Joy Lapps is an internationally lauded artist, composer and educator. Joy activates spaces for community building and creative expression, using the steelpan as her primary tool for engagement. Her most recent recording Girl In The Yard is an inspiring musical tribute to the women in her life.
Joy Lapps is a finalist for the 2023 Muriel Sherrin Award. Learn more below.
In your own words, can you describe your practice and why you're drawn to the art you do?
As an artist, I create steelpan-centered music and produce interdisciplinary art experiences for music lovers and art appreciators. I help arts educators and community organizations plan and execute new steelpan programs. I also help educators creatively engage students and meet curriculum goals through alternate and inclusive pathways. My work has naturally evolved to creative consultation and curation. Every project I work on is framed using the values that I draw from the panyard, the traditional communal gathering place for healing and music found historically across the Caribbean and now the world My approach has always been anchored in using my music and platform to normalize more equitable practices and opportunities for community-building. Every performance is a hang and everyone involved is treated like family. Holistic wellness always reigns supreme! I am drawn to my practice because it is accessible, it brings people together and people tell me all the time that when they hear my instrument, it brings them this instant feeling of pure joy. There are many forms of art that I enjoy because the artists are creative and virtuosic geniuses. But I also believe that many art forms can be accessible and participatory. I love that through my work even in the smallest way, I am able to help people meet their most basic needs while also making sure they feel seen, supported, heard, fulfilled and happy.
Tell us what it means to be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist.
My work has always been in service to the community, to my audience, my co-creators and my band members. My intent was never to chase awards and accolades, but I would be lying if I didn’t express how encouraged this nomination leaves me feeling. I would be lying if I said it has been easy to continue to pursue my work in the midst of a pandemic and in the midst of becoming a new mother. This award is a co-sign from my peers, for whom I have so much respect, and I do not take that lightly. This award is one of the many reminders for me to keep going, keep creating and keep serving. It is also a reminder to take care of myself so that I can continue to do all of those things. To be recognized as a Toronto Arts Foundation Award finalist is an absolute honour.