Jun
sketch (sk-eh-t-ch) – a way of thinking
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sketch (sk-eh-t-ch) - a way of thinking, being and trusting, a way of healing and hoping, a way of seeing beauty and adventure, in ourselves, in each other and in the world
What?
SKETCH is a community arts initiative for young people who live street-involved and homeless based in downtown Toronto but creating opportunities across Canada.
Active since its small project conception on Queen Street West in Toronto in 1998, SKETCH has grown into a progressive learning framework practicing in their 6000 square foot cross-discipline studio environment now on King street or out in the community through events, exhibitions, performances or in their community gardens.
Engagement in the arts for youth means a space and tools to explore and express feelings, opinions and stories. It means some relief from the pressures of street life and allows youth to regain a sense of privacy and individuality.
The arts are great ways to learn and exchange transferable skills. They are also a unique and accessible way for youth who experience alienation to find a new way that they too can be a part of broader community, culture and social change.
Why?
SKETCH believes that every person is creative, and a carrier of stories, perspectives and abilities that can effect personal and social change. Our stories combine to make culture everyday. The more diverse the stories, and the more they connect together, the richer our culture becomes.
At SKETCH we are concerned that youth who live street involved and homeless are not recognized as significant contributors to culture. Their stories are often told for them, not by them. We believe there can be provocative and beneficial learning to society overall from youth who live homeless.
We celebrate their resilience and see them as co-creators of culture and society.
Why the ARTS?
Working in the arts increases self-esteem, strengthens resilience and invigorates a desire to learn more. Street involved and homeless youth often seek alternatives to traditional forms of education, therapy and skill building that allow them to determine their own individual pace of change.
The arts offer ways for all of us to question our biases and assumptions about one another. They are accessible, break down barriers and reduce isolation. A strong sense of voice and belonging in community elicits positive civic participation and inclusion in social change.
We celebrate how the arts can involve us all in transformation, the restoration of hope and the power to make choices about how we all want to live together.
How Sketch Operates
With great care and gratitude. Practicing within Harm Reduction, Anti-Oppression and Restorative Justice frameworks. Encouraging space and activity that is Violence free * Drug and Alcohol free * Insult free * Cooperative and Collaborative.
Opportunities at SKETCH
OPEN STUDIO
A self-directed skill building, drop-in style studio program that includes:
Animation with skilled volunteers * Painting and Drawing • Textile arts * Silk-screening & Printmaking * Photography * Video • Jewelry making * Clay * Bookbinding and more...
WOOD STUDIO
Carpentry * Industrial sculpture * Soapstone carving
MOVEMENT STUDIO
Kung fu * Yoga * Dance
MUSIC RECORDING STUDIO
Lessons * Jamming * Recording
ART FREE SCHOOL
Instructional skill building in various arts disciplines through one-time workshops or workshop series
FUTURE OPTIONS
Education Support * Apprenticeships * Vending • Exhibition and Commissions * Art promotion * Youth Artist Grants
COMMUNITY ARTISTS
Peer Educator Employment & Leadership
ART IN THE COMMUNITY
arts activities in the community with community partners
ART AND GARDEN
Garden to Community Kitchen
CONTACT SKETCH at
