First Ever National Youth Arts Week Launch

The launch of National Youth Arts Week at Cinecyle earlier this month was a collage of expression and a celebration of progress in the arts community for giving a voice to youth through artistic outlets. The week-long event, created by the Arts Network for Children and Youth and the Michaëlle Jean Foundation featured workshops, activities, competitions and opportunities to network and showcase the youth art across Canada. It all kicked off with a night of creativity.

Robin Sutherland, general manager of the Arts Network For Children and Youth says that National Youth Arts Week is an advocacy opportunity to showcase young artists and the importance of art for youth and communities.

“It’s really important for youth to be able to engage in art in the community so that they can make positive social change in their own communities and also better their own lives through art and participating in art-making activities and creative expression. It’s a really wide breadth of art that we use… National Youth Arts week is to showcase the kind of work that’s being done across Canada on a national scale and really raise awareness.”

The Cinecycle was transformed into a gallery as canvases by Canadian artists lined the walls, with interactive art stations, and clothing line displays. House of Whaps provided the music for the night as the colourful and creative guests networked and enjoyed the paintings, raffle and appetizers before host actress/director Nicole Stamp took to the stage.

The night began with performances by the Cameron family, three young siblings from the Oneida Nation who wowed the crowd with their tribal dances and intricate costumes. Dynesti Williams, a Toronto singer, rapper and spoken word artist, showcased her talent on stage. Dynesti runs her own non-profit arts organization, Dynesti Youth Productions, and says that she appreciates the opportunity National Youth Arts Week provides to network with other artists and says that these events are important to inspire youth, who are the future.

Honoured guests, Michaëlle Jean and Jean-Daniel Lafond excited guests with a motivational speech on the importance of art to our Canadian identity. “We wanted the whole country to know that this is happening, that it’s important, and that we wanted to raise awareness about the power of the arts,” the former Governor General said. “… [Art] is part of the creative and vibrant fabric of Canadian society and we need to be there to support these young people in action using arts for change.”