As coordinator of the Neighbourhood Arts Network, my job brings me into daily contact with truly inspiring people and organizations across the city. This new Toronto-wide organization is the result of months of planning and a partnership between the Toronto Arts Foundation and Art Starts. The Neighbourhood Arts Network is dedicated to supporting and enhancing community-engaged arts in Toronto.
Last week, I dropped in to Sketch’s downtown studio where a team of screenprinters was creating custom aprons for the Neighbourhood Arts Network launch. Sketch’s King Street headquarters offers accessible studio space and training for street-involved and homeless youth. Sketch was the recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2008 Arts for Youth Award.
Although I had never met them before, Ezekial (left, with myself), Ozzy and Julian were gracious enough to let me weasel in on their fun.
By the time we finished printing the aprons, these folks were no longer strangers to me. Through the art-making process, I got to know them as talented and interesting individuals, artists who I look forward to working with again. This process of developing new relationships is a cornerstone of community arts.
Community art generates new possibilities and interactions. From public celebrations like the Kensington Festival of Lights to writing workshops at the local library branch, community-engaged arts bring people together and empowers citizens to shape their communities through the arts.
Today’s launch is a true cause for celebration because it represents an investment in the future of culture and community in neighbourhoods throughout our city. Through our website, we offer professional development tools, networking opportunities, and information resources to our members. We help practitioners to share their experience, improve their practice, build stronger partnerships, and reach out to new groups. If you work in community arts, develop or facilitate arts programming, or you are a resident interested in revitalizing your neighbourhood through the arts, we want to help. In addition to our web resources, we also offer in-person training and events. Our members range from individual artists to community centres, and we are offering free membership throughout 2010. There’s also a new Neighbourhood Arts blog to keep your eye on.
WHERE/WHEN: The Neighbourhood Arts Network officially launches today (January 27).
Skye Louis is the Network Coordinator for the Neighbourhood Arts Network. She can be reached at skye[at]torontoarts.org.
Sketch’s King Street headquarters offer accessible studio space and training,
including screenprinting skills, for street-involved and homeless youth.
Sketch was the recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2008 Arts for Youth Award.
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