alongside his long-time friend and fellow Black artist, Azania Rashida.

Currently, Declan is working on an exciting comic action-adventure series titled “Zero Percent Hero.” Set in a magic-fueled version of our modern age, the story explores a world where humanity is confined to one-third of the planet due to the overpopulation of monsters and the loss of magic 10,000 years ago. As magic begins to return, different factions vie for control of the old and new worlds. At the center of this tale is Darius and his friends, who seek freedom from the perpetual wars but soon realize that freedom comes at a cost.

Using inventive techniques with spray paint, stencils, and paint markers, Declan creates neo-expressionist paintings featuring relatable characters in engaging atmospheres. His work is on display at the Don Mills branch of the Toronto Public Library until the end of February, showcasing the “Wonder” 2024 series. This series comprises seven paintings on clear glass and mirrors, with four paintings depicting Black boys smiling despite their circumstances, and the remaining three representing elements that help them overcome their situations.

My Hair, My Vibe by Declan David

Additionally, Declan’s “My Hair My Vibe” series from 2019 is also on display. This three-piece series on canvas features self-portraits with different hairstyles, each set against a background that reflects the emotions evoked by the hairstyles. Another standout work, “Lost Boy,” is an independent piece painted on a mirror, depicting a young boy walking through a deteriorating space, capturing a sense of unease and introspection.

Lost Boy by Declan David

Through his art and teaching, Declan David continues to strive to make a significant impact on both the artistic community and the lives of young artists, leaving a lasting impression with his vibrant and thought-provoking works.

Guest Artist Fall/Winter Nima Arabi – Q&A

We asked Nima a few questions to give you a glimpse into the creative mind behind his practice. Get to know the inspiration and vision that fuels his artistry!

Question 1: What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned through your art practice?

Guest Artist Laura Zizek Blog Post – My Process for Creating a Stop Motion Animation

I thought I would share with you my process for making one of my stop motion videos, particularly the first social media post I made for North York Arts.

I knew I wanted it to be an introductory post about me so what better way to illustrate that than to make mini paper versions of myself.

My original idea had paper-me floating down, holding balloons that spell out my name. Once I land, a big hand comes out of one corner of the screen, waves, and then drops down a bunch of my favourite things (books, camera, a pencil, etc.). This scares paper-me but once I see that it means no harm I burst
out laughing.

I then type up my storyboard/ shot list. Take a bunch of pictures of myself in every pose. I go through and select the photos I’m going to use and add them to a word doc, alter the sizes of the photos and then print them out.

I do not have a colour printer, so I go over to my aunt and uncles house to print all my images and what I imagined was going to be a quick step ends up taking awhile because the images were coming out streaky and faded. My uncle fixes the printer but is very insistent that I don’t throw away the streaky images and maybe I could use them in the animation. I humour him but what I’m really thinking is I’ll use them as scrap paper. But then I think of the glitch segment, and my idea starts to change a bit and I turn some paper-me’s into glitching versions of me. I cut out all the pieces, I lay them in a book with some weights on top, so the paper doesn’t curl and I leave it in there for a couple of days.

Then on filming day I take out all my paper props and start figuring out my background. I originally wanted a giant crescent moon to hang from one side (I thought it would look cool and give it a vintage-y movie set look). So, I film it this way but the sizing looks off, so I scrap it.

In the second round of filming and editing I don’t like the moment the big hand comes in and drops off all the things I like around me. To me it looks too messy and it takes too long for all the items to settle into place.

So, I scrap what I shot again, and at this moment I don’t feel great, I never love having to reshoot something, because I always feel like I should be able to get it right the first time. But after shooting and editing each time I do get a bit closer to what I want it to look like.

I take a 10-minute break, try to gather my confidence, sit back down, and start again. This time I have my items come in from each side of the screen, I work in reverse which is much easier because then I can take my time laying it all out. I add in the scrunched up blue paper balls to add in more colour and fill up the space. I also add in my disembodied head popping in to say ‘hello’ and since I like that look, in the opposite corner I add in a tiny, disembodied hand waving. Then I do a rough edit to see if I like it or if I’ll need to reshoot it for a fourth time, but finally I am pleased with it.

Then all that’s left is to find the right audio, which is me going through my mini library of sounds I have created over the years and pulling in anything that piques my interest. I watch them with the visuals to see what works. The audio that I match with the glitch is just me scrunching up some paper but if you stretch it out it turns into this very electronic tinny sound which I thought worked perfectly with the
visuals of the glitch. I also reversed the audio clip to make it sound off. I love reversing an audio clip, because it makes me feel like a professional audio engineer, I doubt they do this, but I allow myself this one fantasy.

And that was my process for my stop motion animation I made for North York Arts. If you have any other questions, you can always DM me on Instagram @laura_kz

Experience the complete stop-motion animation below:

Guest Artist Ashlee Campbell Blog Post – Something I learned along the way

Melissa shares her story – Collaboration, resource sharing and the fear of getting it wrong

I don’t have any research to back this up but I do have a toddler…..

This month I attended an event at the University of Toronto called: Securing the future: Reimagining public spaces, opportunities, and supports for creative arts in a post-pandemic world

This two hour presentation and discussion explored some of systemic barriers that freelance artists face and how the pandemic amplified this inherent precarity, as well as a vision for the future. The event featured Melissa Wong, Director of Programmes, Arts Emergency; and Gareth Dylan Smith, Assistant Professor of Music, Music Education, Boston University; with Discussant Ely Lyonblum, Strategic Research Development Officer, Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.

There were a number of themes that emerged from this session that stood out for me related to collaboration, resource sharing and the fear of getting it wrong. 

During the Covid 19 lockdowns artists collaborated more because they were all working towards a common goal: surviving. Informal support systems and grassroot movement sprang up resulting in strong artist networks. This resulted in more support and resources sharing between artists and organisations. 

Covid 19 also allowed for a brief moment where artists and organisations had an opportunity to get things wrong. A rare opportunity in the arts sector to experience and focus on process and experimentation versus product.  

However…. Where are we now?  Are we any further along in addressing these challenges?

Then it occurred to me. I have a toddler and these themes come up on a daily basis. 

Working together to solve conflicts or collaborating, sharing and being ok with getting something wrong and then trying again. These are (as far as I know) very basic lessons all young children need to learn.  

When Julius doesn’t want to do something but we need him too, we talk about it, work together and compromise. It may still lead to a total meltdown but we keep trying to ingrain this idea of being a team and working together. 

Sharing is an obvious one.  Lucky for us Julius is very good at sharing. If he has some crackers and he sees someone in the room doesn’t, he’ll make sure they get one (sometimes maybe a bit too forcefully).

Getting things wrong and being able to try again. It is expected that children need to practise, nothing is perfect the first time, they fall and get up and fall and get up. Julius can get so upset when he doesn’t get it “right” all the time. We are constantly telling him to be kind to himself and that it’s ok and he can just keep trying. And he does. If he slips on the very last step, he says “try again” and he has to start over from the very beginning. 

Why is it that this is so basic and fundamental in the development of children and yet… is it so radical for us to adapt in the creative sector?  

These concerns that artists are talking about aren’t new to Covid.  These are things I’ve experienced in my time as an artist and arts manager and have heard others say over and over again. Why can’t we figure this one out?

In Melissa Wong’s presentation she talked about the scarcity mindset. We are an industry of  trying to survive on scraps.  This leads to isolation, drives artists and organisations to hoard whatever resources we have and creates anxiety around being perfect because we can’t afford to lose a single dollar attempting anything new or innovative.

Let’s think about this in the context of a toddler room at any daycare. We have 10 children. Only 5 bowls of the beloved goldfish crackers. The workers give 3 bowls to one child and 2 bowls to another child. They tell the rest of the children to go sit by themselves and figure out how to get some crackers.  On top of that they only have one chance to get it right or they won’t get any crackers at all… maybe ever. 

We wouldn’t treat children that way but we often treat the arts that way.  We appear to be working within a set of systems based on survival of the fittest, where the ‘sword of damocles’ is hovering over everyone’s head.  On top of that we reinforce artists dependency on the few but vital dollars available through public funding agencies. 

For me this begs the questions – How can we ask our young people to embrace collaboration, sharing or learning/exploring as values when we cannot seem to model it for them in our society. What can we do with what we learned throughout the pandemic to empower the arts and move it to a more sustainable future? How do we stop just talking about it and actually do it? 

I don’t have those answers. However, I do believe our greatest resource as a sector is our audiences and more to the point investing in the future generations, our future advocates and audiences. We might benefit from thinking less about what will serve us best tomorrow and start thinking about what will serve the arts community best in 10, 20, 30, 50 years. If we as arts workers really care about the impact of the arts and investing in communities, I believe we need to start thinking about how we get there together and how we can inspire the broader non-arts community to come with us. 

To North York, With Love – a farewell from Cecilia

To North York, With Love,  

It is with a mix of emotions that I write to you today to share some news: after several years of incredible experiences, I will be bidding farewell to my role at North York Arts. 

Since the spring of 2016, I have had the immense privilege of being part of this vibrant organization. I started at NYA as an intern, new to arts administration and a newcomer to Canada, here I found a supportive community that made me feel at home. The journey has been filled with inspiring collaborations, and the opportunity to contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of North York. 

During my time here, I have been fortunate to work alongside a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, artists, and partners who share a passion for nurturing creativity and fostering artistic endeavors. Together, we have brought numerous programs and events to life for the North York communities. 

While it is bittersweet to say goodbye, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and relationships I have gained during my time. The lessons learned and memories made will always hold a special place. So today I thought I would share with you 3 programs at NYA that have shaped my career while working at NYA:

My Art, My New Land – In 2016, as I embarked on my arts administration career as a newcomer, there was a movement from immigrant and newcomer artists advocating for enhanced support and services within the arts community for themselves and their peers. 

During this time, ‘My Art, My New Land’ emerged as bridging program for newcomer artists to better understand the Canadian arts landscape, spearheaded and created by at the time North York based artist Aitak Sorahitalab.This program served as a valuable introduction to the Canadian arts landscape for newcomer artists, with North York Arts proudly stepping in as a partner for its inaugural edition.

NYA has continued its role in supporting newcomer artists on their journeys, recognizing their importance and the profound impact they have on the artistic landscape.

Art Connects – In 2019, our team at NYA (we were four at the time) led internally by Melissa Foster, gathered in a circle with Elder Joanne Dellaire and Indigenous leaders and artists Veronica Johnny and Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone. We delved into a crucial question: ‘As a non-Indigenous organization, what can we do to support the process of decolonization and build the right relations with Indigenous communities?’

Those conversations left a lasting impression on me, I still hold in me a lot of what was shared during those circles, striving to honor those teachings in my work.

Art Connects has consisted of multiple components and phases, all of which have centered Indigenous artists. Truth and reconciliation is a continued process and there are missteps and mistakes that will happen, they are inevitable. But I’m proud of the strides the organization has made in addressing the initial question posed at the start of this project. I trust that the work to build right relations with Indigenous artists and communities will continue.

Mapping Our Neighbourhoods – Narrowing down three projects from the multitude NYA has produced and partnered on during my time here wasn’t an easy task. I found myself constantly changing my choices because there are just so many impactful programs. However, Mapping Our Neighbourhoods will always hold a special place in my heart.

2020 and 2021 were difficult years. On top of everything, we were grappling with how to create meaningful online programming amidst a global pandemic. A lot of wonderful arts programming emerged during that time including NYA’s animation program for seniors (another favourite of mine).

The Mapping Our Neighbourhoods program was born out of discussions on how to keep youth engaged and employed in the arts during those years. It remains one of my personal favorites, go check out the short film and illustrated map that were created by youth through the program. Created through collaborative brainstorming with my colleague Julian Carvajal, Mapping Our Neighbourhoods provides a platform for young creatives to collaborate with lead professional artists, crafting art pieces that reflect their unique stories about North York neighborhoods. 

From all of us at North York Arts, we’re extending a huge thank you to Cecilia for all of her hard work and dedication to our artists, programs and community. Cecilia is focused, dedicated, leads with integrity and care and has been deeply appreciated and respected by artists, partners, co-workers, volunteers and Board members. These traits will be so valuable in her career ahead. Cecilia – we will miss you and wish nothing but the best in your future endeavors. THANK YOU!! 

Fabiana shares her story: Vibrant Arts and more…

Bill shares his story. A love of jazz!

Meet Bill!

I am the Board Chair of North York Arts. I am a Chartered Professional Accountant and a senior financial professional and have worked in a variety of industries and roles primarily helping organizations that are undergoing transition. However, I am not your typical accountant.

I have a love and passion for music – especially jazz! After many years of visiting jazz clubs and attending jazz festivals, I decided to further my interest and appreciation of this musical genre by volunteering last summer with the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Volunteering at an event like the jazz festival is not only a lot of fun, but it allows volunteers to network with a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about jazz, all while listening to some great music! Many volunteers get hooked on the volunteer experience, make some good friends, and return year after year to partake in the positive energy of the festival. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork that came out of the festival this year was inspiring, and it serves as a reminder of the power of community and collaboration.

Festivals enrich the lives of many and have a huge economic impact on the city’s economy. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival attracts more than 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain across the city. Toronto hosts a diverse range of festivals focused on satisfying all interests such as food, culture, art, holidays, and music. I encourage anyone who has some free time to get involved with a festival they are interested in and be a part of a wonderful celebration of culture and community!

Julián Carvajal shares his Creative Journey

I am a passionate storyteller. I have been able to tell stories in multiple ways using dozens of mediums. I studied arts for 8 years at a fine arts school in Santiago de Cali,  Colombia where I am originally from. I have had the privilege to experience firsthand the use of multiple mediums to tell stories. Many of my friends don’t know but I have been writing since I was a child. I have been too shy to write in English because I always have the language fear. I have won awards back home in poetry and my tales and poems were published since I was 7 years of age. I am very passionate about writing and telling stories. I started my own anthology of stories and poems to talk about the feelings I developed when I was first diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type I in 1999. It was really hard for me to describe the way my body was feeling and the way I was feeling in relation to others and my relation to the food.

My Mom studied Gerontology, and while she was going to her practices with my sister and me, I developed this profound love and admiration for seniors. I respect them a lot and I decided to do something to ensure they had an opportunity to express themselves, tell us their stories and celebrate who they are as well as their ancestry. I was able to pilot the program during COVID thanks to the financial support of North York Arts. 

This organization believed in the program and my skills to run it. For 10 weeks, Mondays and Fridays became a space for dialogue, a positive space of support and comfort; a space where seniors expressed their feelings and their anguish, their fears, and their concerns. We laughed, cried, kept silent, sang together, danced in the distance, told stories, celebrated countries and their traditions, shared recipes, knitting techniques, and much more!

Thanks to the connection we had with participants a couple of things happened. Personally, I was able to develop a new diagram to make stories more interesting taking them to a deeper level that I didn’t even imagine myself. I call them the Octopus Diagrams. In order to tell stories sometimes, we need to ask the right questions and think and ask out of the box. Creative elements were added to the stories beyond linear storytelling. 

Since May 2020 until now, I have had the pleasure of engaging with over 80 seniors, 4 different organizations, and collaborating with Paula Solano, illustrator, to enhance the participants’ stories.

HERE you can take a look at one of the iterations of the program with TPL. If you happen to know Spanish you can listen to the final audios and a teaser of how the program ran HERE.

Jasmine’s Artistic Journey!

When I was a young creative growing up in North York, I knew I was drawn to the arts. But, at the time, I had limited access to opportunities that developed my toolkit for beautifying spaces, sparking conversations, and amplifying marginalized voices – myself included. It took interning at North York Arts, mentorship from community arts organizations VIBE Arts, Sketch, and JAYU, and peer support from talented artists to really make this emerging artist, facilitator, and arts administrator begin feeling confident. With these experiences, I make it my mission to give back to the community, especially youth, through arts education and community engagement – be it through my arts administration roles for community-based programming, my art by sharing my story, and through arts facilitation/mentorship by sharing what I’ve learned during my artistic journey.

I am so grateful that my story and my passion have led me to connecting with artists, creatives, and changemakers who have taken chances on me to create change in my community.

Journaling Your Cultural Collage (JYCC) is a reflective and explorative arts & wellness program I designed with youth in mind. Funded by RBC Foundation and VIBE Arts with community partners North York Arts and YIELD, this program uses digital collage and various forms of journaling to affirm identity and practice self-care. Artists were able to compile a photobook and appreciate various cultures and walks of life by sharing stories and learning how to create artist statements. 

StreetARToronto Evelyn Wiggins Cycle Track brought me back to my university days where I could design and paint a mural near York University. It was very fulfilling being able to beautify the neighborhood where I learned about Cultural Artistic Practice and Visual Art. Thank you to the curatorial, administration, and health and safety team for supporting artists!

Photo credit: Gage Fletcher @gage.fletcher

Yonge North York BIA x STEPS – Cafe TO is exciting because I ate (and continue to eat) at so many restaurants in WIllowdale and revisited many family memories. I remember when Sheppard Centre had the movie theatre and Pizza Pizza was one building south, but now I have my art on picnic benches in front of many places I’ve witnessed change!

L-R Tropical Splash in front of Yonge Sheppard Centre, Eating ChungChun with little bro on Byng Ave, Tropical Splash near North York Blvd. 

VIBE Arts NExT Black Mentorship Exhibition was my first ever art exhibition and it was the greatest because I was able to bring my community into Meridian Arts Centre and connect with wholesome Black artists. I also juggled my arts administration and artist hats being the Education & Engagement Coordinator at TO Live. As an artist, I created a digital collage and painting series called Persephone’s Panganat that spoke to my mixed race identity and I felt so seen, especially celebrating with my North York neighbours who came on opening night. 

VIBE NExT Black Mentorship 3.0 cohort 

There is so much more to share, but alas word counts get the best of memories, so I would be honoured if you could support my artistic journey by following me on Instagram @articulately_jasmine. You are also invited to the Gardiner Museum x VIBE Arts FREE community celebration on August 16 @ 6:30pm!

Janice shares her story – and why the Arts are important!

My involvement with NYA started last Spring 2022 when I was finishing my post-graduate certificate in Arts Management and searching for an arts organization to work with as an intern. Going through NYA’s Impact and Annual Reports page, it didn’t take long for me to put NYA at the top of my list. Working to address the needs of not only artists and arts organizations, but the community as a whole through different types of art is a remarkable endeavor that I wanted to be a part of.

I am currently with NYA doing administrative support and I take pride knowing that the seemingly minute details of my work in the organization ripple through the bigger successes that happen in our community programs.

Prior to joining NYA, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for more than 10 years. I believe that the arts is a powerful tool in shaping the future. My background in psychology and my passion for the arts are woven into my pedagogical approach as I find creative ways to engage my students in art-playing and art-making. Promoting the arts at school is imperative as a means for students’ self-expression and understanding identity. The arts bring an array of benefits to children’s growth and development including increased self-confidence, enhanced communication skills, and improved cognition.

In 2020, I’ve completed a research that centered around visual expressive arts and student anxiety for my MA in Educational Studies (Special Education) program. My study has investigated and provided information on student anxiety present in schools, the causes, different types, signs and symptoms, and their externalizing behaviors observed in students in the classroom. I also gathered a resource on visual expressive arts (drawing, painting, sculpting, collage making, and mosaic art) used for its therapeutic function, its types, application techniques, and the possible benefits thereof to students with externalizing anxiety behaviors. Finally, a set of recommendations that can help educators integrate visual expressive arts activities into their regular classroom routines were given.

Why is this information important to share in the arts community? As student anxiety becomes an increasing concern in the classroom especially that the recent pandemic exacerbated it, teachers who form the frontline in supporting these students need all the necessary resources that could enable them to support students, (without waiting for the school’s mental health services that are often inaccessible to many students). As mentioned earlier, the arts have a powerful contribution in the development of our youth towards success. When funding and budget cuts threaten arts education and programming in schools, opportunities are taken away from students, and to many, it can hurt academically and psychologically.

As community members, artists, and the workforce behind arts organizations, we are part of the village that collectively raises and supports our youth and sets them up for success. We have to stand guard, be more proactive, and continue to be creative and resourceful in saving the arts for our youth. After all, art saves!

Art Matters – Melissa Foster shares her story

I’ve been with NYA since 2014 and this year I took on a new position as Director of Development (previously I was the Director of Programming and Outreach). Why the switch? Well, to be honest, it’s exactly the same reason as why I wanted to do programming in the first place – because art matters. 

My arts background is primarily in Theatre. As I was nearing the end of my degree in Theatre I started to become interested in the emerging world of community arts. Community arts seemed to be a way to work in the arts that made sense to me.  Fast forward a few years and I find myself working as a front-line worker in the social service sector, specifically in shelters and in supportive housing.  I ended up working in this sector for close to a decade, while maintaining my own artistic practice.  In social services the impact of the work is very tangible. Simply put – access to adequate housing is a human right. It is one of our basic needs.  It’s hard to argue with the immediate importance of the work.  I certainly would not argue against the importance of the work but for me… it was missing something.  

When given the opportunity, I began facilitating programs and bringing in other artists. One project in particular had a significant influence on me.  It was a theatre project that brought together youth from the shelter, staff and professional artists.  Youth chose their role either writing or acting in these 10-minute plays. Staff or outside artists directed or acted.  I’ll be honest I didn’t really know what I was doing and I made 1000 mistakes overseeing this project, but in the end all the little mistakes didn’t seem to matter all that much.  Everyone had fun and the experience clearly had an impact on all those involved.  The project built bridges between staff and residents and a wider creative community. The youth were proud of what they had done. I’ll never forget when one youth who chose to write a short story said to me “No one has ever asked me to tell my story before this”.  It wasn’t even so much what he said but how he said it that will stay with me. He had a  look on his face that I had never seen before. There seemed to be a shift in the way he saw himself.  I witnessed the effect that participation in the arts can have on an individual.  I had the privilege to be part of that and the lessons I learned continue to influence every aspect of my work.  Art can be a creative platform to share one’s story and has the ability to impact our sense of self and community. 

On the one hand as housing workers we were primarily focused on housing and barriers to housing which is absolutely vital but I realised that there was maybe something else I could do to address a different need; one that helps build the individual, the self, and creates a sense of belonging. All I had to do was provide the opportunity; to make some space for people to participate.  The process of art-making did all the work.  It’s internal work. You can’t really check a box at the end and say, yep done, good job.  It’s work that lasts a lifetime and no one really knows the exact impact because it may not be relevant until years later.  I loved that I could use whatever resources and tools I had to make that space available. So I made the switch into arts management, and got lucky enough to start working with NYA. 

These experiences made me appreciate the value of art in the socio-economic and cultural ecosystem.  We tend to think of the importance of things in a linear or hierarchical way.  For example, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This is a dated reference I know but it is my opinion that it still holds true when it comes to how many people view the importance of charitable work.  

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs are:

1. Physiological Needs (air, water, food, housing)
2. Safety needs (personal security, employment, health)
3. Love and Belonging (friendship, community)
4. Esteem (status, respect, recognition, freedom)
5. Self-actualization (desire to be the most that one can be)

But what if we challenged ourselves to see it more like an ecosystem? Where each need has a domino effect on the other. Where they are constantly in a relationship with one another and support one another.

(Let me be clear. If someone is dehydrated I’m not saying we should give them a paintbrush. Give them water. Certains needs, need specific things to satisfy those needs. If your need is water, that need is imminent. But what I’d like to encourage is a more holistic view that can see and appreciate the value of the relationship that exists between things like self actualization and our physiological needs).  

Many communities and worldviews reflect this way of looking at things but in this society a linear or hierarchical way of thinking is still dominant. 

That’s what was missing for me all those years ago.  A focus on nurturing our humanity/soul/creativity/_______ (please insert whatever word makes sense to you).  If we saw these needs as part of an ecosystem and not separate from one another how might that affect our work in the charitable sector and how we support the charitable sector? I’m still working on answering these questions.

Art is and always has been an expression of our humanity.  It is something we can’t lose and we all have a right to.  That is what drove me to start working in arts programming and what drives me in this new role.  Creating space so that the art can do the work. It is also why I believe giving to the arts is important and why it is a priority for me. Simply put- art matters. 

Grow North Creative Residency – Anna Kavehmehr shares How You Can Support the Protesters in Iran

The Grow North Creative Residency is an initiative by North York Arts to “pass the mic” to artists in our community. Local artists living in North York are given the opportunity to share information, teachings, and their artistic practice with our audience, and engage with the North York Arts community in meaningful ways. 

One of the most beautiful things I have experienced since the start of the protests in Iran, is the solidarity my non-Iranian friends have shown from the beginning of the woman, life, freedom movement. It is absolutely wonderful to witness so many people supporting, empathizing and genuinely wanting to help Iranian protesters in their fight for freedom. 

I have been asked multiple times and have seen countless comments all over social media of non-Iranians asking: “How can we help?”, and so I wanted to share some of the ways that you can help below: 

1. Stay engaged and share the news about Iran
2. Write to your representatives and ask them to support Iranian protesters 
3. Sign petitions in support of the Iranian protesters
4. Attend protests in your area 
5. Help Iranians overcoming internet blackouts and filtering

At this link, you will find a comprehensive list of resources and action items, such as how to help protesters with the internet blackouts and filtering, that is updated on a regular basis. 

If you would like to stay up-to-date on the Iran news, information and real-time developments, here are some accounts you can follow on Instagram: 

• Middle East Matters
• From: Iran
• Persians with Purpose
• Iranian Diaspora Collective
• Diaspora for Iran
• United for Mahsa 

Thank you again to North York Arts for giving me this opportunity to amplify the voices of the protesters in Iran.

Grow North Creative Residency – Anna Kavehmehr informs about Iranian Protesters at Risk of Execution – Anna Kavehmehr/Grow North

The Grow North Creative Residency is an initiative by North York Arts to “pass the mic” to artists in our community. Local artists living in North York are given the opportunity to share information, teachings, and their artistic practice with our audience, and engage with the North York Arts community in meaningful ways. 

Since the beginning of the protests in Iran in September 2022, more than 500 protesters have been killed and more than 10,000 protesters have been arrested.  Yet the protesters are still fighting for freedom, whether on the streets all over Iran or by various acts of civil disobedience. 

In an attempt to get the protests under control and inspire fear, the Islamic Republic has charged many innocent protesters with “Moharebeh” which translates to “Waging war against God”. A crime that is punishable by death in Iran. 

At least 4 protesters (Mohesen Shekari (23), Majidreza Rahnavard (23), Mohammad Mehdi Karami (22) and Mohammad Hosseini (39)) have been executed after giving false confessions under extreme physical and psychological pressure. At least another 41 protesters have received death sentences and are at risk of execution. 

False confessions in Iran are a widely reported phenomenon, especially amongst the political prisoners. These confessions are often used as evidence in sham trials, resulting in expedited convictions.

Physical and psychological torture, as well as threats against the prisoner and their family or loved ones are among the methods wherein these false confessions are extracted. It’s also important to note that Iran’s legal system lacks many of the protections and due process that are guaranteed in democratic countries. 

Due to the limitations on the Internet in Iran and lack of freedom of speech, Iranians in diaspora have started an online campaign to raise awareness on the executions in Iran, and get the support of the international community in hopes of getting the death sentences overturned. 

If you would like to join the campaign: 

1. Grab a pen and paper and write #StopExecutionsinIran 
2. Take a photo of or with the sign 
3. Post it. Hashtag it! 

Or simply share a post or protest art and use the hashtag #StopExecutionsinIran

You might think posting on social media and hashtags don’t help in any way. For better or worse, we live in an extremely online world where trending hashtags and social media campaigns have an incredible effect in raising awareness on a topic and in turn will have news media reporting more on the said topic. 

This is how Iranians in Iran and all over the world brought attention to the death of #MahsaAmini and the #WomanLifeFreedom movement, by using the hashtags to educate, shed a light on what was happening in real-time and demand attention from the international community. 

By getting the hashtags trending, we got the attention of the news media, brands, politicians, celebrities and people around the world which started a larger conversation regarding policies against the Islamic Republic and limiting their power to suppress their own people. 

This is what we are hoping to achieve with the #StopExecutionsinIran and we hope that you will join us in raising your voice and supporting the people who are so bravely fighting for freedom.  

Grow North Creative Residency – Anna Kavehmehr shares The Significance of Protest Art in Iran

The Grow North Creative Residency is an initiative by North York Arts to “pass the mic” to artists in our community. Local artists living in North York are given the opportunity to share information, teachings, and their artistic practice with our audience, and engage with the North York Arts community in meaningful ways. 

If you are on social media or have attended protests in person, you might have seen the amount of art that is being produced in support of the protests in Iran. You might be wondering why creating art is so significant in the fight for a free Iran.

For context, It is important to know that Iran has a rich history of art, poetry and music that dates back thousands of years. For the past 43 years, all forms of art have been policed, censored, repressed or blocked by the Islamic Republic government. Artists living in Iran cannot freely express themselves through art or any other means. You will find a lot of symbolism, metaphors, or other clever tools artists utilize to express what is forbidden under the Islamic Republic rules and regulations. Iranian artists living outside of Iran who create political art or feely criticize the regime, risk going to prison or worse if they ever decide to go back to Iran. 

In a society where freedom of choice and freedom of expression is against the rules, to freely create art and speak your mind becomes a form of protest. This is why protest art has become so important for Iranians.

Now what is protest art? Protest art or Activist art is the creative works produced by artists and activists that reflect social movements or bring awareness to a political issue. It is a traditional means of communication for citizens, as well as protesting totalitarian regimes where freedom of expression can be seen as a form of civil disobedience. Protest art comes in many forms and mediums such as: illustration, animation, video art, music, anthems, poems, performance art, installation and more. 

Many Iranian artists, myself included, feel that it is our responsibility to use our voice, platform and skills to show solidarity with the protesters, help amplify their voices through art and hopefully bring positive change to the movement. 

Over the past 3 months, a large number of non-Iranian artists and musicians have also joined in on creating protest art in support of the protesters which has brought worldwide attention to the protests. 

If you are an artist who is inspired by the Iranians’ fight for freedom, please use your voice and skills to amplify the Iranian voices. Create portraits, videos, posters, music or any other way that feels authentic to you, to raise your voice in support of the protesters in Iran. 

Summer Job Posting: Festival and Event Assistant

Date Posted: May 14, 2018
Application Deadline: May 23, 2018
Start Date: Jun 11, 2018
Salary: Compensation is $14 per hour
Term: Part-time
Career Level: Entry level/ intern

Job Description
The Festival and Event Assistant will assist with pre-production, pre-festival communications, site management, volunteer coordination, and tech needs for North York Arts 2018 Cultura Festival, Sunday Serenades, and associated events.

The successful applicant will work closely with the Festival Producer and North York Arts staff to coordinate and produce North York Arts summer season initiatives.

This position is funded by Service Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program; only eligible returning students may apply.

Eligibility:
In order to qualify for this program, eligible student participants must:
Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
Have been registered as a full-time student in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year;
Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Requirements: 
Meet the requirements of the Canada Summer Jobs program for returning students.
Production and event experience is desired
Familiarity with technical equipment is an asset
Demonstrate the capacity for self-directed work, and be able to work well under minimal supervision
Experience managing groups
Very well organized and detail oriented
Clear communication skills and strong writing skills
Ability to problem solve, embrace flexibility and versatility while working in a high-paced, evolving environment

Primary duties and responsibilities: 
Assist Festival Producer with pre-production tasks including communications with bands, food vendors, and other stakeholders
Assist with volunteer coordination tasks pre-festival (recruitment, orientation, training)
Assist with site management and tech needs during the summer festivals and additional events
Assist in event logistics during the festivals including volunteer coordination, set-up, and strike
Assist with day to day arts administration, and festival post-evaluation work

Time commitment and remuneration: 
This is a 12-week contract position starting June 11th and ending August 31st.
June: part-time (approx. 30.5 hours per week), the schedule is flexible.
July & August: part-time (approx. 30.5 hours per week), evenings and weekends will be required including Cultura Festival and Sunday Serenades (Friday afternoons and evenings in July, and Sunday evenings in July and August).
Compensation is $14 per hour.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to apply with a short cover letter and resume by 5:00 pm on May 23rd, 2018 to Cecilia Garcia by email to cecilia@northyorkarts.org. Subject line: Summer Job Posting: Festival and Event Assistant 2018 Application

North York Arts thanks all applicants in advance for their interest in this position. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. North York Arts is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. is committed to building a diverse workplace and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Interviews will be scheduled from May 28th to 31st.

Contact Info:
Name: Cecilia Garcia
Telephone: 4167339388
Telephone Ext.: 7067
Email: cecilia@northyorkarts.org