ICASC: FUTURES/forward
In 2020, I was selected as a mentee in the International Centre of Art for Social Change’s FUTURES/forward mentorship program. Over six months, I honed my skills as a community-engaged practitioner under the guidance of my mentor, Flick Harrison. Initially, I immersed myself in recorded workshops, absorbing various methodologies, observing facilitation techniques, and delving into the multifaceted world of Art for Social Change (ASC). Our monthly Zoom meetings, attended by esteemed and inspiring artists from across Canada, provided an unparalleled opportunity to deepen my understanding of the field and strengthen my facilitation foundations.
During my residency, I developed three distinct programs, each tailored to different demographics and exploring unique approaches to environmental stewardship. My search for collaborative partners led me to a partnership with the Alternatives Gallery and Studio—a collective that supports artists with developmental disabilities in East Vancouver. I was able to start facilitating the first sessions of my Interconnected Program which allowed me to put my passion into practice. Despite pandemic restrictions, I facilitated this project via Zoom. Initially, I worried that the virtual format would hinder the connective experience. However, thanks to Cindy Mateush’s dedication in setting up a mobile unit with multiple monitors, the sessions felt surprisingly intimate, and the program was a great success.
This mentorship was supported by grant funding from: BC Arts Council, Judith Marcuse Projects, the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada.
