Express yourself!

You don’t need to have a painting up in a museum just to be considered an artist. The cool thing about art is that anybody can do it. Just pick your favourite way – write, film, act, sing, paint, sculpt, bang on a drum, photograph or dance – and get out there and express yourself!

Karen Kain

“Throughout my dancing career, I always posted a wonderful quote of Muhammad Ali's in my locker in the studio or on my mirror in my dressing room. It seemed so appropriate for the hours of work it took to get on the stage, but now that I work in an office and run The National Ballet of Canada I find it equally inspiring and I have it on my desk.

"I am delighted to share it with you: 'The fight is won... far away from witnesses... behind the scenes, in the gym and out there on the road.  Long before I dance under those lights.' - Muhammad Ali”

Karen Kain, Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada and legendary Canadian ballet dancer

Photo by Christopher Wahl

Congratulations to young Aboriginal poets and story writers! Six young writers have received the first James Bartleman Aboriginal Youth Creative Writing Award.  The award gives Aboriginal youth an opportunity to showcase their talent.  The winning entries include writings about nature, family relationships, and misconceptions about Aboriginal people.

New video! "It’s really opened me up to the world of theatre..." Kelly and Faiza from Toronto talk about their summer job working at a theatre as part of the Summer Jobs for Youth Program.

New video! Shafia from Toronto talks about her summer job painting murals. My name is Shafia and I’m 17 and I work at the Mural Roots...

Send your photos to Onzone Attention photographers. Check out the My Eye Photo Contest on Premier McGuinty's Onzone site. Photograph a place that you have fond memories of in your community. Then submit your shots for possible publication on Onzone.

Dare to Dream If you can you come up with a creative project that promotes mental health awareness, apply for financial support to make it happen. Check out successful projects that were funded through the Dare to Dream program, like a comic book and t-shirt. [POSTER]

 

• I’m an artist, where can I get money to help me?

• I’m a student filmmaker. Who can help me?

• My passion is photography. Can I see what other youth are taking pictures of?

• I want to be involved in art happening in my community, where can I check it out?

• I’m an artist, where can I get money to help me?
  

• The Ontario Arts Council has grants available.
  

  ontarioartist.ca - This website has tons of information for anyone who wants to become an artist! Whether you want to be a writer, actor, dancer, painter or film director, check out this site to learn about going to school, running your own business and applying for grants.

   

  www.trilliumfoundation.org - Apply for Ontario Trillium Foundation funding.

  www.ontarioartsfoundation.on.ca– Check out the Leafs Dreams Arts Scholarship.

  www.ismf.net – Prove your chops by entering your art in the International Student Media Festival.

• I’m a student filmmaker. Who can help me?

• The National Film Board can help student filmmakers .

  The Ontario Film Review Board’s student filmmaker competition is your chance to get on the big screen.

  Lift has affordable equipment, education and space for filmmakers in Toronto .

• My passion is photography. Can I see what other youth are taking pictures of?

• www.studentcrosscanadaphotographyexhibit.ca - Gives teenagers a voice through photography and an opportunity to share snapshots of their lives.

• I want to be involved in art happening in my community, where can I check it out?

• Slate Art Guide will connect you with the art scene, gallery openings, events and current exhibits.

  www.coc.ca/performances/concerts - Check out free concerts by The Canadian Opera Company and Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto .

  The Art Gallery of Ontario has amazing internships and volunteer opportunities.

  Have a look at the Royal Ontario Museum ’s summer and March break programs.

  http://www.toronto.ca/culture - The City of Toronto has many arts opportunities.

  Sketch creates art-making opportunities for youth at risk in Toronto .

  ArtReach Toronto may support your art project if it helps Toronto youth who live in under-served areas.

   

  The Laidlaw Foundation promotes opportunities to grow your talents.