BOX OF CULTURES
OFFERS NEW ARTS EXPERIENCES FOR NEWCOMERS AND IMMIGRANTS
The Box of Cultures project organizers are excited to announce five weekly arts experiences that newcomers and immigrants can attend for free beginning in early November.
The workshops include: Introduction to Philippine Folk Dance with Rose, Marimba Lessons with Chaka, Aztec Drumming and Dancing with Yessi, Belly Dance with Kala, and Introduction to the Gu Zheng with Oksana. All workshops will be offered at THE BOX at H’art Centre located at 237 Wellington Street in Kingston.
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.
“We have brought together a very friendly, diverse group of artist-instructors who are excited to be involved in the first year of this program for newcomers. We look very much forward to the creative collaboration that is about to take place in THE BOX,” said Barbara, manager of THE BOX at H’art Centre.
“For a recent immigrant in the Kingston Community having access to The Box of Cultures program provides a wonderful and unique opportunity to learn, share and sustain their cultural activities in a safe and inclusive space. Providing this opportunity will not only support newcomers in feeling welcomed, it will also develop a sense of belonging in their new community,” said Ruth Noordegraaf, coordinator of Kingston Immigration Partnership.
In each session, a peer mentor will guide a group of newcomers as they work toward a collaborative multicultural performance called “All Around the World in One Night” to be held in February.
The 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
Introduction to Philippine Folk Dance with Rose: Tuesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. beginning November 4th
Open Marimba Workshop: Tuesday evenings from 8-9 p.m. beginning November 4th
Aztec Drumming and Dancing with Yessi: Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. beginning November 5th
Belly Dance with Kala: Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. beginning November 6
Introduction to the Gu Zheng with Oksana: Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. beginning November 8th
For more detailed workshop dates, please download the program flyer by clicking the link below.
Box of Cultures Flyer – Register Now
Interested newcomers or immigrants should call Barbara at 613-545-1392 or email thebox@hartcentre.ca to register. Class sizes are limited. You can start any time.
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