“What a week we have planned and it’s not even March yet,” said Rihkee Strapp, community coordinator for National Youth Arts Week scheduled from May 1 to May 7, 2012.
National Youth Arts Week is a youth-led arts event that is happening simultaneously across Canada and is presented by the Arts Network for Children & Youth, a national non-profit organization.
This project, still being in its early stages of planning is already seeing many youth-led projects in the works that will have a deeply positive impact on the community at large.
They are seeing communities of support being built, beautification projects, statistical information being gathered and even job creation, which is really significant.
“We have mentors coming to Sault Ste. Marie who specialize in community arts, from a variety of backgrounds including performing arts, DJing, and photography,” said Strapp. “Connecting local youth with these experts will offer them new skills in things they are passionate about or even expose new talents and interests.”
On March 10 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. the Station Mall will be hosting the first information session for National Youth Arts Week.
The information session will allow youth ages 13 - 30, interested adults, and those just young at heart to learn more about how to plan their own events, get involved with projects already on the go, and meet their local coordinators.
“We want to let the community know what this week is about and the best way to show them is to showcase some of the talent we currently have onboard for the National Youth Arts Week.”
“The whole idea is to provide opportunity where there is little. We provided resources, guidance and direction to the youth and help them create their own project to add to the week; a project that will showcase their talent and passion,” said Strapp.
Events already planned for May 1 - 7 range from open-mic nights, craft workshops, photo-voice projects, public improv, book launches, tattoo art exhibitions, as well as beginning production on a large-scale mural in the downtown.
Another exciting project hoped to launch during the week is a cultural map of Sault Ste. Marie that will be accessible online for the public.
Not only will a cultural map of Sault Ste. Marie connect creative individuals with local cultural industries and facilities, but will provide invaluable information for city planners by revealing opportunities for growth in the arts sector.
You can also register for more information on the website www.YouthArtsWeek.ca or search for the group on Facebook.
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