Community Connex with True Daley: Culture Shock 2011
True Daley
CULTURE SHOCK: YOUNG ARTISTS SPARK CHANGE
By True Daley
Patrice Njoh has seen first-hand, how the arts can affect change in a community.
The 24 year-old is a facilitator and program coordinator at Urban Arts, a youth centre in the Weston- Mount Dennis neighbourhood, serving youth aged 18-29. Formerly the York Arts Council, the organization helps to develop young artists professionally and personally through the arts and community engagement.
Njoh says the portrayal of marginalized youth in mainstream media is one-sided, and says Urban Arts’ annual youth-led, “Culture Shock Community Arts Festival” presents a fresh perspective.
Patrice Njoh
“You always hear about the negative things that are being done. You hear about the shootings, murders, the drugs and the gangs. But you don’t hear about what people are doing to beautify their community. You don’t hear about the 10 youth who cleaned up Cruikshank Park and put up a mural. This festival really shows all Torontonians, the great things that are coming out of this area. There is beautiful art being created here and there are great things happening in this community.”
This year, the annual festival takes place at Weston Collegiate Institute, celebrating its 8th year with a 2-day event that begins on August 12th, with celebrity guest-hosts such as Michie Mee, Cabbie Richards, and Maestro Fresh Wes, alongside notable artists from various genres including theatre, music, drama, and dance.
The entire event was organized by a staff of 20 youth artists, with the objective to bring together people from all walks of life. Njoh recognizes that despite the high-level of responsibility, these young leaders are up to task.
“We actually only had six weeks from the time we hired the staff at the beginning of July to the second week of August. During those six weeks we also had to put on a camp for the younger kids, and they had to do outreach, plan the event and put it on. I think it takes an organization that has a larger vision to really see that youth have great ideas and they can use their passion to create change.”
Urban Arts runs arts programs all year-round and is located at 19 John St., near Weston Road and Lawrence W. Ave. To register or learn more about the organization visit: urbanartstoronto.org
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