Toronto Arts Foundation Announces New Initiative: Engaging Diverse Communities
Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director of the Toronto Arts Foundation is pleased to announce an exciting new Toronto Arts Foundation and Neighbourhood Arts Network initiative: Engaging Diverse Communities.
TORONTO – Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director of the Toronto Arts Foundation is pleased to announce an exciting new Toronto Arts Foundation and Neighbourhood Arts Network initiative: Engaging Diverse Communities. This year-long project is designed to introduce social service sector resources to artists and cultural workers, and help increase diverse communities’ access to cultural life throughout the city of Toronto.
The Toronto Arts Foundation, in partnership with its Neighbourhood Arts Network and Manifesto Community Projects will develop the project. It will have two main components: research focused on understanding the barriers to participation for newcomer and cultural diverse artists, and capacity-building education modules, workshops and toolkits for artists working with or wishing to work with diverse communities.
“When it comes to engaging communities there’s so much we can learn from each other, but there isn’t always time to make that happen” said Skye Louis, Coordinator, Neighbourhood Arts Network. “Putting these tools in the hands of local artists has a real impact on their work with communities. If we can support artists creating more inclusive, engaged, and vibrant communities, everyone benefits.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Manifesto Community Arts on this project” said Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Foundation. “Their reach into diverse communities, expertise and talent will help us develop the very best toolkits for artists in the field.”
For more information on the project please visit http://www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org/ or contact Skye Louis at 416.392.6802 x 212, skye@torontoarts.org.
ABOUT THE TORONTO ARTS FOUNDATION
Toronto Arts Foundation exists to provide the creative opportunity for donors to support the arts in Toronto. TAF believes that a great city demands great art, and by supporting, celebrating, financing and advocating for Toronto’s local artists, we’re improving the quality of life of all Torontonians. Although separate entities, the Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation benefit by being run as sister organizations, ensuring close contact with the arts sector in Toronto and an ongoing awareness of activities and needs throughout the community.
ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ARTS NETWORK
A project of the Toronto Arts Foundation, the Neighbourhood Arts Network is the place where arts and community engagement meet in Toronto. We catalyze new discussions and relationships. We collect research and share information. We help artists and community organizations do what they do best: enrich Toronto and transform it into a more vibrant, beautiful, liveable city. To learn more, please visit www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org
ABOUT MANIFESTO COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Manifesto Community Projects is a non-profit grassroots organization working to unite, energize, support and celebrate Toronto’s vibrant and diverse music and arts community, and find innovative ways of working together towards common goals. We aim to provide a platform and the resources needed to advance the growth of the arts as a tool for positive change on the individual, community and city level. To learn more, please visit www.themanifesto.ca