I am..

I am an individual.
I respect people's decisions and life choices.
I honestly don't like to judge people.
I am proud of how far I've come. 
I am not afraid of falling because I could pick myself up.
I am an honest person.
I honor. 
I live.
I question the society we live in.
I live. 
I speak the truth even though it hurts others.
I envision a world where there's no judgement and we truly respect ourselves and others. 
I believe that we could make a change in this world. 
I am. 
I am powerful because I've been weak before. 
I am most grateful for my life on this Earth. 
I am deeply connected with others. 
I am an individual. 
                    -Anonymous NYT Participant 2016


S/O to Mahlikah Aweri from RED SLAM COLLECTIVE for her spoken word workshop at NewYouthToronto over the March Break. Very powerful woman. Her visit led to such inspiring words, writing and sharing from the youth. Thank you.

More about Red Slam Collective: Red Slam is an indigenous hip hop fusion arts movement formed in 2009 and based in Toronto; whose 4 Directions Urban Arts engagement and musical projects uplift, self-identify and promote unity through Spoken, Lyricism which Arranges Meaning (SLAM). Comprised of medicine wheel Poets, MC's, Musicians, Dancers, Graf Writers and Beat Makers they represent indigenous nation affiliations across Turtle Island and Internationally. This Collective engages children and youth; along with inter-generational native and non-native communities from coast to coast; like sweet grass interconnecting Indigenous teachings and social justice issues with the expressive activism of Hip Hop Culture. Thoughts about art and community: Toronto "The Meeting Place" brings together diverse people and artistic forms of expression. At the core and sometimes forgotten is the indigenous foundations to art in an urban setting. Art and community for us is about honoring the artistic traditions of the Anishnawbe, Mississauga, and Haudenonshaunee of this region through a youthful contemporary artistic context. As indigenous urban artists we want to build a new scene which is inspired by the shared visions of community mobilization between diverse and indigenous youth across the city.

Oh, and this year we are doing it right....

flyer design: Omar David Rivero

We're back - New Youth Toronto (NYT) 2016! 

NYT serves the Jane/Woolner community with quality arts programming during the March Break. The program initiative is to pair two arts mentors with two mentees (selected from the previous year's programming), and create a sustainable structure for the community and partnering community centre - Access Alliance Jane. This is the second year of a two-year pilot project generously funded by the Ontario Arts Council and MoveMe. Excited for the next steps. 

Congratulations to this year's Mentees, Sherin Abdel and Jega Delisca!  

We also have an amazing line-up of local artists involved: Troy Sexton, Caldeira, Tabby Donaldson, Kosi, Andel James, Omar David Rivero, Mahlikah, and one of last year's mentees - Andre Gibson. 

Contact: Vanessa Kimmons, NYT Director

moveme.to@gmail.com

SO PROUD!

Congratulations to Troy on his first Ted Talk Youth. You've definitely found your calling <3
http://tedxyouthtoronto.ca/speaker/troy-sexton/

Troy Sexton

Body Percussion Rhythmist (Performer)

NYT SUCCESS!

...Like I Used To

I don't feel alone, like I used to.
Don't stand on my own, like I used to.

This week we got into each others hearts. We built our own community within a community.

Thank you to all of the participants and staff that made this possible.
Troy Sexton, Stephanie Caldeira, Maia Joseph, Andre Gibson, Hani Ali, Merbib & Fatma.
Congrats to our 2016 Mentees: Sherin & Jega! See you next year x

Here's a taste of our week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeAarX8GS4Y

New Youth TORONTO: March Break Camp

New Youth Toronto (NYT) is an urban arts March Break Camp created BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH! Generously funded by the Ontario Arts Council, this camp is directed towards youth that are newcomers to Canada, and is FREE for students in Grades 9-12.

We will also be providing TTC fare and refreshments!

Move.me and AccessPoint on Jane (Access Alliance) have partnered and met with youth community members to work together in designing and implementing a week of programming that meets the wants and needs of the community. 

The day runs from 11AM-4PM. Each day will consist of 3 WORKSHOPS where the students will have a unique opportunity to be mentored by some of Toronto's TOP INDUSTRY ARTISTS. 

There will be a final performance at the end of March, where participants will have a chance to show off their skills and hardwork. 

Hip Hop * Dance Hall * Body Percussion

Beatboxing * Video Editing * Graffiti  

Beat Making * Visual Art * MORE! 

Another incredible opportunity offered through NYT:

Throughout the week, the mentors will scout 2-4 participants that demonstrate leadership qualities, creative skills, and an interest in joining the team. The following year, these two mentees will be invited to join the team as volunteers or paid mentees. 

So spread the word and don't forget to SIGN UP if you think you might be interested. 

ONLY 20 SPOTS!!! Email Hani Ali: hali@accessalliance.ca (not hani@accessalliance!)

You will receive a confirmation email.

For questions or more details, please contact Vanessa: 

vanessakimmons@gmail.com

THANK YOU OAC!

WE'VE BEEN FUNDED!

Our March Break camp will be heading in a new direction this year thanks to funding support from the Ontario Arts Council. We will be joining forces with AccessAlliance - AccessPoint on Jane, and working with the lovely Youth Director, Hani Ali!

I founded GOTTA BREAK! March Break Urban Arts Camp in March 2010. This project grew out of my personal interest to offer quality arts programming to children and youth who may not otherwise be exposed to it. We were initially able to run the camp, because of the generous support of GOTTA DANCE Studio. However, the students attending camp were mainly children already easily granted access to arts outlets. We kept the camp going and devoted camp profits to fund an outreach program. Last year, we successfully ran our youth mentorship program. This year, we get to build.  

This year's program will simultaneously reach 3 important goals:

1.     To offer youth in underserved communities a dance program where they can train with some of Toronto’s most recognized and respected dance leaders, while;

2.     Scout youth with natural dance talent and leadership qualities, who will join the creative professional team (the following year) and be given working opportunities to cultivate their skills.

3.     Empower leaders in communities to implement sustainable quality programming that will continue to encourage leadership/mentorship amongst youth and organizations.

      

     I am dedicated to offering a youth dance program with industry professionals and high quality arts education in a community setting. In this environment, participants develop creative minds and technical skills while building self-confidence, leadership experiences, collaborative skills and an appreciation for the arts. Working in tandem with established centres that are recognized within their community, will ensure the program takes flight. 

 Check in soon for updates on mentors and details - MARCH BREAK CAMP