By Jessica Ruano, MASC
Listen carefully during the winter months, and you may hear the rhythm of West African drumming, the sounds of Franco-Ontarian songs, and the steps of Afro-Caribbean dancing in schools and community centres around the neighbourhood. That’s because Awesome Arts en folie is returning to Lowertown! Founded by MASC Executive Director Micheline Shoebridge, Awesome Arts en folie is a bilingual program and festival that engages community members of all ages and explores issues important to the community through the arts. Three years ago, Awesome Arts en folie was honoured with the International Award as part of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in Washington, DC., for after-school arts and humanities programs that reach underserved youth.
Lowertown has been a long-time community partner of Awesome Arts en folie. There are over a dozen murals and permanent art installations sprinkled around the community. Another dozen videos featuring Lowertown streets and landmarks have been produced as part of the program, including cinepoems and music videos created in partnership with MASC artist JustJamaal ThePoet and youth from the community.
From January to March 2021, twelve MASC artists will be leading residencies with participants at the Lowertown Community Resource Centre, École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Anne, École secondaire publique De La Salle, and Centre de services Guigues, among others. Thanks to funding from Reconnect Ontario and Ottawa Bilingue, as well as support from the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, this programming is entirely free for participants, reducing barriers to accessing the arts.
Join us on Friday March 25th for the Awesome Arts en folie Festival Livestream, screened live from the Ottawa Art Gallery. Awesome Arts participants of all ages will be invited to the Gallery to present their songs, dances, and artworks for a virtual audience, alongside professional artists who serve as mentors in the community. Enjoy reconnecting with MASC artists Bboyizm Dance Company, Mehdi Cayenne, Suzan Richards, Louis Mercier, Tina Le Moine, Luciano Porto, Kellylee Evans, and many more!
For more information about Awesome Arts en folie, check out www.masconline.ca or enquire with the Lowertown Community Resource Centre.