ArtReach Youth Arts Pitch Contest 2010
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ArtReach Toronto, in partnership with Manifesto, City of Toronto Cultural Services and Toronto Community Housing, invite you to participate in a pitch contest for a $5,000 prize! If you are a young artist or a group of artists, between the ages of 16 and 24, we want to hear from you!
We want to discover and support some of Toronto?s finest artistic talent, and encourage community participation through the arts!
The arts are a powerful and motivating way that youth can be involved in their communities. Whether it's in someone's basement, or through a community program, young people are creating art all over this city. ArtReach Toronto, Manifesto, City of Toronto Cultural Services, and Toronto Community Housing want to support youth to pursue their aspirations in the arts.
We invite you to submit your ideas to us, which could land you a spot in front of our esteemed panel of judges for a live and interactive pitch contest!
To apply you must be:
· An artist or part of a group of artists
· Between the ages of 16 and 24
· Developing an artistic project or are serious about your arts initiative
ArtReach Toronto encourages artists working in a broad range of art forms to apply, including dance, drama, music, carnival and circus, film and video, TV and radio, new media, fashion, creative writing, visual arts, crafts, hip hop, design, multi-media, urban arts and more.
Prizes
Nine lucky submissions will be chosen to pitch their ideas live on Monday, September 20, 2010 for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes awarded to participants in the following categories:
· Community Youth Arts Groups (i.e. theatre groups, collective of filmmakers)
· Individual Artists (i.e. singers, poets, MC?s)
· Youth Arts Entrepreneurs (i.e. clothing designers)
The application is available online at:
http://themanifesto.ca/submissions/pitch-contest/
If you prefer to send in your application package by mail, or in person, please drop it off between Monday and Friday (9am and 5pm) to the address below:
Mail / Drop-off Address:
Youth Arts Pitch Contest
ArtReach Toronto
C/O Laidlaw Foundation
365 Bloor St East, Suite 2000
Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
***Deadline for Entries: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 5:00pm***
If you have any questions, please feel to email us at info@artreachtoronto.ca or call shahina at 416.964.3614 ext. 314
ARTREACH TORONTO: YOUTH ARTS PITCH CONTEST
::View photos from Youth Arts Pitch Contest::
And the Winners Are…
ArtReach Toronto, in partnership with Manifesto, City of Toronto Cultural Services and Toronto Community Housing Corporation hosted a Youth Arts Pitch Contest on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Whippersnapper Gallery – a Toronto-based youth art collective and hub for young talent.
This event provided young artists, aged 16-24, with the opportunity to pitch their artistic and entrepreneurial ideas to a live and interactive panel of judges including Canadian Idol’s Farley Flex, Nawa Simon (ArtReach Toronto Grant Review Team, Actress, Dancer), Rich Kidd (Rapper, Producer), Sorah Ola (Host, SUN TV's Street Eats), and Adrian McKenzie (Co-Publisher / Creative Director, Urbanology Magazine). The pitch contest is part of ArtReach Toronto’s commitment to innovation in providing young artists with resources and support to pursue their artistic goals. It is an opportunity to fund new and emerging arts forms such as fashion arts, while also supporting youth arts entrepreneurs who often find securing funding challenging.
Of the many applicants, eleven finalists were short-listed and invited to attend a workshop called “How To Make a Pitch”. At the pitch contest, hosts FAMOUS and Hustlegirl allotted five minutes to each group to deliver a pitch that would inspire and excite the panel of industry leaders. The groups were competing for three $5000 cash prizes in the following categories: “Individual Artists”; “Community Arts Groups” and “Youth Arts Entrepreneurs”. In addition to compelling pitches, other entertainment included performances by DJ Dalia, an open mic session and an array of artistic, musical, dance, theatre, spoken word and literary arts performances. David Lawrence took home a pair of Raptors tickets for his incredible performance during the open mic and ArtReach Toronto Program Manager, Shahina Sayani, won the hearts of all attendees with a moving Bollywood dance performance.
The finalists were recognized for their creative and inspiring concepts and presentations. They include:
Individual Artist Category: Memo (Spoken Word)
2nd Place: Sun
3rd Place: Yiwei Hu, Redway, KG Makaglo
Community Arts Group Category: Rated Inc (Dance)
2nd Place: Nomanzland
3rd Place: Miles Turner
Youth Arts Entrepreneur Category: N.I.S.E. (Fashion Clothing)
2nd Place: Nicolas Denny
3rd Place: Trisha Henson
Thanks go to all of our sponsors for supporting this initiative; Gully Klassics, Hightop, Royalz Clothing, WIT Solutions, Urbanology Magazine, Peter Franco Sneakers, Bene-Fete, The Tech Zone, c*mango design, Moog Audio, Stolen From Africa, Big-It-Up, Good Boy Clothing, Manifesto One City Series and Musebox.
Learning Circle Event
“ArtReach has been a fertilizer to grow my organization and my own personal skills.”
– Coordinator, ArtReach Toronto Funded Project
On March 11, 2009, members of all ArtReach Toronto-funded projects were invited to participate in a Learning Circle event at the youth-run Whippersnapper Gallery. The purpose was to bring together all the projects funded by ArtReach Toronto to share stories, network and to discuss ways the program has supported benefited them as individuals, as well as their communities.
David MacCoy of First Leadership Ltd worked alongside two coordinators of ArtReach funded projects, members of the Grant Review Team and the ArtReach program manager to design the agenda and the process for the 45 young attendees. Appreciative Inquiry, an engagement approach that aims to encourage imagination, innovation and flexibility, and build on existent positives was the approach used. Two ArtReach Toronto grantees, Helena Shimeles (Young Diplomats) and Mario Murray (Beatz to da Streetz), were trained in the application of Appreciative Inquiry by the evaluator and facilitated the event.
Shahina Sayani, Program Manager, kick-started the event by reviewing feedback from the 2007 Learning Circle event and updating participants on changes already implemented to improve the ArtReach Toronto program. For example, at the previous Learning Circle people expressed an appreciation for the youth arts information that ArtReach used to forward to artists throughout the week however, they requested that the information be compiled and sent out weekly. As a result, ArtReach developed a weekly mailer called “Post-it” - a collection of information about youth arts events, funding, workshops, job opportunities and much more. Currently, approximately 1000 young artists, youth arts organizations, youth groups, funders and various stakeholders subscribe to “Post-It”.
Participants reported that overall their ArtReach experience had been positive and supportive. Of those that completed a survey, over 90% reported increased confidence as artists, increased number of positive relationships, as well as increased engagement in community activities and connections to other artists. Similarly, over 90% reported that they received valuable advice and support from ArtReach staff and found the workshops to be helpful. A common concern that arose was finding solutions to lack of core funding to keep these organizations and initiatives afloat so these young leaders can continue to do the work they have started. Some grantees described ArtReach as a “bridge” that shortens the gap between them and arts councils as well as other funders.
When asked what they value most about ArtReach Toronto, the most common responses were capacity building and technical supports, dedication to young artists, provision of feedback on grants applications), working from the “inside-out” as a change agent, and feeling trusted. Participants cited that the biggest impacts of ArtReach on them were included being taken seriously, having the ability to make art for a living, as well as having access to resources and skill building opportunities (i.e. grant writing supports). The youth artists wished for more jobs and opportunities to connect them to jobs in the arts sector; increased security and sustainability; concrete connections to other funders; increased organizational development and having ArtReach as a permanent trailblazer in the funding community.
The event was a great success and ended on a high note with an inspiring discussion about the groups’ most exciting outcomes which included the ability to transform ideas to projects, personal growth, increased life skills, and witnessing real change in ArtReach funded program participants.
“Young people in our organization, who are part of the program now, as opposed to calling themselves marginalized, underprivileged and at-risk.. instead of identifying themselves with these labels, they are now calling themselves artists.”
– Coordinator, ArtReach Toronto Funded Project
ARTREACH TORONTO: LEARNING CIRCLE EVENT
::View photos from Learning Circle Event::
On November 14, 2007 all 34 funded-projects of ArtReach Toronto were invited to participate in an evaluation event held at the youth-run Whippersnapper Gallery. The purpose of the event was to gather more information on the experiences and needs of the funded groups, and provide them funding information, resources and an opportunity for networking.
Approximately 60 people attended the event, and most were young artists and participants of ArtReach funded-projects. The event began with “funder speed dating” and also involved small group work and larger discussions facilitated by a youth from an ArtReach funded-project. Performances by 3 funded-projects were held in the break and at the end of the day. A networking dinner ended off the session.
The first activity was a practice in networking and forming relationships with the Arts and Youth funding community. “Funder stations” were set up with groups of approximately 3-4 youth at each station. Groups moved to each station where the funders had four minutes to describe their programs, the types of projects they fund, and answer quick questions. This activity gave ArtReach funded projects a chance to meet face to face with other funding bodies and start a dialogue on how their ideas and projects could be supported further. The following funding organizations were present: Youth Challenge Fund, Toronto Enterprise Fund, Laidlaw Foundation, Toronto Culture, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The whole group participated in a discussion on their experience with ArtReach Toronto. A learning circle participant and youth leader from an ArtReach-funded project facilitated a discussion with the whole group to explore and document people’s wishes for ArtReach, their experience with the applications process, their contact with ArtReach and their thoughts on the workshop series.
Wishes for ArtReach included that it be “self sufficient” and hold a place at major decision making tables. Groups asked that the workshop series be documented and made available on-line. The group was also interested in more events such as the ArtReach Toronto Pitch Contest, supported by Toronto Culture, and held at the Ignite Youth Arts Forum on June 12, 2007, as well as a showcase in order to reconnect with all the groups present in a setting that celebrated the diversity of art forms they practice.
Participants expressed that their contact with ArtReach was personal, open, respectful and authentic. “It’s what it should be like” said one participant, “that support had a huge impact on us because it was genuine and tailored for my needs”.
Groups also said that they found the workshop series useful in that it provided information on other kinds of grants, provided printed material and linked them to people working in the youth arts sector with real relevant experience, people who understood the challenges and needs because they had been through the process themselves.
The next activity explored the experiences of artists and leaders in the projects that they ran. In small participant-led groups of ArtReach-funded project staff, artists and program participants, everyone wrote down their top high points, the impact they felt their projects had, what they valued the most about them and their wishes for their projects in the future. Each point was posted on the wall and all participants were asked to place a sticker beside the 3 points that were of the highest importance to them.
“I loved that discussion” said one participant. “So many people in the room have similar amazing experiences with their projects and really believe in what they were doing. We also faced many of the same struggles trying to make our ideas happen. It’s really validating being part of this community and seeing everyone here together. Straight up, ArtReach is an institution that supports the people and ideas that it says it supports”.
So what did people say about their experiences? High points with the most stickers ranged from “performing internationally”, “getting a review in NOW magazine” and “getting the grant” to “learning from and teaching youth”, “getting the chance to be a leader” and “transforming a life”. Groups also saw their impact on their neighborhoods by noting that they had actively encouraged youth entrepreneurship, created a space for expression and really mobilized their community.
The things that were marked as the highest in value included “positivity”, “breakthroughs”, “seeing self sufficient youth in the work force actually doing what they want”, “building relationships and developing leadership’, “seeing the youth’s artistic vision physically manifest” and of course, “the youth in our programs”.
What do ArtReach funded groups wish for? It all has to do with the ability to keep growing, creating and moving forwards. People expressed the importance of the longevity of their projects and having access to space. Groups want to be connected with active listeners from policy and funding community, and the opportunity to be at the decision making table. Why? More security would mean a chance to be self reliant and have time to do what we do best: ART!
Governor General of Canada and ArtReach Toronto Host Event to Support Young Artists
::View photos from Governor General Event::
On April 28 2007, ArtReach Toronto hosted a meeting with the Governor General of Canada and young artists at the Whippersnapper Gallery in Toronto, a youth-run gallery funded by ArtReach. The event was an opportunity for Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean to discuss the importance of the arts in the lives of young people.
Over 100 young artists from across the City of Toronto attended the event. The Governor General participated in a discussion with invited guests on the needs of young artists and the importance of the arts in young people’s lives. The event concluded with a short set of performances by singer Mario Murray, aka The Voyce, spoken word artist Samatar and a video presentation by Schools Without Borders, all involved in projects supported by ArtReach Toronto.
“This event was an amazing opportunity for young artists to come together to share their experiences, innovative practices, and to discuss their challenges and needs with the Governor General of Canada,” said Shahina Sayani, ArtReach Program Manager. “It is important that the voices of youth are heard and that the work they are doing in our communities is valued.”
The discussion focused on the ways in which art can be used to improve life in our neighbourhoods and highlighted the critical importance of the arts as a means of expression, release, connection, and creative outlet for participants. Those in attendance included young leaders who are running arts projects that are changing lives across the city. Political representatives also attended, including Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers, and representatives from cultural industries including Factor and CBC.
The critical need for funding to support youth arts was central to the discussion, as well as the need for capacity building supports, and access to training, mentorship, space and production facilities. .
Participants spoke of the need for more youth arts creation and performance spaces that are accessible, safe and promote creativity and community. The discussion also showed strong support for collaboration through developing stronger connections across communities and working together.
Other themes included the importance of role models and mentors, and the importance of creating opportunities for youth in a range of careers related to the cultural industries. Business and entrepreneurial skills are important for youth working in urban arts.
The message that art can save lives came through strong, as many participants told personal stories about the importance of art in their lives. As one participant put it: “Never, ever give up – when you show that you have the ability to be successful, everybody wants to jump on board.”
The Governor General is a passionate advocate for youth arts, and was moved by the discussion. She is working towards spreading the message that youth arts is important to community building, a guiding principle of ArtReach Toronto.
And the Winners Are…Pitch Contest Creates Opportunities for Youth to Pursue Their Artistic Ambitions
ArtReach Toronto, in partnership with City of Toronto Culture, awarded 3 prizes of $3,000 each to groups of youth involved in community-based arts projects. The event was part of the Ignite: Youth Arts Forum, held at the Gladstone Hotel on June 12 and 13.
A series of young artists made high-energy pitches in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including Canadian Idol’s Farley Flex, and ArtReach grant review team members Sarah DeCarlo, Michael Murray and Nawa Nicole Simon.
The winners of the pitch contest were recognized for their creative and inspiring proposals to develop community arts projects in their neighbourhoods. The lucky winners included: Phase1 Step Team, Travis A. Blackman, and Manifesto.
Each of the winners pitched their own unique projects. Phase 1 Step Team is an all female step dance group based in Scarborough, Travis Blackman is an individual artist creating a book for youth that spreads a message of positivity, and Manifesto is a festival bringing together youth involved in urban arts form from across the city.
According to Che Kothari: "Manifesto was thrilled by the opportunity of being a part of the ArtReach pitch contest, and we were extremely honoured to be chosen as a recipient from all of the amazing groups that presented.”
“We have already put a portion of the funds into a fundraising event for Alexandra Park Community Centre in June and the remaining money will be used towards another fun day in Alexandra Park promoting homegrown music and arts talent during our 4-day festival taking place September 20th-23rd. We really hope that more pitch contest like this can take place; this is where creative ideas and projects can come to life, where groups can expose themselves to a wide and attentive audience, where people in the audience can get inspired to start up their own initiatives, and where motivated groups and individuals can get the financial support to help see their projects come to fruition....and it's all in good fun! From everyone involved with Manifesto, BIG UP ARTREACH, it's a blessing for the city to have you."
The panel of judges selected the three winners from a short-list of eight, all of whom had five minutes on stage to make a creative and dynamic arts performance for the judges. The winners each received $3,000 to develop their ideas into arts programs in their neighbourhoods that will engage community members in the process and the project.
“The arts are a powerful and motivating way that youth are involved in their communities," says Farley Flex, one of the judges on the pitch contest panel. "Whether it's in someone's basement, or through a community program, young people are creating art all over this city. We want to discover and support some of Toronto's finest artistic talent and encourage community participation through the arts."
The other finalists were: Jeramy Henry (KB), Josue Maya, Children’s Peace Theatre, Freedom Clothing, rad (random acts of dance).
The pitch contest is part of ArtReach Toronto’s and the City of Toronto Culture’s commitment to support the meaningful engagement of Toronto youth, who have experienced exclusion, through active participation in quality arts opportunities.
Launch of ArtReach Toronto Funding Program
::View photos from ArtReach Launch::
ArtReach Toronto was successfully launched on August 22, at the youth-run Whipper Snapper Gallery. The event was well attended by over 150 young people, community organizations, youth workers and funders.
Those in attendance were surrounded by art created by young people, representing a range of art forms. A showcase of young artists was presented, including: the Trethewey Youth Photography project, The S.T.E.P. U.P. dub poetry collective, DJ Michael Murray, and Colanthony Humphrey performing a live graffiti demonstration.
Special guest speakers included Amina Yassin-Omar, Chair of the Grassroots Youth Collaborative (GYC), a collective of culturally and racially diverse youth-led organizations, working in under-served communities. GYC was consulted on the design of ArtReach Toronto. Amina shared how pleased the GYC are that many of their key recommendations were implemented, including giving priority to youth-led initiatives.
Hip hop producer and songwriter Solitair spoke in support of the program and on the broader topic of youth engagement through the arts. He delivered a message from one of Canada’s most successful hip hop artists, Kardinal Offishall: “I am glad that art is once again being recognized as a strong component for our youth's future. I am proud to havebeen one of the many artists who feel that a change is needed, and this is a great start.” Solitair relayed a message from Kardinal about his positive experience with the Fresh Arts program of the 80’s, why arts programs are needed in Toronto, and how the arts are a great way to engage youth.
Shahina Sayani, program manager for ArtReach Toronto, spoke about her passion for the new initiative, because it recognizes the potential in young people. Shahina said: “It appreciates different forms of art for having value in and of itself – that arts lets you express yourself and be who you are. It also recognizes the power of using art as a tool to engage the most hard-to-reach youth”. She concluded with saying, “…it’s investing in youth, believing in them and supporting and empowering them to do what needs to be done that will effect long-term change. That’s what ArtReach Toronto is all about…”
Young artists who participated in the event spoke out in support of the new program that values the participation of young artists in all aspects of the granting process, “WHIPPERSNAPPER GALLARY WAS OFF THE HOOK! It was more than just an outreach - it was people coming together and realizing that the youth are the future and we can accomplish great things by doing what we do best and that’s getting out there and getting LIVE! Thanks to ArtReach Toronto for having S.T.EP.U.P. perform and get out there with our goods”. (HTTP://DUBPOETSCOLLECTIVE.BLOGSPOT.COM/)
ArtReach Toronto, created from a collaborative of all three levels of government, and community and arts granting organizations, is designed to support arts projects that engage youth. Over the next three years, ArtReach Toronto will provide more than $1.2 million for projects that encourage creative expression and that foster meaningful youth engagement in under-served areas of Toronto. Funding partners who developed the new collaborative fund include the Department of Canadian Heritage, United Way of Greater Toronto, Laidlaw Foundation, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Community Foundation Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Ministry of Culture, City of Toronto and Toronto Community Housing Corporation.