Organization Profile

ArtsCan Circle

Our hope is to encourage self-esteem amongst Indigenous youth in isolated communities through a cooperative exploration of the arts.

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What We Care About:

 

Arts & Culture

  • Music
  • Visual Arts
 

Youth & Education

  • Children
  • Skills Development
 
 

Skills and Expertise Needed:

  • Event Coordination
  • Marketing & PR
 
 

About Us

Our hope is to encourage self-esteem amongst Indigenous youth in isolated communities through a cooperative exploration of the arts.

ArtsCan Circle was set into motion in November 2000 when Mike Stevens, an award-winning, internationally renowned musician and now ArtsCan Circle Founder, first encountered Indigenous youth at risk in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. Through his music Mike was able to engage the youth in dialogue and was inspired to create music workshops to provide youth with alternative recreational and self-esteem building activities.

ArtsCan Circle is now welcomed into many remote Indigenous communities in Canada and annually provides opportunities for over 1,500 Indigenous students to participate in hands-on workshops in music and visual arts.

Teams of volunteer artists and musicians travel to remote Indigenous Communities and work directly with youth of all ages in their school and/or youth centre. We hope to facilitate the youth to find their own voices and build self-esteem through a variety of arts activities including:
*Learning to play a musical instrument
*Song-writing workshops
*Play writing
*Drama/storytelling/puppet plays
*Visual arts activities

ArtsCan Circle also collects donated new and gently used musical instruments and set up instrument resource centres in each participating community so the youth will continue to have access to instruments.

We encourage on-going mentoring programs with local residents & teachers.

ArtsCan Circle has provided portable audio/video recording studios to some communities and local residents were taught to operate the equipment to record both traditional music/dance and new creations.

How To Get Involved With Us



Host a House Concert!
ArtsCan Circle needs volunteers to plan, organize and help with fundraisers to support the travel expenses of the teams. House concerts where the performer donates a performance have been successful at raising funds while helping build a sense of community locally. Do you have 20 or more friends who would enjoy coming to your house for a wonderful intimate concert with an exceptional performer while supporting a great cause? Contact Carol at info@artscancircle.ca or call (905) 836-9073 for more details.

Volunteers are also needed to help with:
Marketing
Communications
Public Relations
Database management
Website maintenance
Organizing volunteers
Transportation, storage and shipping of musical instruments
Research and evaluation

Donate!
Transportation for teams of artists to remote communities remains our biggest expense. We are continually searching for financial support for travel costs. We also need support for purchase of specific portable studio quality recording equipment, art supplies and workshop materials.

Your financial support:
Please donate online through our website home page or send donations to:
ArtsCan Circle
P.O. Box 95557
Newmarket, ON L3Y 1N8
or donate by phone at (905) 836-9073 with your Visa or MasterCard.

We need new or gently used musical instruments such as guitars, recorders, ukes, percussion and other transportable instruments. Musical accessories such as electronic tuners, new strings, picks, capos and instructional materials. Please contact us for more information and drop off locations.

Contact us to explore the ways you'd like to be involved at info@artscancircle.ca