Art is what makes us human. In our early life, we begin by communicating visually and artistically.
Arts education has been shown to provide multi-faceted benefits:
Your support of arts education at Art City Kids creates life-long learners and increases their positive social outcomes.
Art City is a registered Canadian charity, established by a group of local artists & educators who sought to create more resources for children in St. James Town.
We aim to make arts education accessible to communities made vulnerable by systemic barriers by providing arts programming & day camps completely free of charge to children & youth in St. James Town.
Since 2000, Art City Kids have created many public murals, art exhibitions & creative community projects that reflect the beauty, individuality, diversity & pride in our neighbourhood.
“WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE ALL KIDS GET TO EXPERIENCE THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL BENEFITS OF ART.”
Executive Director [she/her]
Heather brings a love of art and a passion for community development to her work leading Art City Kids operations and programs. She believes in the power of art to inform creative solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges.
Program Advisor [she/her]
Mekayla is an abstract painter and installation artist. She is devoted to planning exciting programming for Art City Kids, teaching them to use art as a means of expression and to help build their confidence.
Volunteer & Program Coordinator [she/her]
Lisa is a visual artist who works in illustration, painting, and sculpture. She is passionate about creating space for artistic expression at Art City Kids and believes art is a tool for deeper connection between people and with oneself.
President/Chair [she/her]
Lisa is passionate about co-creation of equitable and transformative solutions to foster positive social change. She provides strategic direction for multi-year, high-budget portfolios at the intersection of urban environmental, social, cultural, and economic needs.
Secretary [she/her]
Robin is a communications, policy and government relations strategist. She has over a decade of experience building creative solutions to complex challenges that drive social change and public good in the private, public and non-profit sectors.
Director [he/him]
Adam is committed to contributing to community. He is passionate about the role of art in instilling creativity and believes that equipping Art City Kids with creativity and critical thinking skills bestows invaluable life lessons for a successful future.
Director (previous Chair) [she/her]
Alia is an accomplished educator and researcher with a proven ability to use progressive educational practices. Her multi-media art practice uses language and images to explore the complexities of personal/private space, and the intersections of religion, language, and beauty.
Director [she/her]
Wing-Yee is a strong believer that creative approaches to problems are the key to a more equitable future. She believes in the power of food and art as universal connectors and is especially impassioned by solutions that intersect multiple areas of need, such as education access and food sovereignty.
Treasurer [she/her]
Annika loves supporting Art City Kids because of the smiles and positive impact it brings to her local community. She enjoys working with organizations who understand the importance of community and creativity skills in business.
Director [she/her]
Nouran is passionate about community volunteering and loves seeing how delighted Art City Kids are with their artistic masterpieces! She believes that art is a very important form of self-expression that should be made accessible to everyone.
Director [she/her]
Janet has been actively engaged in the charitable and non-profit sector for over 35 years. Her creative vision combined with a passion and commitment to youth-related initiatives naturally evolved into leadership roles in multiple community organizations.
Director [she/her]
Karen has been working in the graphic design industry for over 20 years and has participated in a youth-focused hip-hop dance troupe. She has a strong belief in the benefits of community arts programs for children and their positive impact on new immigrant communities and families.
Director (on leave) [she/her]
May Rouhani has a deep passion for the art world and building community relationships. She is a seasoned fundraiser and passionate about connecting those who care to the causes they care about, and demonstrating the value of their support.
