The Bridging Festival Seeks Community Advisors, Artists (Scarborough, ON)

“Inaugurated in 2010, The Bridging Festival is a community arts and culture festival which aims to bring communities together in this culturally vibrant neighbourhood while celebrating local leadership, creativity and diversity.”

“The Bridging Festival Seeks Community Advisors, Artists

Arts Festival to feature local culture and cuisine in Scarborough

August 15, 20, 23 & 24, 2013: The Bridging Festival returns for a fourth year to the Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park (KGO) neighbourhood in Scarborough, presenting free family-friendly activities with a celebration of art and community. In 2013, the festival will feature four days of culture and cuisine. On August 15, 20 & 23 there will be evening activities held at and near the East Scarborough Storefront at 4040 Lawrence Ave East. On Saturday August 24, the festival will move below the Lawrence Avenue East Bridge. Attendees will be treated to free food, entertained with performances of dance, music and poetry, and invited to join in participatory arts activities.

NOW RECRUITING FESTIVAL ADVISORS

We are currently seeking community volunteers to participate as a Festival Advisors. Advisors will help to plan and organize festival outreach, artists and food and will meet every three weeks between May – September 2013. Youth are invited to apply to sit on the Youth Engagement Committee, and will play a key role in the festival as well. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend our first advisory session at:

East Scarborough Storefront | 4040 Lawrence Ave East
May 14, 5 – 7 pm
Snacks and transit tokens will be provided.

For more information, contact Cindy Rozeboom: programs@scarborougharts.com | 416-698-7322.

NOW ACCEPTING ARTIST EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

We are also currently accepting expressions of interest from Scarborough artists and performers wishing to be featured at the 2013 Bridging Festival in August. Interested individuals should send a statement no longer than 200 words to programs@scarborougharts.com. Please tell us about yourself, your music, dance, poetry, spoken word or art form, what you would like to present at the festival and your connection to the neighborhood, if any. We will contact artists for more information as required. Scarborough Arts encourages artists from East Scarborough who reflect the cultural diversity of the local community to apply.

Youth Opportunity: New Project for Aspiring Filmmakers (Scarborough Arts, Toronto)

EAST Documentary Collective: Young Filmmakers to Document Scarborough’s Music Scene 
Scarborough Arts launches a new project for aspiring filmmakers

“Scarborough Arts is calling for youth between the ages of 15 to 19 who are interested in telling the story of Scarborough’s music scene through film to join the EAST Documentary Collective. Presented by Scarborough Arts, EAST is a project creating a buzz and attracting attention from aspiring young musicians, new media journalists and youth interested in getting into the arts and entertainment industry. EAST is made up of three components: Project Management Collective, Music Collective and Documentary Collective.

With the support of the Toronto Community Foundation, Scarborough Arts is launching the EAST Documentary Collective, a collaborative project where youth will learn how to use a DSLR camera for videography, storyboard, and shoot and edit documentaries and music videos. The EAST Documentary Collective will be covering topics involved in the pre-production, production and post-production of film-making. Basic equipment is provided. Participants will document the work of the EAST Music Collective and interview local musicians, vocalists, spoken word artists and creative youth. The new collective commences in April 2013 and will run until August 2013.

“We are very excited to be launching the EAST Documentary Collective,” said Tim Whalley, Executive Director of Scarborough Arts. “It will provide a unique opportunity for Scarborough’s talented youth to learn technical skills related to filmmaking while telling the story of some of our most promising artists and performers.”

Youth interested in participating are invited to contact Jen D. Fabico, Manager – Youth Programs, at 416 698-7322 or east@scarborougharts and must apply by April 10, 2013. EAST is presented by Scarborough Arts in collaboration with Agincourt Community Services, Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough, Heart Beatz – Cliffcrest Community Centre, G5 Canadian Urban, Phase One Studios and a range of other organizations that aim to build skills, provide training and support new networks among youth in under-served communities. EAST is generously supported by the Toronto Community Foundation – Vital Youth, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Intact Financial Group. More information on the EAST Documentary Collective and Scarborough Arts can be found at www.scarborougharts.com. Follow EAST on www.facebook.com/EastCollective to check out our EAST updates and progress.”

- submitted by Cindy Rozeboom, Scarborough Arts

Read previous ArtBridges’ posts about Scarborough Arts and their profile.
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Call for Submissions: ChildSight (Scarborough Arts 28th Annual Juried Exhibition)

ChildSight: SA 28th Annual Juried Exhibition – Call for Submissions

“Scarborough Arts is now accepting artistic submissions for its 28th Annual Juried Exhibition. The 2013 theme is: ChildSight.
What might we see from a child’s perspective?

Deadline for submissions: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 – 5:00pm
Applications are available at www.scarborougharts.com
We leave the interpretation of this theme up to the artist. Pieces for the exhibition should relate to the theme, and will be selected based upon a combination of: artistic quality, technical execution and/or conceptual strength, originality and impact.

Our 2013 exhibition will include an interactive, new media layer, presented in collaboration with our ongoing in-school program, Kaleidoscope. Scarborough kids from the Kaleidoscope intercultural arts program will learn how to interpret, discuss and critique artwork, using selected pieces from the exhibition. Audio recordings of these critique sessions will be captured and edited, accompanying the works for public listening in the gallery exhibition.
Artists are invited to submit up to 3 images of work, a detailed image list, artist statement, current CV, and a stamped self addressed envelope to the Scarborough Arts Council. Work in all media is eligible, but must be equipped to hang on a gallery wall. Unfortunately freestanding sculptural work cannot be considered.

Submission Fee:
* $20 for SA Members
* $30 for non-SA members, or
* $40 for a combined new Premium Artist membership & 2013 submission fee
Exhibition Dates: March 13 – March 24, 2013. Public Reception Thursday March 21.
Exhibition Location: Papermill Gallery @ Todmorden Mills – 67 Pottery Road, Toronto, ON.
Awards: Frank Faubert Memorial Award for Art – City of Toronto purchase Award. (other awards TBA)
For more information: www.scarborougharts.com ; 416.698.7322 or programs@scarborougharts.com

About Scarborough Arts
Scarborough Arts is a not-for-profit community arts organization with the mandate to serve Scarborough and east Toronto. SA provides programs and services to promote and encourage development and involvement in the arts, for the benefit of artists and the community.”

-submitted by Tim Whalley, Executive Director, Scarborough Arts

Read our profile on Scarborough Arts here.
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Profile: Scarborough Arts (Scarborough, ON)

Profile: Scarborough Arts
Status: Not-for-profit charitable organization
Community served: Youth, Children, Adults, Seniors in Scarborough
Region served: Scarborough
Languages used: English (portions of website translated into Tagalog, Tamil, Mandarin, Cantonese, French)
Arts focus: Multi-arts (visual, media, theatre, dance, music, literary)

Summary of Main Art Activities: Scarborough Arts has maintained a solid roster of programs for many years, and places great emphasis on strong partnerships with locally embedded community and arts organizations. As the only Local Arts Service Organization in the east end, our projects aim to span the gaps throughout Scarborough’s under-served and Priority Neighbourhoods, providing programs and services that emphasize community engagement, provide professional development to artists and teach broadly based, transferable skills to youth.
Selected recent activities include:
Kaleidoscope is an intercultural arts program that helps school communities across Scarborough explore cultural diversity and creative expression through the arts. With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Kaleidoscope visits schools in under-served communities across Scarborough, providing activities including digital storytelling, mural art, music, performing arts and creative movement/dance.

EAST is a 3-year program for youth where participants create, write and record original music while learning about project management and event planning, under the guidance of industry professionals. EAST uses the universal medium of arts and creativity to encourage healthy, innovative forms of self expression, teach broadly based transferable life skills, provide new and engaging social experiences, help identify future post-secondary and employment directions, and provide direct employment preparation training.

The Big Art Book is a fresh assortment of creativity for community members of all ages from across Scarborough. Featuring a digital anthology of work by local and emerging artists and writers and a variety of activities, The Big Art Book provides a free, accessible opportunity for Scarborough residents to share creative ideas, meet others and engage with local creative communities.

Mandate/Mission: Scarborough Arts develops, delivers and promotes arts programming and cultural initiatives in collaboration and partnership with the community. We bring artists to the community and the community to the arts.
Vision: Scarborough is a diverse community with a creative pulse. Our lives are connected and enriched by all forms of art and culture in which everyone can participate.
Scarborough Arts Values:
• All forms of creative and artistic expression
• Innovation
• Engagement and inclusion
• Diversity
• Accessibility
• Accountability

Contact: Tim Whalley, Executive Director
Phone number: 416 698-7322
E-mail: info@scarborougharts.com
Website: www.scarborougharts.com
Address: 1859 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON M1N 1T3

-submitted by Tim Whalley, Executive Director, Scarborough Arts

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Upcoming: SuiteLife Arts for Youth Auditions & Workshops (Scarborough & Toronto)

SuiteLife For Youth has started up a new youth-led initiative, StArt Youth Presenting Art. To register for their upcoming workshops please visit www.startypa.org and contact info@startypa.org for additional information.

-posted with permission from Denese Matthews, Director, SuiteLife Arts for Youth & StArt Youth Presenting Art

Read ArtBridges’ profile on SuiteLife Arts for Youth here.
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Upcoming: Arts Lab East’s “The Business of Youth Arts” (Oct. 16, Scarborough, ON)

“The Arts Lab brings together knowledge about youth arts, culture and creative enterprises to explore what’s working, what isn’t, who’s doing what and where we go next. The 2012 Arts Lab focuses on “The Business of Youth Arts”.

Who should attend?

• Arts organizations or artists working to train, build and support youth arts enterprise and/or creative business
•  Stakeholders who support youth arts enterprises and creative businesses as a sustainable investment in our city’s future
  *Young artists or arts entrepreneurs aspiring to build a career/business/social enterprise in the arts and culture sector/creative industries are also welcome.

Whether or not you can attend the Arts Lab please take 5 minutes to complete our online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QHY9NV2

The results of this survey will guide Arts Lab discussions and contribute to the final ’2012 Arts Lab Report: The Business of Youth Arts in Toronto’, which will be made available to those working in the sector.

Given the valuable work that you do I hope that you will be able to join us for this exciting event, or send a representative in your stead.  We appreciate your voice and your input!”

RSVP to Ann Brokelman at abrokel@toronto.ca and for more information, please get in touch with Susan Kohler, Senior Arts Consultant.

-submitted by Susan Kohler, Senior Arts Consultant, East District, Arts Services, Cultural Services Economic Development & Culture Scarborough Civic Centre

Youth Opportunity – EAST: Call to Musicians & those interested in Project Management! (Scarborough, ON)

“EAST is a three-year collaborative program that will operate from 2012 to 2015. The program will be embedded in three Scarborough neighbourhoods – Steeles-L’Amoreaux, Kingston-Gallowayand Scarborough Village. Scarborough youth between the ages of 16 and 21 will form two core collaborative groups: an Urban Music Collective and a Project Management Team. Working under the guidance of professional artists, event planners, communications professionals, local social service providers, youth outreach workers and peer mentors, the two distinct teams of youth will simultaneously undertake aspects of a major community music profile project.” To find out more about the EAST Collective, please visit http://scarborougharts.com/east/

-posted with permission from Jen D. Fabico, EAST Program Coordinator

Please see ArtBridges Google Map for more information.

Event: The Bridging Festival (Scarborough Arts, ON. August 24-25)

Towers, Trees & Creativity:
Scarborough Neighborhood Bridges Environment & Community with Arts Festival

“The Bridging Festival returns for a third year to the Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park (KGO) neighborhood, presenting free family-friendly arts and environmental activities.  Presented by Scarborough Arts, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), Park People, Live Green Toronto, East Scarborough Storefront, City of Toronto and in partnership with the recently launched Tower Neighbourhood Renewal project, this annual festival in Kingston-Galloway/Orton Park is a celebration of arts, environment and community.

The festival kicks off on the evening of Friday, August 24 at The East Scarborough Storefront, 4040 Lawrence Ave East, with an outdoor film screening, free baked goods and communal decoration of the site.  The festival continues on Saturday, August 25 with seven hours of family friendly fun.  In the parking lot of The Storefront and neighboring residential towers, attendees will be treated to a community BBQ, entertained with performances of dance, music and poetry, and invited to join in participatory arts activities organized by Scarborough Arts.

“Art is a great connector that can transcend all sorts of barriers – cultural, language, age, even physical.  We have been thrilled to see the variety of individuals and groups that came together at the first two Bridging events, and can’t wait to see what happens in 2012“. Tim Whalley, Executive Director, Scarborough Arts

Meanwhile, in the green space above and below the bridge, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) will be leading enviro-themed activities including an eco-scavenger hunt, making wildflower seed balls, and showcasing Highland Watershed Neighbourhood Greening Plans recently developed for three pilot project areas with community members.

“The local ravine, accessible through Morningside Park, is a perfect classroom for environmental education. This festival creates a fun opportunity for raising awareness of local biodiversity and actions we can each take to help improve the health of the Highland Creek and our local neighbourhoods.” – Keri McMahon, Project Manager, Toronto and Region Conservation

Inaugurated in 2010, The Bridging Festival is a community arts and culture festival which aims to bring communities together in this culturally vibrant neighbourhood while celebrating local leadership, creativity and diversity. Legacies from the first two events are still evident in the colorful murals painted on the pillars supporting underneath, and on the long concrete walls along the walkway on top of the Lawrence Avenue Bridge.  Photos and videos of the past events can be found here: http://scarborougharts.com/subtext-festival-2011-2010/

For the 2012 event, The Bridging Festival draws on a number of local resources:  the growing network of local residents involved in neighborhood revitalization through the Tower Neighborhood Renewal project, the vast green space of Morningside Park in the Highland Creek valley and the deeply rooted community networks of participating partners. Capitalizing on the universal appeal of music, art, food and nature, the festival aims to improve community spirit and engagement, create new local networks, support local artists and community members and improve the liveability of the area.

“The Bridging Festival is a great way to engage local community members, which is what the Tower Renewal project is all about –  bringing residents out of their high-rise apartments onto the street, where they can meet each other and get involved” – Jaime Elliott-Ngugi, Coordinator, Special Projects, East Scarborough Storefront

The Bridging Festival is generously supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage, City of Toronto, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Intact Financial Group. TRCA’s Highland Creek Neighbourhood Greening Project has been made possible through funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  The Tower Neighborhood Renewal project is funded through the United Way.

For more information, call 416-698-7322, email festivals@scarborougharts.com or visit www.scarborougharts.com“

Posted with permission from Tim Whalley, Executive Director at Scarborough Arts

Please see our ArtBridges Google map for more information.

Workshops: Arts.4.Equity Workshop Series (Toronto, July 23-27)

click photo to enlarge flyer .pdf

Harmony Movement, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services, Kaleidoscope and CARES present: Arts.4.Equity summer workshop series!

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people ages 10-18 to express issues of equity through the arts. Participate in diversity education workshops and choose from one of four art streams (photography/media arts, dance, visual art and performance art). Only 40 spots available!

Are you interested in social action? Do you want to learn how to use the arts to express your ideas? Do you believe in the power of youth voice? Apply to Arts.4.Equity! 

We are looking for 40 young people ages 10-18 to be a part of great summer program where you gain new art skills and participate in diversity education workshops to explore ideas about identity, stereotypes and social change.

Date & Time: Monday, July 23rd – Friday, July 27th. Workshops will run from 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Final showcase will be Tuesday, July 31st in the evening.
Location: AccessPoint on the Danforth – 3079 Danforth
Lunch will be provided

Apply to Participate by July 17, 2012: Fill out attached application form!

For more info, contact Sheena Resplandor at 416.385.2660 or sresplandor@harmony.ca”

-submitted by Cian Knights, Harmony Movement

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Event: Art in the Park (Scarborough Arts, July 7)

“Art in the Park is our annual, juried, community arts festival held outdoors in the beautiful parkland surrounding the Scarborough Arts building. This is one of our biggest events of the year, you don’t want to miss it!

On Saturday, July 7, 2012 artists will have the opportunity to spend the day by the bluffs, connect with the community, sell original work and engage in spontaneous discussion of ideas and practices. Art in the Park is a one-day event, family-friendly and free! Come experience the absolute charm of this highly anticipated event.

Expect to find: drawing, illustration, painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass works, original textiles, fibre arts and more!”

Posted with permission from Tim Whalley, Executive Director at Scarborough Arts

Please see our Google map for more information