2022 Engaging Artists in Community Projects Launching this Spring

19 April 2022

Art is in the air this spring with the launching of three free and new 2022 Engaging Artists in Community Projects starting in early April and through the fall.

The first project, “Art Cultivation from Nature” is a series of community-based workshops by artist Edward Fu-Chen Juan. These workshops are free and will be held outdoors at Paulik Neighbourhood Park and run April through October. They are presented in partnership with Urban Bounty (formerly Richmond Food Security Society). In addition, the public is invited to join Edward for a free Earth Day workshop, “Foraging to Inkmaking” on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“WALK”, the second project being offered, is a digital storytelling endeavour by filmmaker Sebnem Ozpeta, presented in partnership with Walk Richmond and the Richmond Fitness and Wellness Association. The artist will lead a series of free sound recording workshops in Richmond parks and trails in May through July. Participants will be invited to walk, listen and record sound around them and then share their experiences, stories and memories.

The third project, “Wayfinding Art Studio,” is for residents of the Richmond Emergency Response Centre operated by Turning Point Recovery Society. Local Richmond artist, Mickey L.D. Morgan, will engage the residents in a variety of art workshops from May through June, including drawing, painting, craft-making and storytelling activities. The project will wrap up with a public art exhibition to raise awareness on issues surrounding homelessness.

The Engaging Artists in Community Program supports artists with socially-oriented art practices to work collaboratively within Richmond communities. Projects commissioned through this program contribute to a greater sense of identity, community and place through art-making experiences. Engaging Artists in Community is made possible through contributions made to the Richmond Public Art Program.

To register or learn more about any of these programs, visit https://bit.ly/EngagingArtists.