The Animation Project

The Animation Project

The Animation Project 2022

Together with the Toronto Animation Image Society (https://tais.ca/) we are launching The Animation Project, a free 11-week online and in-person animation course for seniors.

The Animation Project will use a creative hybrid course model to provide seniors with an opportunity to learn about and explore issues and storytelling that reflect their life experiences. This will be done through animated stop motion storytelling, interweaving creative expression with the development of digital literacy. The program will culminate with one public event where participants will share their work with family, friends and their community.

In addition to the 11-week course, The Animation Project will also host two 101 Animation workshops open to adults +55 and two Community Engaged Animation activities during Cultura Festival that are open to the wider public.

Location: This program is a hybrid program with online and in person events and sessions.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 16th to Thursday, October 27th, 2022
Times: 10 am to 12 pm
Registration: Register by Sunday, July 31st, 2022

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/221794659414263

Registration will prioritize those living in North York.

THE ANIMATION PROJECT

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Explore the art of storytelling through the use of stop-motion animation!

North York Arts and the Toronto Animation Image Society have teamed up to present The Animation Project. Over the course of several FREE workshops, participants 55+ will use digital animation techniques to explore topics and issues personal to them.

This program is a chance to connect with peers, channel your creative expression, and develop your digital literacy.

PROGRAM DETAILS

This program is for those ages 55+ living in North York

All North York residents are encouraged to apply to this program, but please note that priority will be given to Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour as well as to 2SLGBTQ+ community members and Newcomers (people who arrived in Canada within 7 years).

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 16th to Thursday, October 27th, 2022
Times: 10 am to 12 pm
Deadline to apply: Sunday, July 31st, 2022
Spots Available: 10
*Additional Materials will be provided by NYA & TAIS

*Participants must attend the first session, in person, in order to obtain materials. In-person session at North York Seniors Centre, 21 Hendon Ave, North York, ON M2M 4G8

Program contact information julian@northyorkarts.org

This is an application form. You will hear from us by Sunday, July 31st, 2022

Second In-Person Session: Thursday, November 27th from 5 pm to 8 pm Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk (5095 Yonge St., 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M2N 6Z4)

Program contact information julian@northyorkarts.org

 

Fall Workshop

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from August 16th to Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Time:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM to 12 PM

Where: First Session in-Person at North York Seniors Centre, 21 Hendon Ave, North York, ON M2M 4G8 and Zoom

Price: Free

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, July31st, 2022

Apply Here

Meet your Instructor : Cristal Buemi

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Canada, Cristal Buemi is a multimedia artist that holds a BA from Ryerson University and an MA from Bau, Design College of Barcelona. While multidisciplinary by nature, (animation, video, photography, collage and digital design), her work pushes frame-by-frame boundaries by exploring the materiality and inherent beauty found in the minutia.

For more information about Cristal visit her website: https://www.cristalbuemi.com/

 

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Around Art & Land

Around Art & Land

Around Art & Land

NYA is a proud partner of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art!

The year of Public Art has chosen the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action as the main theme for the next 10 years of art programs/exhibitions in the city. Western knowledge is based on an egocentric model while Indigenous peoples have the land as the epicentre of everything they do. After visiting Downsview Park and its hub, we realized that there are a lot of opportunities to connect to the land by curating a series of activations that will happen from April 2022 to October 2022.

We are delighted to present to you a series of intergenerational programs that respond to the needs of the Land to acknowledge it, celebrate it and also commit to it. We all as human beings play a role in the climate change crisis and as artists, we also need to be mindful of the waste we create while creating art.

North York Arts celebrates communities, artists inspire us and the land allows us to be able to share it with all! Every creation of the land is a piece of art itself, for that reason, we have called our core programs for ArtworxTO Around Art and Land.

image graphic for i-talks

We hope you can join us for any of the following programs:

   an icon of a spray can  We CAN do it

  an icon of a sketchbook   Around my Words

  an icon of two people dancing Let’s Dance!

  an icon of a branch with many leaves  What is Around is Alive

  an icon of a kite   Elevating my Dreams

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We CAN do it:

growing healthy relations with the land –

Community Interactive Art Installation

In this activation, participants will be invited to paint empty spray cans that will culminate in an exhibition taking place at the Downsview Hub.

In partnership with Juan Cajiao, participants will paint images on each spray can with the theme of environment in mind, and will consider ways to recycle and repurpose some of the daily objects around us that directly harm the environment. Each can will also have a message for Mother Earth and a personal commitment to the environment from each participant. 

Once all cans are painted and all messages are written, the empty spray cans will be exhibited in a tree formation at the Downsview Hub, where visitors will be encouraged to see the cans and to consider their own commitments and wishes for the environment. 

an icon of a spray can

Schedule

Painting Cans Activation
Saturday, July 9 from 10 am to 4 pm

Exhibition Launch
Thursday, August 11th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm

Exhibition Hours Thursday August 11th to Sunday October 2nd: 

Wednesday to Friday: 11 am to 7 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm

Location

Painting Cans: Downsview Hub – 70 Canuck Ave

Exhibition: Downsview Hub – 70 Canuck Ave

Meet your Artist:

Juan Cajiao

Born in Colombia, raised in the US and now living in Canada, Juan has been an artist from the day he was born. He grew up painting and drawing, took his passion to the next level by studying Industrial Design and Architecture, he then applied his creativity in the advertising world for many years, he then quit his corporate job to pursue his dream of being a stand up comedian.

Juan now has done over 500 shows in 12 countries and co-founded MalPensando, a bi-lingual comedy club and school that empowers people to become confident and funny speakers.

Parallel to his comedy business, Juan is also an artist who’s done commissioned work (paintings & drawings) that are currently exhibited in 5 countries. Juan also started a new art brand called @ArtedByJuan which aims to make any object (chairs, shows, jackets, teapots… anything) into a unique art piece.

Juan has a variety of workshops, from public speaking & comedy, to free-hand drawing & painting.

Juan will always combine art and comedy in everything he does.

Connect:

@juan_cajiao | @artedbyjuan | @malpensando

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Around my Words

During this activation, participants will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with spoken word poet Patrick Walters to create a series of poems around the theme of nature and their commitment to the land. Then they will collaborate with visual artist Paddy Leung to embed those poems into wooden crates. Participants will be provided with individual crates they can take home while collaborating on the creation of one of the installation components of the Community Interactive Art Exhibition, We CAN do it!

DATES

COHORT I

Spokenword Component led by Patrick Walters

● Tuesday, August 2, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
● Tuesday, August 9, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Visual Component led by Paddy Leung
● Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
● Wednesday, August 24, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

COHORT II
Spokenword Component led by Patrick Walters
● Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
● Thursday, August 11, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Visual Component led by Paddy Leung
● Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
● Thursday, August 25, 2022 | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Deadline to apply: Sunday, July 31st, 2022
Spots Available: 24 (12 participants per cohort)
Venue: Downsview Park (70 Canuck Ave.)

NOTE:
Lunch, snacks, and light refreshments will be provided.
Community and volunteer hours are also available upon request.
TTC will be available for participants.
Certifications of participation will be also given to participants.

For any questions or if you need assistance to fill out this application please email Julián Carvajal, julian@northyorkarts.org 

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Let’s Dance!

Get ready to move your body! During this program, Mafa Dance Village (@mafadancevillage.ca) and Capoeira Bamba Toronto, (@bamabtoronto)  will teach participants the basic fundamentals of South African Beats and Capoeira! These sessions will be fun, interactive, and high-energy as you’ll learn some new moves, kicks, and escapes to music.

While these workshops are open to all, some movements in the Capoeira workshop may be challenging to those with limited mobility.  This program is for ALL ages. 

an icon of two people dancing

Schedule

Sundays, May 15 & 22

11:00 am to 12:00 pm | South-African Beats

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm | Capoeira Dance

Location

Downview Park Orchard Location HERE

Thank you for joining us!

Meet your Instructors:

Mafa Makhubalo

Movement poet trained in folk forms from the Regions of African tradition, African contemporary, and Western-Contemporary. Mafa Dance Village is influenced by an understanding of dance as an accumulation of memory and the history of my culture. Dance is an invisible evolution that becomes visible through movement, music, and singing.

Connect: To learn more about Mafa, visit mafadancevillage.ca

Capoeira Bamba

Capoeira Bamba is Toronto’s 7X award winning Capoeira School. Capoeira is an Afro Brazilian Martial Art that incorporates Martial Arts, Acrobatics, Music, Dance and Culture all in one! From Kicks to Flips, this Martial Art has it all!
We take great pride in educating our community about the Afro-Brazilian culture and Martial Art. We are Toronto’s only full time Capoeira Academy hosting classes for Minis, Kids and Adults of all ages. We are also a performance team, performing Capoeira, and other Afro-Brazilian cultural dances for audiences and events of all sizes all over the GTA.

Connect: To learn more about Capoeira Bamba, visit bambatoronto.com

Capoeira Bamba - Mississauga

Join us on Sunday May 20th to dance with Mike Pulga of @bambamississauga!

Capoeira Bamba is Toronto’s 7X award winning Capoeira School. Capoeira is an Afro Brazilian Martial Art that incorporates Martial Arts, Acrobatics, Music, Dance and Culture all in one! From Kicks to Flips, this Martial Art has it all!
We take great pride in educating our community about the Afro-Brazilian culture and Martial Art. We are Toronto’s only full time Capoeira Academy hosting classes for Minis, Kids and Adults of all ages. We are also a performance team, performing Capoeira, and other Afro-Brazilian cultural dances for audiences and events of all sizes all over the GTA.

Connect: To learn more about Capoeira Bamba, visit bambatoronto.com

 

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What is Around is Alive

In this two-part activation, participants will first be invited to tour Downsview Park by foot with Alan Colley of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours, then will create inspired illustrations and photographs from the walk. Together with Alan Colley, participants will discover and observe the local flora and fauna, and leave with a newfound understanding for all that is alive around us. Art pieces created during the session will be displayed publicly in the Downsview Hub, unless participants would prefer to take them home to display there instead!

Schedule

Saturday, June 4 | 10 am to 1 pm

Saturday, June 18 | 10 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 6 pm

Location

Walking Tour: Downsview Park – Meet at the Orchard Pavillion

Art Creation: Downsview Hub – 70 Canuck Ave

 

Meet your Instructor:

 

 

Alan Colley - Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours

Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours has been a passion and dream of mine for a long time.

I have designed a company which honors our traditional way of life – but also allows for mainstream concepts of tourism and experiential learning.

I believe we are at the point in history where we are able to teach and share with the next generations how to have a sustainable relationship with the environment. This is the focus of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours.

My goal is to bring together our beautiful community in a way that allows elders, adults, youth and children to connect and make a difference with actions based on the ground principles of the 7 Grandfather Teachings, 13 Grandmother Moon Teachings and Medicine Wheel Teachings.

I am looking forward to sharing information regarding history, the plants, the animals, the fish and the insects so that we can start looking at a healthy future that we are planting seeds for in the present.

Every time a participant resonates with a teaching provided on our tours, the Indigenous knowledge of my ancestors and the ancestors of all Aboriginal peoples is honored because it has a chance to expand into future generations.

Those who had no idea of the sustainable lifestyles and understanding that the First Peoples of what is now Toronto had, can carry with them a new connection to the natural world they live in – even if it is surrounded by a concrete jungle.

I hope to meet and share cultural understandings and environmental respect while also learning something new from each and every participant of a Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tour!

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Elevating my Dreams

In this activation, participants will create kites with messages that they would like to share with all flying creatures. By incorporating different upcycled materials, and applying the R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) each participant will create an environmentally friendly artwork that can fly through the sky.  Participants will be encouraged to fly their kites at home after the activation and share photos and videos on social media!

Schedule

Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23 | 11 am to 12:30 pm

Location

Downsview Hub – 70 Canuck Ave

Meet your Instructor:

Orfelina Millán

I am an environmental artist and creator/facilitator of an eco-friendly community art program for children, Orfe Eco Art Program. My passion for art, environmentalism, and community engagement, along with my arts education experience with the TCDSB and the TDSB, have strengthened my motivation to engage young people in protecting the earth through participatory community arts.

Orfe EcoArt Program is a social enterprise that aims to stimulate creativity and environmental responsibility in children and youth through its ecological art program, understanding that a creative mind and responsible attitude are key to becoming an active member of society and contributing to the health and safety of one’s community.

Connect:

Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website

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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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Nuit North 2022

Nuit North 2022

Nuit North – Artist Residency

Join us in the development of a community-informed installation for the inaugural expansion of Nuit Blanche to North York! 

Local filmmakers Simeon Taole and Danielle Ungara, of CINEMATOSCAPE, are completing a Nuit North Residency with North York Arts. Hear about their project The Space Between and its current evolution Interspace for Nuit on October 1st, 2022!

If you are a North York resident, we want your perspective. If you have a story to share, we want to hear your voice. Join us to share your story on August 19 from 1-5pm.

Please note that spots are limited and will be offered to participants based on their applications by email after August 5, 2022.

Eligibility:

  • To participate you must be a current North York resident
  • 18 years or older
  • Available to meet in person on August 19th from 1-5pm
  • Comfortable with your voice being audio-recorded

We will be discussing the space between: 

How have you experienced space between yourself and others – whether emotional distance, cultural gap, geographical or physical space?

How have you found ways to bridge the space between?

Why join the community forum:

We invite you to join the community forum in August 19 and participate in discussions and audio recordings sharing your ideas with us and the community for the Nuit installation. This is a paid opportunity ($100) to network and build community as we welcome a diverse group of individuals to join the community forum. 

 

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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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Art Connects

Art Connects

An image of the mural created in partnership with Lindsey Lickers, with 4 icons on the sides, and a translucent image of a strawberry heart and a willow tree.

Art Connects

Art Connects is an ongoing initiative that started in 2019 to address North York Arts’ role in Truth and Reconciliation. As North York Arts builds programs, partnerships, and relationships, we continue to ask ourselves “As a non-Indigenous organization, what can we do to support the process of decolonization and build the right relations with Indigenous communities?”

Art Connects has consisted of multiple components and phases, all of which center Indigenous experience and teachings.

  1. 2019NYA received funds from the Government of Canada’s Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anit-Rascism Initatives Program, and have their first consultations with Elder Joanne and Indigenous Leaders Veronica and Aqua to discuss action items and next steps. 
  2. 2020
  3. NYA board meets with Elder Joanne to discuss the role of the board in making change, and NYA hosts community consultations and staff participate in Medicine Wheel teachings. 
  4. 2021 NYA hosts four Indigenous talks (I-talks). The Spirit World with Lindsey Lickers, Moon and Water Teachings with Grandmother Reneé Thomas-Hill, Healing with the Land with Veronica Johnny, Sacred Medicines in Times of Healing with Elizabeth Akiwenzie
  5. May 2022NYA hosts seven Indigenous talks. Introduction to the Series led by Lindsey Lickers, Understanding Treaty Part 1&2 led by Jason Mercredi, Understanding North York led by Chyler Sewell & Daniel Rotsztain, Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 1 led by Carolyn King, Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 2 led by James Carpenter & Raiden Levesque, Indigenous Stewardship, Symbolism & Art led by Lindsey Lickers
  6. June 2022Community members and program participants come together to create a collaborative mural led and designed by Lindsey Lickers. Each participant adds uses their teachings to add a “bead” to the Two-Row Wampum Belt.
  7. Fall 2022Art Connects Everyone, Everywhere is launched. Three Indigenous artists will lead workshops in North York to bring Indigenous teachings to non-Indigenous community members and North York Residents. 
Watch the Mini-Documentary

North York Arts is committed to continue working along Indigenous peoples to deepen our understanding and to bring truth to our programs.

Stay tuned for our upcoming activations this fall.

Art Connects Everyone, Everywhere!

Workshops led by Indigenous Artists and Performers in Treaty 13

We will be hosting three pop-up workshops led by Indigenous Artists and Performers from Treaty 13. These workshops will share knowledge and teachings at pop-up educational Indigenous programs at the Gibson House and other North York locations. Workshops will feature Indigenous teachings from all mediums and will incorporate Indigenous knowledge into the creation of public art and performance. 

 

I-talks, Ideation, Art Creation 2022

Click to learn more about our 2022 Artists

The motivation for I-Talks is to foster spaces of deep conversation; where we can discuss our relationships to the land, and water, the body, legacies of colonialism, while connecting to one another.

I-talks 1: Introduction to the series

Facilitated by Lindsey Lickers, the introduction of I-Talks will introduce the intentions of the space and the aims of the project. Lindsey will lead a discussion on the significance of relationships in relation to land stewardship. This workshop will focus on the impacts of colonialism on relationships, leaving participants with the question: How do we centre truth-telling in rebuilding our connections?

Watch Video Now
Lindsey Lickers

Lead Artist of Art Connects 2021-22

I-talks 2: Understanding Treaty: Part 1

Understanding Treaty: Part 1 is the first step of a deep dive into the meaning of treaties & Indigenous lawmaking. Facilitated by Jason Mercredi, will focus on treaties covering North York and surrounding areas. He will discuss how treaties can, and do or don’t, guide communities, caretaking, and natural law. Participants will be invited to reflect on what the Dish with One Spoon treaty means beyond a simple, or standard, land acknowledgment.

Watch Video Now
Jason Mercredi

Misipawistik Cree Nation, Ininnu descent

I-talks 3: Understanding Treaty: Part 2

Jason Mercredi is continuing the deep dive established in Part 1, with his facilitation of Understanding Treaty: Part 2. This workshop broadens and deepens the conversation on the meaning of treaties and Indigenous law-making. Participants will be invited to continue their reflection with the question: How can the lessons from treaties guide the ability to caretake for our land and community? 

Watch Video Now
Jason Mercredi

Misipawistik Cree Nation, Ininnu descent

I-talks 4: Understanding North York

Chyler Sewell and Daniel Rotsztain will facilitate their workshop, Understanding North York, in the form of a conversation. Chyler and Daniel will share stories about the various walks they took together in North York and surrounding areas. Focusing the history of land usage in this area, and how it has changed since contact, Chyler and Daniel explore personal reflections on the waterway’s significant landmarks and role in the community.

Watch Video Now
Chyler Sewell

Anishinaabekwe Youth

Daniel Rotsztain

Urban Geographer, artist, writer and cartographer

I-talks 5: Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 1

Facilitator Carolyn King will discuss traditional perspectives on the importance of land caretaking, original instructions, and the importance of the ceremony. Carolyn will share with participants how women’s roles, rites, and responsibilities are intertwined with land and water.

Watch Video Now
Carolyn King

Former elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation

I-talks 6: Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 2

A continuation of Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 1, facilitators GREY CLOUD and Raiden Levesque will lead participants through Our Responsibilities to Water & Land: Part 2. Building off of Carolyn’s facilitation, this workshop will deepen and expand the discussion of traditional perspectives on the importance of land caretaking, original instructions, and the importance of ceremony. GREY CLOUD and Raiden will invite participants to explore the question: How are the roles, rights, and responsibilities of myself and my community intertwined with land and water? 

Watch Video Now
GREY CLOUD

Indigenous Traditional Healer and Oshkabewis (Helper)

Raiden Levesque

Oshkabewis (helper), Traditional Knowledge keeper, and Fire Keeper

I-talks 7: Indigenous Stewardship, Symbolism & Art

During Indigenous Stewardship, Symbolism & Art, Facilitator Lindsey Lickers, will recap the previous workshops, exploring how the knowledge generated during I-talks impacts our ideas of placemaking. Lindsey will move participants through an overview of Indigenous visual storytelling, leaving participants with the question: How do we tell stories today?

Watch Video Now
Lindsey Lickers

Multi-media Artist, Arts Facilitator and Program Developer

I-talks 2021

The Spirit World

Lindsey Lickers is a Haudenosaunee/ Anishinaabe multi-media artist, arts facilitator, and program developer originally from Six Nations of the Grand River with ancestral roots to the Mississaugas of the Credit. Her traditional name is ‘Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe’, which translates to ‘Medicine Water Woman’ and she is of the turtle clan. Recently, she was awarded a commission to create a permanent public installation for the Region of Waterloo’s light rail transit system that will speak to the historical stewardship of the land base of Waterloo and the importance of agriculture from a First Nations perspective.

Lindsey Lickers

Multi-media Artist, Arts Facilitator and Program Developer

Moon and Water Teachings

Grandmother Renee was born into the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of the Grand River Territory; She honours her lineage, Mother- Cayuga Bear & that of her Father Mohawk Turtle; As a Haudenosaunee woman, her role in life is a Carrier of our Heritage; Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother & auntie to many; Educator, Historian, Lecturer/Teacher, Wisdom Keeper; Cultural Consultant

Grandmother Reneé Thomas-Hill

Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

Healing with the Land

North York Arts & IndigenEd (Indigenous Education for all) present Connect to Nature – an Eco-Art Workshop with Veronica Johnny.

Veronica Johnny is a Cree-Métis, multidisciplinary, two-spirit artist from the Northwest Territories. A hand drummer and rock singer, she’s also a songwriter, visual artist and writer. Veronica facilitates culturally-informed arts-education workshops, with a matriarchal lens, and focuses her creative energies on natural healing modalities.

This workshop includes talking about the land we are on; connecting with the earth and water; an eco-art activity and a drum song performance

Veronica Johnny

Workshop Facilitator, Indigenous Woman Entrepreneur, @IndigenEd

Sacred Medicines in Times of Healing

Nististange we (understanding women)
Anishabek moswin. Her Oneida name is Dayyayutdoladoe – Haudenosaunee from turtle clan from her mother’s Nation.

Liz Akiwenzie
Cultural Educator/ Knowledge Keeper
Ojibway and Oneida

She has been working in the helping field for almost 40 years. She has a Social worker background, she is a ceremonial person, Lodge conductor, cultural Educator for educators and caregivers, Cultural knowledge keeper for Native Communities, Healer and medicine person.

Elizabeth Akiwenzie

Cultural Educator/ Knowledge Keeper Ojibway and Oneida

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 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 :

Elder Joanne Dellaire

Veronica Johnny

Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone

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
  1. Sep 2019NYA received funds from the Government of Canada’s Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anit-Rascism Initatives Program
  2. Oct 2019NYA staff have their first consultation with Elder Joanne and Indigenous leaders Veronica and Aqua.
  3. Dec 2019NYA staff have their second consultation to discuss action steps
  4. Jan 2020NYA board meets with Elder Joanne to discuss the role of the board in making change
  5. Jan 2020 NYA hosts a community Consultation with our sister Local Arts Service Organizations (LASO)
  6. Feb 2020NYA partners with PAONE to host a second community consultation
  7. Apr 2020NYA Staff participate in Medicine Wheel teaching
  8. May 2020Program evaluation by Maria Montejo
Funded By:
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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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Desire Lines

Desire Lines

VIBE Arts Desire Lines

Visual Storytelling Workshop with Serene Illustrations 2022

About Desire Lines Workshop

Before people learned how to write, they would tell each other stories. We, ourselves, are a collection of stories through our experiences, cultures, and ancestry. This course teaches you how to story-tell in your art through world-building, character design, storyboarding, and creative brainstorming. Students will learn how to incorporate inspirations from mythology and their ancestry, and learn the basic principles of art in order to create their own visual story.

Participants will learn the following:

  • Exploring taking inspiration from everyday life and your own culture
  • Hands-on learning on world-building, creature and character design
  • Explore visual storytelling through composition and colour
Desire Lines Imagery

Dates: March 22 – April 12, 2022

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Where: Online – Zoom

Price: Free

Register Here

For this program, you need to have access to a device to use Zoom with a working camera and microphone, as well as be comfortable with having your video camera on during the workshops. These workshops will be participative and you will be asked to provide your opinions and feedback throughout the program.

Questions? Send an email to serene_chan77@hotmail.com

Click here to learn more about VIBE Arts & RBC Desire Lines.

Program Lead: Serene Illustrations (VIBE Desire Lines Artist: Visual Artist)

Serene (she/her) is a Chinese-Canadian creative and an expert daydreamer, who utilizes her passion in storytelling to produce digital and traditional imagery that provokes child-like wonder and captures nostalgia. Her work draws on her interest in mental health, East Asian history and mythology, and all things fantasy. Serene has worked as a freelance traditional painter and digital illustrator for 6 years, supporting other independent musicians, writers, and artists. She strives to create awareness in the beauty of Asian cultures and otherwise marginalized communities. When she isn’t painting, you can find Serene working with her hands- sewing, making resin crafts, and thrift flipping.

Website: sereneillustrations.com

 

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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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Mother Africa – Rhythm and Movements Dance Program

Mother Africa – Rhythm and Movements Dance Program

Mother Africa – Rhythm and Movements Dance Program

About the program

Please note, registration is now full.

 Rhythm and Movements Dance Program is a creative, innovative and hands-on program that will provide a safe space for young people to voice their concerns, share their opinions and acquire knowledge about healthy living through rhythm and movements.

Students ages 14-18 will gain physical education, social skill development, and they will learn about the different forms of creating rhythms and movements from African Traditional form to Urban hybrid style. The program consists of 4 sessions workshops and presentation/ performance (all via Zoom).

 

Note: This program is open to Black Youth living in Toronto all youth living in North York.  

 

Workshop 1

Dates: May 10 – 14, 2021

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Age: 14-18

Where: Zoom

Price: Free

Deadline to Apply: May 2, 2021

Workshop 2

Dates: May 24 – 28, 2021

Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Age: 14-18

Where: Zoom

Price: Free

Deadline to Apply: May 2, 2021

IMPORTANT NOTE: One Registration per participant, if you have multiple family members, please email Julian Carvajal at julian@northyorkarts.org

Meet your Instructor : Mafa Makhubalo

Mafa Makhubalo started dancing at the age of five and continued his training with Tony Campbell, founder and director of ZAPAC (Zamdela Performing Arts Centre) in South Africa. Mafa obtain a three-year National Diploma in dance at Tshwane University of Technology. After moving to Toronto, he completed a two-year training program at Ballet Creole School of Arts.  In Toronto Mafa had the opportunity to work with choreographers like Milton Myers, Danny Grossman, Debbie Wilson, Gabby Kamino, and was also a company member of, COBA (Collective Of Black Artist), Ballet Creole, OMO Dance Company, Nyata-nyata in Montreal as well as his own Mafa Dance Village. 

To learn more about Mafa, visit http://www.mafadancevillage.ca

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Creative Wellness

Creative Wellness

Creative Wellness Strategies

About the program

A self-care and arts-based workshop to help participants build confidence and community, as they gain new skills and tools to help cope with the ongoing realities of the pandemic as well as being a newcomer.

Dates: April 7, 2021

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Zoom

Price: Free

Deadline to Apply: April 6, 2021

Sign Up Here
IMPORTANT NOTE: One Registration per participant, if you have multiple family members, please email Julian Carvajal at julian@northyorkarts.org

Meet your Instructor : Igho Diana

“Everyone gets better when you do” are words Igho Diana lives by; as a spoken word poet, community educator, and wellness consultant. Igho wholeheartedly believes that it takes a village—not only to raise a child, but also to support adults through our healing & wellness journey. Her chief aim is to teach—by example, how to prioritize (y)our wellness.

Igho is the founder of Ebony Girls Obsession prioritizes black women in healing, growth, and celebration. We create + hold space(s) for black women to practice self-care in sisterhood. We do this through our events, workshops, self-care sessions and the Young EGO Mentorship Program.

Social Media: @EGOInitiative | @ighodiana

 

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Youtube for Beginners

Youtube for Beginners

YOUTUBE FOR BEGINNERS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

YouTube for Beginners is a comprehensive and interactive course designed to teach young creatives how to start and grow their own YouTube channel. This 5-week program will cover the basic knowledge needed to understand YouTube.

Each 2-hour session is paired with tangible activities that participants will work on during and after class. By the end of the program, participants will learn how to plan, strategize, and create content, how to optimize their videos for growth, and how to remain consistent so they can reach their individual goals.

PROGRAM DETAILS

This program is for youth 17 – 25 years old. All youth are welcome to apply but priority will be given to North York and York residents.

Participants must have the following: 

• 0 – 1,000 subscribers
• Access to a computer
• Smartphone or video camera
• Basic video editing capabilities  

Spring Workshop

Dates: April 1 – 29

Time:4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Zoom

Price: Free

Deadline to Apply: March 14

Apply Here

Meet your Instructor : Jalen Nelson

Jalen Nelson also known as Lickmyfashion is a Stylist, Creative Director, Fashion influencer and Educator. His brand represents being comfortable in your own skin and pushing the boundary as far as you can go. He teaches people that breaking the boundary is necessary and in order to achieve what you want in life, hard work is the key to success. There’s no giving up in Jalen’s world, he keeps going and wants his audience to do the same. He teaches people and helps them understand that it’s never too late. Join Jalen Nelson as he’ll have you equipped and ready for Youtube!!

Youtube: lickmyfashion

Instagram: @lickmyfashion

 

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From Drum to DJ

From Drum to DJ

From Drum to DJ 

From Drum to DJ is a hands-on music program that explores the influence of African and Afro-Caribbean/Latinx drumming traditions on the evolution of hip-hop music, turntablism and popular culture today. Participants explore the origins of the basic beat patterns and the different types of drum sounds still relevant in today’s music and showcase how music is part of a global family.

Upcoming Workshops

The Online Drum to DJ workshop is now OPEN! We’re inviting participants from 12-18 years old to join us online for three Saturdays starting March 13th for drum and DJ lessons. We’ll also be holding a final online performance on March 31st. See below for more details and click the link to apply!

This program is open to African, Caribbean, Black youth. Priority will be given to North York residents.

Apply Here

Date: Saturdays, March 13, 20 & 27

Time: 11 am to 1:30 pm

Where: Online

Price: Free

Apply by: March 7

Final Performace: March 31 from 4-5pm

For more information Contact Julian:  julian@northyorkarts.org or call  647-561-6021

Program Creator and Facilitator: 

Benjamin De Graaf

Benjamin de Graaf has executed over 300+ successful events ranging from weddings, corporate leadership series, fundraisers, and community events through his DJ business. He is a DJ, husband, father, sports fanatic and creator of a music and leadership program that uses the arts to make learning fun for kids called The Love Music Initiative – with a focus on DJing, drumming, dance and spoken word.

The Love Music Initiative is a multi-disciplinary and alternative education program that uses Hip Hop culture, contemporary music and popular culture as a tool for students to learn about civic engagement, history and advocacy.

 

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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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

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