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Created by Tasneem Dairywala, Bring To Light is a stencil light painting program where youth in the Flemingdon and Thorncliffe Park area are able to design stencils inspired by images they feel cultural connections to. Bring To Light was influenced by Tasneem’s journey as an artist living in Canada. Inspired by her Pakistani roots, Tasneem wanted to shed light on stencil and decorative art, a form of art that is not often recognized or celebrated as such in North America. The lack of recognition and validation of this art form made it even more difficult for Tasneem and her work to be taken seriously, as it is a “craft is often seen as primitive, feminine and ‘other’ in the Western art world,” says Tasneem. Tasneem discovered that there is a cultural smudging in what is considered Canadian art due to colonization- art created by European men is labeled as art without hesitation, whereas other forms of art that don’t fit the Eurocentric status quo is oftentimes labeled as craft, resulting in the loss of its artistic integrity. The youth response to the project was positive. Tasneem found that they were engaged throughout the sessions and attended consistently every week. “Even their teacher was surprised at how involved they were.” said Tasneem. The project has allowed them to build new relationships with their peers, whilst learning a new way to express themselves. “I think creating spaces in which youth can form healthy relationships with their peers based on shared interests is crucial to building a strong community... so this project was definitely a success!” said Tasneem. The project is still running as Tasneem and the youth participants are in the planning stages of the final exhibit, to be held in May, that will showcase the art created throughout the program. Youth have felt empowered and have shown interest in assisting with the other programs offered. Tasneem is thinking of expanding different variations of the project, as the seniors within the community have also found an interest in the art form. “I feel like it’s a first step to building spaces in the community that support growing communities of artists... havens where differences are cherished, wild ideas are cultivated, and strong relationships are fostered.” said Tasneem. Being a member in the Flengdom Park community as well as an alumni of Marc Garneau Collegiate where the program runs, Tasneem has experienced how issues can easily form due to cultural differences. ArtReach’s grant has allowed Tasneem to “bring to light” these issues among her participants, as well as build her own confidence and self-esteem to apply for bigger grants and organize larger projects. ArtReach’s financial, educational and mentorship support has also inspired Tasneem to start her own non profit community arts organization in her community called Art Ignite. She says “Art Reach is helping make my community stronger and livelier and helping me build opportunities for young artists.” For more information on Bring To Light check out tasneemdairywala.com Author: Jessica Bentu

The Sounding Out! Project led by Lo, Tram, and Gau, is an online science fiction podcast project that provides a space where women, gender diverse youth, and spectrum-identified young people, can creatively navigate the complexities of their lives and re-envision social political change through creation, imagination, and storytelling. “We each love what the genre offers in terms of thinking about time and power in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” said Gau. The program, which was facilitated by esteemed Toronto writer Whitney French, took place throughout the summer months of 2017 at SKETCH Working Arts, and was welcomed positively by those who participated. Many of the participants stated that they made new connections and enjoyed being in an environment where they shared the same interests with their peers. The project’s mission originated from the results of the 2016 Trump election. Lo was set on making a community building environment for what she thought was a “dystopian present (and possible future)” happening. There was also strong interest in using technology as a rapidly changing art medium. These two themes were both important, and merged together for the purpose of the project. Based on prior team experience in community radio, the idea to do a podcast was a natural choice. Both Gau and Tram contributed to a community radio station (CKUT 90.3 FM) when they lived in Montreal, and Lo, alongside her design and screen printing work, had a growing interest in audio production. The Sounding Out space not only offered programming to individuals who had interests in fusing together science fiction and technology, but also offered folks who identify as femme, gender non-conforming, or as a member of the spectrum, a safe and welcoming space to create community, share ideas, and be creative.  “We received such a warm and encouraging response from folks, and many potential participants and community members referred their friends to the workshop through their personal networks”, said Lo. The space was a form of inspiration for these individuals to move one step closer to breaking barriers in a world where creative direction and development of science fiction storytelling doesn’t make room for these voices. “Sound and technology are predominantly white, male-dominated fields where we often feel unwelcome or not “good enough”, said Tram. In order to fund the project and get programming up and running, the team applied to and received a grant from ArtReach. ArtReach’s contribution was a key resource to the development of this project. As the team states, “This [grant] was not only a blessing, but a true learning lesson in disguise.” The Sounding Out team stated that the funding for this project allowed them to learn about launching a project and the work it took behind the scenes to get things going. “We learned how to navigate a collective dynamic in our own special way, considering which of our varying capacities and specialities lent themselves best to facilitating and curating each stage of the workshop”, said the team. The project was a success, creating meaningful dialogue and providing a platform for voices of those who are not often represented in the world of science fiction. Currently, the Sounding Out! team hopes to expand the project, and are in talks of continuing to work with the community to create a bigger space for those interested. You can hear examples of podcasts created through this project on their website here. Author: Jessica Bentu

Limitless Designs, started by youth artist Saranka Parameswaran, is an aesthetics program that centers around teaching youth ages 13-18 about the practices of henna, nail design, and makeup. It’s primarily targeted to women of colour, and offers a safe space where youth can discuss anything from personal issues to future aspirations. Saranka says that for participants, the group “became a portal to a world of creativity, empowerment, and safety.” When Saranka discovered ArtReach, she found what she needed to bring her project vision to life. In 2017, she received the grant, and began her journey in developing Limitless. The youth response to the program has been clear, with their consistent participation in the program showing their eagerness to learn. Saranka’s program allows youth to access training to an art form that isn’t commonly treated as an art form, or taught much in community settings. Aesthetic art is usually associated with females and is rooted in non- Western traditions. Through engaging this form of art, it gives youth the opportunity to learn to express themselves in new and “alternative” ways. Youth have especially appreciated the program’s ability to connect aesthetic arts to their cultural backgrounds. “I have also come to know that many of the participants do henna for religious and cultural events, just like me! They are excited to show their families the new techniques and designs they’ve learned through Limitless Designs,” says Saranka. “Aesthetic arts may not be as popular as other art forms, but they can open up doors to new possibilities,” says Saranka. The project served as a catalyst for the youth involved to become more self-motivated to find jobs in the future, as they realized “the possibility of turning their hobbies and passions into an economic opportunity.” The growth journey of the project also affected the Saranka herself. The project helped her elevate her leadership skills and become a role model for her community. “I have a huge responsibility, to inspire the next generation of leaders, who will work to strengthen the community,” said Saranka. In the future, Saranka hopes to bring on more professional tutorials, meet with more aesthetic artists, and allow youth to gain a deeper understanding about these art forms. “I also hope to add more participants and a have a longer time frame for the program”, Saranka adds. Author: Jessica Bentu

ArtReach was successfully launched on August 22, 2006, at the youth-run Whippersnapper Gallery. 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, and helping ArtReach to develop the first iteration of its iconic logo. See photos from the event here. 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 have been 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, 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 affect long-term change. That’s what ArtReach is all about…” Eleven years, $3.2 million in grants distributed, 3,500 workshop attendees, 400+ youth artists funded, and 600,000+ community members reached through our funded projects- and ArtReach is still out here hustling. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person’s full circle by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Head to artreach.org/donate to learn how.

Domanique Grant has been singing for as long as she can remember. By the age of fourteen, Domanique also showed a budding interest in theatre, writing and performing with the Elevated Grounds organization. It was through funded group, Elevated Grounds, that Dominique was introduced to ArtReach Toronto. Dominique began performing at ArtReach events, and was soon immersed in a young community of artists, creators and appreciative audiences. Domanique began to realize the opportunity for growth that came from being part of that community. “There’s so much work that goes into being an artist and doing the administrative work takes away from time spent being creative. You need a team of people to help you”. Dominique found the support she needed through ArtReach’s 2013 Cultural Careers workshop series. “When you’re an artist, you’re usually doing things on your own and paying a lot of money to get things done. The workshops help you avoid spending money on things that are not necessary or efficient.” In addition to learning about the day-to-day business of being an artist, Domanique also picked up some vital lessons on music ownership- and the networks and skills gained through the workshops have stuck with her. Since attending the Cultural Careers workshop series, Domanique has been successful in turning her passion for music and theatre into a full-time career. Among her many achievements, she’s received an artist grant from the Ontario Arts Council;  performed at many Toronto landmarks, including the Sony Centre, the St. Lawrence Centre, and inside the Olympic Athletes Village for the 2015 Pan AM Games, along with national and international venues; was cast in the Dora-nominated production The Grace Project: Sick; and in 2014, became one of the youngest ever recipients of a Black Canadian Award, to recognize her for outstanding contributions to community, music and humanitarian efforts. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person's full circle too, by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Visit www.artreach.org/donate to learn how.

At the beginning of 2013, a billboard tax was proposed and pushed forward by an alliance of diverse young artists and organizations called BeautifulCity. United around the cause of diversifying access to public space, they pushed for the funds to be distributed by the Toronto Arts Council, with a particular focus on engaging young people across Toronto, creating employment opportunities, and making Toronto a more attractive city. Hearing these needs, the Toronto Arts Council made a bold first step with the tax income- committing to an annual investment of $300,000 into one of Toronto’s most innovative youth arts organizations, Artreach! Each year, ArtReach grants these funds out to community-based arts initiatives that engage youth from underserved and marginalized populations in Toronto. These funds are not just an investment in ArtReach- they are an acknowledgement and legitimization of the new and emerging art forms being created by young artists, an increase in access to arts and culture programs for youth across Toronto, an opportunity to build capacity, and most importantly, these funds are a consistent investment into youth artists and community change-makers. The Toronto Arts Council was key a member of the Funders Collaborative that facilitated ArtReach’s creation in 2006, and reconnecting with this formative partner has been an incredible experience. By the end of our 2018 granting round, ArtReach will have distributed nearly $3.3 million dollars, with over half of these funds made available through this partnership. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person’s full circle by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Head to artreach.org/donate to learn how.

JAYU (JAYU Festival Inc.) is a registered charity that shares human rights stories through the arts and engaging dialogue. Since 2012, JAYU has used art to engage and empower communities, providing a platform for the world's most remarkable people- Indigenous youth, newcomer Syrian refugees, North Korean defectors, youth who have identified as homeless, and countless other populations, to share their human rights stories and lay the groundwork for positive social change. JAYU has offered rotating galleries that have been attended by more than 5,000 people, earning almost $10,000 in photo sales (with 100% of the profits going directly to youth participants and their families!); ran multiple rounds of the iAM Project, and other photography, filmmaking, and storytelling workshop series' to underserved youth populations; host the human-rights focused Hum Podcast series; and curate an annual Human Rights Film Festival, drawing thousands of attendees. In 2014, JAYU received their first grant- $10,000 from ArtReach to run the Hashtag Photography project. Only four years later, and JAYU has received three ArtReach grants, with Executive Director Gilad Cohen also going on to become a member of our Grant Review Team, and in 2018, will join the ArtReach Steering Committee. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person's full circle too, by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Visit www.artreach.org/donate to learn how. The iAM Gallery is running now until January 7th, 2018 at Daniel’s Spectrum. Click here to learn more.

On Thursday October 30th, 2014, ArtReach and City of Toronto Cultural Services, in partnership with the RBC Royal Bank and The United Way, were proud to present the 2014 Youth Arts Pitch Contest. You can check out photos here. The 2014 Pitch Contest was hosted at the Scarborough Civic Centre, 2014’s Toronto Cultural Hotspot, and was hosted by the amazing Femi Lawson and Kayla Greaves. Judges included Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, Bryan Brock, Jalani Morgan, Tara Muldoon, and Caroline Mangosing. Our eight finalists for 2014 were: XyXv Photo, Jellytoofly, Black Like We, Wild Moon Jewelry, Alien Nation, PIQUE Toronto, and Corex Creative. Spotlight on runner up in the Creative Enterprise category, Corex Creative, run by the incomparable Dwayne Holness. In 2014, Corex was still a fledgling organization, with Dwayne hustling to develop his entrepreneurial skills and build his own company out of his years as a successful photographer. Fast-forward to Corex as of the biggest up-and-coming digital media production companies in Toronto, and the lead videographer at ArtReach events, including the 2016 and 2017 Youth Arts Pitch Contests. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person’s full circle by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Head to artreach.org/donate to learn how.

Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere (RISE) is a community led by youth, comprised of artists, activists, free-thinkers and revolutionaries, that provides opportunities and spaces for youth to develop artistically, personally, and spiritually. RISE comes from a place of love, social consciousness and political engagement. Together, they help to create a safe and welcoming platform for self-expression and healing through the performance arts. See Randell's testimonial on ArtReach here. RISE has provided: opportunities for young emerging artists to deliver and participate in high-quality personal and professional development workshops; multiple ‘Edutainment’ conventions, an initiative to help bridge the gap between emerging and professional artists; the to the ability for youth to showcase their work across the GTA in schools, community settings, and through their annual 416RISE event; and RISE Mondays; an incredibly successful weekly platform for new, emerging, and professional artists to express themselves. RISE, started by community legend Randell Adjei, began as a small, intimate group of 20 youth informally sharing their poetry and stories, and in 2012, they successfully applied for their first grant- $6,100 from ArtReach to fund a Poetry Workshop series. Fast-forward five years, two additional ArtReach grants, and an outpouring of community support and love, and by 2017, RISE has seen 219 successful RISE Mondays, 2,218 artists on stage, and 16,830 attendees. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person's full circle too, by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Visit www.artreach.org/donate to learn how.

This event, held on January 19, 2016, was hosted by Paulina O'Kieffe, spoken word artist and Director of ArtReach, and Randell Adjei, spoken word artist and founder of RISE Edutainment, with special guest Councillor John Filion, Mayor's Advocate for the Arts. We were also joined by special guest Andrea Raymond-Wong, Community Cultural Coordinator, Arts Services, Toronto Arts & Culture. The Town Hall was an opportunity for youth artists and arts groups to learn more about the City of Toronto's arts initiatives and to discuss issues impacting the youth arts community. The event was organized by the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy (TYES), AVNU (a collaborative providing workshops, mentoring and network opportunities made up of: ArtReach, Toronto Youth Cabinet, GYC, Neighbourhood Arts Network, Nia Centre for the Arts, Manifesto, Sketch, and Schools Without Borders), and RISE Edutainment. Check out event photos here! ArtReach was born out of conversations like this one- now it’s our turn to host discussions for the next generation of youth artists. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person’s full circle by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Head to artreach.org/donate to learn how.

As one of the biggest urban arts festivals in Canada, it’s difficult to imagine a time when $5,000 was a lot of money for the Manifesto festival. Yet as a fledgling organization in 2007, winning the ArtReach Youth Arts Pitch Contest meant a series of firsts for the festival. This cash prize allowed Manifesto to receive their first funding and stage their first large-scale event. At the time of the Pitch Contest, this ArtReach prize was the festival’s only form of non-sponsorship support. In Manifesto’s Pitch Profile, Founder and former Executive Director Che Kothari says, “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 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.” After winning the Pitch Contest, Manifesto also went on to secure two ArtReach grants for their Festival, and for their workshop series Know Your Craft. Since supporting the first Festival in 2007, Manifesto has gone on to host 11 Festivals, showcasing over 1000 artists and putting over $1,000,000 into the hands of artists and young people. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person's full circle too, by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Visit www.artreach.org/donate to learn how.

Throwback to a 19 year old Paulina O'Kieffe, talking about the impacts of ArtReach on her life and community when she was just a budding youth artist and community grassroots leader. In 2006, the organization Paulina worked for, RHYME, was awarded a $10,000 grant from ArtReach to coordinate the GTA Neighbourhood Youth Slam Poetry Network, held in priority neighbourhoods with weekly workshops, and monthly youth Slams. Through ArtReach's early investment, Paulina is now fully seasoned as a community leader and artist, and a decade later, now sits as the Director of ArtReach. Paulina has also gone on to become the recipient of the Toronto Community Foundation's Vital People Award, recognized as one of the CBC's 150 Black Women Making Herstory, and has developed curriculum + taught slam poetry at the Harbourfront Centre, Toronto Boys and Girls Club, Delisle Youth Services, Canadian Stage, Lakeshore Arts, Lost Lyrics, Words by the Water, Afrochic, various TDSB locations, and Art Starts. Because of her experience as a young grantee, Paulina is making sure that the same investment opportunities are being given to the next generation of youth artists and community leaders. Talk about coming full circle. You can help invest in a young person's full circle by donating to our $20 to 20 Campaign. Head to artreach.org/donate to learn how.

A Letter From ArtReach's Director: In 2007 as a young and highly-driven youth, I was part of a poetry collective which would become one of the first recipients of an ArtReach Grant. We received $10,000 from ArtReach to deliver poetry workshops in schools and create an anthology of works penned by our students. Fast forward to the end of 2017, and not only have I gone on to become an award winning spoken word artist who has taught poetry to thousands of children, youth, and adults across Canada, I also have the honor of holding the position of Director at the very organization that gave me my first chance to pursue my passions and give back to my community. As the Director of ArtReach, I continue to be humbled by the meaningful impact that ArtReach continues to have on communities through the delivery of programs, projects, and the development of young community leaders. For those of us who were shaped by ArtReach- whether it was through funding, attending workshops, or being mentored by staff- we know that ArtReach has given us so much, while asking so little in return. As our 12th anniversary approaches and I reflect on the work we have done and the work we hope to do in the future, I ask you now to support ArtReach by making a donation, and to continue to invest in building youth leaders, their arts projects, and the communities they serve. Although ArtReach began as only a pilot project, the love from community members, youth artists, organizational partners, funders, and a variety of devoted advocates has allowed us to operate for over ten years. With one successful decade already under our belts, we’re more excited than ever for our second! Between now and December 31st, we are launching our $20 to 20 campaign. With a donation as little as $20, you can help to power ArtReach’s second decade and help us continue to support amazing young people do amazing work in communities across the city. Don’t have $20 to spare? No problem. We welcome all donations and encourage you to Pay What You Can. Every little bit helps. All Donations over $10 will be eligible to receive a tax receipt. For donations of $1,000 or more donors will be recognized as ArtReach Ambassadors and featured on our website, with a special Thank You from our Team. Making a donation is easy: please click HERE to support ArtReach now. As you move through the next weeks of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas shopping, join me in making a gift to ArtReach, and help us continue to support young people in giving their communities the gift of high-quality, accessible arts programs and projects. Thank you for over a decade of love and support. With humble gratitude, Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony, ArtReach Director --- Options for Giving Card or Bank Withdrawal:Please click HERE to donate via card or to set up a bank withdrawalCheque:All cheques can be mailed to: ArtReach, a Project of Sketch Working Arts, 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 350, Toronto ON, M5V 3A8Cash:To pay with cash, please email info@artreach.orgNOTE: ArtReach is on Sketch's administrative platform- if you donate a receiptable amount ($10 or more), your tax receipt will be sent from Sketch Working Arts Click HERE to see 'The Evolution of ArtReach'!

This session is for those applying to the ArtReach's February 1, 2018 deadline. Information and grant writing tips from this workshop will be specific to the ArtReach application. You can read ArtReach's grant guidelines here to see if your idea is a fit. This interactive session will explore the basics of preparing a grant application for ArtReach's upcoming 2018 deadline. It will break down the main components of our application, including the proposal, work plan and budget; and will provide tips for creating a clear and concise application. The workshop will run from 6:00-9:00pm, with a Q & A session from 8:30-9pm. FACILITATORS Paulina O'Kieffe- Director, ArtReach Fonna Seidu- Project Manager, Photographer, Community Artist DETAILS Date: Tuesday, December 5th, 2017 Location: City Hall, Committee Room #3 (100 Queen Street West, Toronto) Time: Registration/ food at 5:45pm; workshop start time 6:00pm RSVP: HERE Note: This workshop is open to youth (13 to 29 yrs). Space for this workshop is limited so register today! Food and refreshments will be provided.