7th Generation Image Makers is a community arts program under the auspices of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. The program was founded in 1995 by local Anishnawbek artist Maria Hupfield through the NCFST youth department. The program’s mandate is to provide arts exposure and constructive creative expression for at-risk aboriginal youth ages 14-29 in the community. The program provides art workshops run by professional artists that include summer video projects and mural making which promote aboriginal visual presence around the city. The general model combines extensive arts programming within a drop-in studio environment, with additional outreach workshops in different venues.
7Th Generation Image Makers started off as a mural company and expanded to include a range of media arts, visual and traditional arts. The program focuses on the cultural and artistic identity of the youth participants. They regularly offer digital media lab access for youth to experiment with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, film, Final Cut Express and photography. Traditional arts offered include beading, moccasin making, quill work, soapstone carving, drum making, and has included regalia making on a project-basis, some of which is integrated with contemporary media. The program also provides a lot of painting and drawing resources/workshops and assists youth with portfolio development.
