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A new initiative of the Municipal Cultural Action Plan is taking art to the community. The Artists in Community Initiative partners local organizations with an artist to sponsor a variety of creative community workshops. The goal is to nurture artists while expanding the reach of arts beyond the existing arts community in Prince Albert.
“Through this initiative we want to encourage our local artists to expand their knowledge and experience but also connect art with new people,” said Jesse Campbell, Coordinator for the Initiative. “We are getting outside our traditional spaces, connecting with organizations that may not otherwise have a robust arts focus and sharing creative pursuits with their clients.”
In addition to developing meaningful and long lasting relationships between artists and organizations, this initiative provides mentorship and learning for new artists. Lynda Monahan is a long-time Prince Albert artist and is serving as the lead artist in a mentorship role.
Key areas of mentorship include:
- helping artists connect with local organizations,
- determine how specific artistic practices can be created into workshops and projects,
- learning about accessing funding,
- developing and managing budgets,
- the importance of documentation,
- working with volunteers and administration; and
- learning how arts programming informs their own professional practice.
In 2021/2022 three artists are participating in the program:
Adreanna Boucher (theatre, drama)
Adreanna will be working with STR8 UP in 2022. This organization works with former gang members and their families, to help support individuals as they embark on a healthier path. Adreanna will be hosting workshops on improv, writing, presenting and sharing stories through public speaking.
Marcy Friesen (beading)
In 2021 Marcy worked with The Nest Drop-in Centre for persons coping with long-term mental illnesses and the Herb Bassett Home which provides long term care for the elderly, disabled or chronically ill. She is scheduled in November and December this year to work with Communities Building Youth Futures which engages youth in Prince Albert to identify and overcome barriers to success. Marcy hosts workshops on beading techniques to express different emotions, states of mental health and personal culture and identity.
Beth Gobeil (creative writing)
In 2021 Beth worked with YWCA Harmony Home which offers transitional housing for at-risk youth, Rendalyn Home which serves young, vulnerable mothers and the Arts Centre to hold a writing your life story program.
“The City’s Artists in Communities project is a springboard for future arts programming in our city and builds community by providing creative opportunities for everyone,” said Lynda Monahan, Artist Mentor. “I am so pleased to be a part of this initiative and I very grateful to the City for making it possible.”
The initiative is spearheaded by the Municipal Cultural Action Plan and is supported by funding through SK Arts, as well as host and partner organizations for specific programs and workshops.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Judy MacLeod Campbell
Arts and Cultural Coordinator
(306) 953-4825
Photo Credit: All My Relations Photography
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