AMPLIFY

amplify: ‘tuning in’ to the voices of homeless youth through the arts

Ongoing at Youth Without Shelter in North Etobicoke

In August 2011, Arts Etobicoke and Youth Without Shelter (YWS) launched Amplify, a new program that features ongoing multi-media arts workshops for youth. Designed to build youth self-esteem and support YWS’s life-skills and job-skills building objectives, the program takes place at YWS and includes workshops in music, sculpture, graphic zine making, dance and videography.

The first series of workshops kicked off with instruction in songwriting led by performer and community arts educator Amy Campbell-Noseworthy. The youth worked collaboratively to write and produce their own rap song - titled 'Dynamite' - and several of the participants performed on the piece.

African Drumming and Dance followed, led by dancer Roshanak Jaberi and drummer Barrington Hibbert. Laura Lipani, YWS Steps to Success Program Coordinator sees the impact of this programming: “It allows the youth to have an avenue for stress relief. It provides a very therapeutic environment where individuals can drum to a rhythm in unison to create a relaxing but steady beat. It also gives the youth a sense of culture, they are able to learn the history of drumming from the African roots through the artists.”

In the new year, arts educator Sarah Beck will work with youth on graphic zine making (Jan 10 – Feb 14, 2012) and from Mar 6-Apr 10, 2012, youth can participate in videography workshops facilitated by Michelle Irving.

Said Shira Spector and Cass Reimer, Program Coordinators at Arts Etobicoke, "We are delighted to support this program, which engages professional artists with specialized training and expertise. The program delivers not only high quality arts education but also a wealth of life experience relevant to the needs of YWS's clients."

Celebrating 25 years, Youth Without Shelter is an emergency residence and referral agency in North Etobicoke serving homeless youth aged 16 to 24.