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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. - View photos from Governor General Event - 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 the 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.

ArtReach Toronto was successfully launched on August 22, 2006 at the youth-run Whipper Snapper Gallery. The event was well attended by over 150 young people, community organizations, youth workers and funders. - View photos from the event here - 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 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 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.E.P.U.P. perform and get out there with our goods”.