Shreety’s story: Bringing family to sing together
Shreety shares about becoming connected as a newcomer is really important because it helps people make new friends and feel connected to their surroundings and community. She especially appreciated this program because it encourages creativity without judgment. Participants are free to express whatever they are feeling emotionally through drawing, movement, dancing, music, or other creative […]
Trauma informed expressive arts and why it is effective
By George Fazaa, MA candidate in clinical & counselling psychology Newcomers often arrive in Canada carrying more than just their luggage. Many come with experiences of forced displacement, exposure to violence, loss of community, uncertain immigration statuses, and the ongoing struggles of resettlement. These experiences shape mental health in ways that often go unrecognized. Trauma […]
Arts innovations at Knowledge Hub Conference
Learn more Watch recordings By Jasmine Sidhu, Applied Psychology PhD(c) and HEAL research fellow Art is a health behaviour – it’s time to expand how we think about health October 1 – 2, 2025, the HEAL (Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life) Project participated in the national Knowledge Hub Conference, Innovations in Addressing Gender-Based Violence […]
Mercy’s story: Insights from newcomer community artist
“The program reminded me of my younger days. It showed me there is a solution for everything. Creativity is useful, but we have to learn how to use it.” — Colours of the Earth participant What colours, smells, and tastes remind you of home? At the Colours of the Earth program, newcomer artist Mercy Verdugo […]
Sahar’s story: Nesting ground community arts
“Drawing isn’t just about art, it’s about the feeling. When we are having these sessions, each one of us is like a child again. By re-connecting to childhood memories, this is my energy, the petrol of my soul. Attending these workshops: I feel like it’s a relief, recharging me for the next day. [The program] […]
Community arts program: Nesting grounds weaving
By Lana Cho, Community health worker Weaving together community: Individual to collective tapestry “Over, under, over, under.” Throughout the summer at Access Alliance Danforth, this rhythmic mantra became the heartbeat of the Nesting Grounds weaving program. What began as individual threads on handmade cardboard looms gradually transformed into a collective piece. The program was led […]
Kiyan’s story: Becoming an art assistant volunteer
Kiyan has made a significant impact on Access Alliance’s art programs, beginning with the HEAL program and later participating in the Newcomer Wellbeing Workshop and Nesting Grounds. She eventually became a volunteer Wellbeing Assistant, supporting the facilitator team and serving as a community leader. Aspiring to become a well-being coach, Kiyan continues to inspire and […]
Vishal’s story: Tuesday tunes community singing program
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Arts for creative healing communities
View Full Webinar Download Presentation Creative pathways to healing: Art, story, and community belonging How can creative practices open new pathways to healing, connection, and belonging for immigrant and refugee families? This question sits at the heart of an upcoming rich, visual, and story-driven webinar that brings together two community-based teams, one from Montreal and […]
Unmasking mental health campaign 2025
Download Campaign Posts Unmasking mental health: Seeing the whole person Living with a mental health or substance use challenge is hard enough. Masking can make it even harder. Many people feel forced to hide behind a “mask” to protect themselves from judgment, stigma, and discrimination. But the heavier the stigma, the heavier that mask becomes—and […]