NEW INITIATIVE SEEKS FIVE INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS
H’art Centre and ISKA to assist performing artists who want to bring newcomers together through art and culture
Box of Cultures project organizers are seeking five international artists to lead free, weekly performing arts sessions for groups of newcomers beginning September 22nd.
Each international artist will guide a group of newcomers as they work toward a collaborative multicultural performance called “Around the World in One Night” to be held in February. Participating artists will receive an honorarium and after-hours or weekend access to Kingston’s inclusive performing arts space, THE BOX.
H’art Centre and Immigrant Services of Kingston and Area (ISKA) have partnered for the Box of Cultures project. It offers newcomers and foreign residents the opportunity to practice their cultural activities in an affordable, available and accessible space. It is part of a continuing effort by the organizations to remove barriers so more people can participate fully in the arts, culture and community.
“I see this project as an opportunity for people to learn more about the cultures, diversity, and groups that make up our community. Artists and participants will showcase their heritage through music, dance, theatre, and more,” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre.
“The Box of Cultures does not only provide immigrant artists in the Kingston community to share their talents and further develop their skills. It also enables participants to explore the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that the Kingston community has to offer,” said Ruth Noordegraaf, coordinator of Kingston Immigration Partnership.
Box of Cultures is supported by the generosity the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area, Jim Brown and Joan Lee, Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. For more information, please visit the website at: www.otf.ca
Project representatives will answer questions at a booth at the Kingston Multicultural Festival at Confederation Park in downtown Kingston on September 7th from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Interested international artists are invited to attend an information session at THE BOX inclusive arts space at 237 Wellington Street on September 11th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Applications forms will be available at the meeting and at the bottom of this post. (Note: the application deadline for this program has now passed. Thank you to everyone who applied).
Be sure to watch for other announcements about this initiative! The best way is to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Boxofcultures
If you have questions before the festival or meeting, please do not hesitate to contact the organizers at boxofcultures@gmail.com or by calling 613-545-1392.