Art Connects
Art connects is an ongoing initiative that started in 2019 to address North York Arts’ role in Truth and Reconciliation. As we build programs, partnerships, and relationships, we continues to ask ourselves “As a non-Indigenous organization, what can we do to support the process of decolonization and build right relations with Indigenous communities?”
See below to learn more about our past, current, and upcoming programs as part of Art Connects!
Art Connects 2021 – 2022
As a continuation of NYA’s 2019 training program, we are focusing on projects that aim to connect the local North York community with the environment and history of the land in which it lives, works, and plays on. A series of Indigenous and non-Indigenous research tools and community workshops will inform a public art installation created by Haudenosaunee/ Anishinaabe multi-media artist, Lindsey Lickers.
Lead Artist
Lindsey Lickers
‘Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe’
Art Connects Programs
Art Connects 2019 – 2020
Art Connects began as a cultural competency training program for NYA Staff board, and community partners. The program addressed how North York Arts can better incorporate/adapt to some of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The program was done in two phases:
1. A series of consultations between NYA staff and board, an Elder and Indigenous leaders
2. Community conferences with other arts organizations to share NYA’s findings and discuss our role as a sector.
Program Consultants :
- Sep 2019NYA received funds from the Government of Canada’s Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anit-Rascism Initatives Program
- Oct 2019NYA staff have their first consultation with Elder Joanne and Indigenous leaders Veronica and Aqua.
- Dec 2019NYA staff have their second consultation to discuss action steps
- Jan 2020NYA board meets with Elder Joanne to discuss the role of the board in making change
- Jan 2020 NYA hosts a community Consultation with our sister Local Arts Service Organizations (LASO)
- Feb 2020NYA partners with PAONE to host a second community consultation
- Apr 2020NYA Staff participate in Medicine Wheel teaching
- May 2020Program evaluation by Maria Montejo
Art Connects Outcomes:
- An organizational commitment to authenticity, education, and balance
- Development of a new land acknowledgment
- Received funds to develop our Art Connects Public Art Project
- Plans to write an environmental policy
- Shared knowledge and understanding within the arts sector
About Us
North York Arts (NYA) collaborates with artists, arts organizations, and partners to develop, strengthen, and promote cultural programming and initiatives for North York communities
Contact us
North York Arts
5040 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON, M2N 6R8
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Join Our Network