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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. “ArtReach has been a fertilizer to grow my organization and my own personal skills.”  -Coordinator, ArtReach Toronto Funded Project 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

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”.