A new program is looking to help Black youth paint a picture of their lived experience.
The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library is partnering with Making Change to help encourage Black youth to share their experiences through art as part of the Canvas For Change program, which offers those from age 13 to 18 the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops under the guidance of Toronto-based artist Ashante Blackwood.
The program aims to celebrate the artistic talents of creative Black youth who use art to amplify their voices and Blackwood hopes to guide them on how to conceptualize, communicate and visually represent ideas that will shine a light on their unique perspectives and stories, aimed to spark important conversations within the community.
“Youth voices, in general, can be ignored and not highlighted, particularly the voices of racialized youth. This showcase will give our Black youth the opportunity to share their passions, desire to advocate for themselves and talent in the arts,” Laura LaChapelle, program director for Making Change said via email.
Three workshops are planned for: Jan. 11 virtually, Jan. 20 at Shak’s World Community Centre in Barrie, and Jan. 27 at the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie.
For Black History Month in February 2024, the artwork created by participating youth is planned to be part of a travelling group exhibition, on display first at the MacLaren and then coming to the Bradford library on Feb. 15, where it is planned to be on display to the end of the month.
The program was inspired by works that came out of the Art Engagement Project, through which Making Change presenters and artists worked with a total of 10 classes from the Simcoe County District School Board and another 18 classes from Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board to help youth from kindergarten through Grade 12 receive an opportunity to express their feelings about diversity and inclusion through forms of art such as visual, drama, music and dance.
“There were several art pieces I had seen and heard of at different schools that I thought could be potentially great pieces for the general public to view,” LaChapelle said.
In order to maximize the impact and exposure of the art, Making Change wanted the exhibition to travel to two locations within Simcoe County, and already had a positive experience with the Bradford library.
“We have had an amazing collaborative relationship. We hosted last year’s Mosaic of Black Culture, which was a huge hit. The library also has the infrastructure to hang art in their open community room,” LaChapelle explained.
David di Giovanni, manager of cultural services at the library, echoed that positivity, saying the library was “very keen” to once again partner with Making Change after the “overwhelmingly positive response” to last year’s event.
“Art is a powerful tool for self-expression, for dialogue, and for building understanding of one’s lived experience. As a cultural centre in Bradford West Gwillimbury, it is our responsibility to support the development of the arts and artists here in South Simcoe, and especially programs like this that seek to uplift and spotlight marginalized voices,” he said.
There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited to 20 youth and the deadline to apply is Dec. 21.
Those interested will need to submit a short statement explaining why they would like to participate in the program as well as an image of one of their recently completed artworks (no more than two years old).
Any youth who needs assistance with art supplies can reach out to the art centre through the registration page to request what they need, according to LaChapelle.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit: maclarenart.com/product/canvas-for-change-black-youth-art-celebration.
The art centre describes Blackwood as a 27-year-old fine artist and model based in Toronto who specializes in portraits and concept art, noting her work captures the beauty and struggles of her culture and the process of her growing up insecure about things that identify her as a Black woman.
Making Change is a not-for-profit organization led by a community of Black women who plan and co-ordinate activities, projects and events in the community supporting inclusion and diversity all across Simcoe County.
For more information, visit makingchangesc.com.
