Visual Arts Mississauga Launches Portraits of Mississauga Project
MISSISSAUGA, ON — Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) is excited to announce the Launch of its Portraits of Mississauga Project
Portraits of Mississauga is a 10-month long program that embraces and celebrates the diversity of Mississauga’s residents. Culminating in a community exhibition on October 20, 2023 and a printed book, local artists will lead workshops that invite residents to learn new skills and commemorate members of their communities through drawn and painted portraits. 20 workshops will engage children and teens at Mississauga elementary & secondary schools, 20 workshops will engage families at library locations across Mississauga, and 4 workshops will engage local artists and youth at VAM.
“As the seventh-largest city in Canada, Mississauga is home to an incredibly diverse population whether it be by culture, religion, gender or age. Each person has a story to tell and wisdom to share. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to share these stories, thanks to an incredible partnership with Mississauga libraries and the generous funding provided by the City of Mississauga Culture Division. We can’t wait to share the results of this project with the community!” – Victoria Shepherd, Executive Director.
“Community organizations such as Visual Arts Mississauga are important partners in strengthening community engagement in the arts,” said Kelly Reichheld, Acting Director, Culture Division. “By offering community engagement programs such as ‘Portraits of Mississauga,’ Visual Arts Mississauga provides the opportunity for Mississauga residents to see themselves reflected in the City’s vibrant, diverse story.”
ABOUT VISUAL ARTS MISSISSAUGA AT RIVERWOOD:
Founded in 1977, VAM is one of Mississauga’s key creative centres which concentrates its efforts on three pillars of influence: Art Education, Art Exhibition and Community Outreach. VAM strives to enrich community life by fostering an appreciation of the arts through active involvement in a variety of creative experiences. In 2020, VAM won the “Best Gallery” Award presented by the Reader’s Choice Award.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA CULTURE DIVISION:
The City of Mississauga’s Culture Division delivers a wide range of creative programs covering many areas: Performing Arts, Digital Design, Literary Arts and Museums & Traditions. These classes inspire and engage individuals of all ages to explore unique learning opportunities within their community. Participation in the arts increases our cultural vitality contributing to a life-long experience of social development.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pooja Raghunandan (she/her), Digital Media Coordinator
digitalmedia@visualartsmississauga.com
