LRT
PROGRAMMING
The inaugural YYC/LRT program focused on decolonization and reconciliation through the Land Acknowledgement Project. It included workshops led by Nicole Tritter and myself, teachings by Knowledge Keeper Cheryle Chagnon Greyeyes, and artist talks by Indigenous artists Nicole Tritter, Tamara Cardinal, and Seth Dodging Horse. The program culminated in an exhibition at Contemporary Calgary, running from January 5 to February 12, 2022. Following this, Free Art Friday's (FAF) took place for six weeks, leading to programming in downtown West LRT. The ideas and execution of the programming were directly influenced by the conversations during the free artmaking sessions. It became clear that community art engagement should begin with addressing the needs of the community. To facilitate community growth through art engagement, artists and researchers must respond to the articulated needs of the community and work with them to develop engaging activities. FAF provided the foundation to put these principles into action.
Below are a selection of community programs of note. The full list of programming while in downtown West Calgary can be found here:
Past PROGRAMs
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Free Art Friday’s
free workshops with demonstrations by Bryan Faubert, 84 attendees over 6 workshops
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Street to Studio
A series of workshops providing graffiti/street and tattoo artists with the skills to establish careers as contemporary, professional artists. Studio workshops led me and Bramble Lee Pryde. Professional development and guest artist lectures.
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Racialized Immigrant Artist Program
a pilot study for PhD student Nürgul Balaç’s doctoral thesis study
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Drop-in Summer Art Workshops for Kids
free 2-hour children’s art workshop. Families were also introduced to programming at Contemporary Calgary and Central Library. Led by BFA/BEd student Sophie Garcia.
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CONTEMPORARY CALGARY FIRST THURSDAYS
Contemporary Calgary introduced visitors to YYC/LRT and the Community Quilt project. Invitations were offered to visit YYC/LRT that evening and create a square for the community quilt, led by me. Exhibition at Contemporary Calgary
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Western Canada High School After School Program
led by Esther Fung, BFA/BEd student, U of Calgary, for a directed study course in Community-Based Art.
Get in touch.
If you are interested in utilizing the LRT for your next event, We would love to hear from you. Fill out this quick form and we will be in touch soon. Looking forward to working together!