Tonight I watched a year-end “graduation” showcase of fashion, singing, dancing, spoken word and expression.
ArtReach Toronto is a program designed to support arts initiatives that engage youth who have experienced exclusion in under-served areas of Toronto.
I think it is a great opportunity for youth to get a chance to experience what art and creativity can do for them. I really enjoyed the spoken word pieces. One was a man’s poem entitled “Mr. Immigration Officer” he very passionately expressed the power an immigration officer has over a new immigrant and the kind of racism they experience. The second one was one side of a conversation of a catholic school girl’s experience identifying her sexuality, it was both eye opening and humorous. Another man read excerpts from his book in progress about his experiences as a fourth generation Japanese Canadian. All pieces were well prepared and thoughtful.
It was all amazing and inspiring.