During the early days of COVID, we learned that the pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized populations, in particular, newcomers may be vulnerable to the psychological impacts of social distancing; missing their home country and the friends and family they left behind while having limited opportunities to make new connections.

As a result, Place des Arts launched our Creative HeARTs program, in collaboration with SHARE Family and Community Services and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. This program provides free, in-person art workshops facilitated by local artists for newcomer and marginalized families to safely engage with the arts.

To extend the reach of this program, we worked with two artists to create step-by-step instructions and videos so you can participate at home! These accessible, easy-to-follow, workshops are for all ages and abilities. Scroll down to explore the two following art activities:

1. Create a Collage with Abol (videos are in English, French and Farsi) (worksheets are in English, French, Korean, Chinese – Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Punjabi, Farsi and Arabic)
2. Drawing People using the “Bean Body” Approach with Kiranjot Kaur (videos are in English, French and Punjabi) (worksheets are in English, French, Korean, Chinese – Simplified, Chinese – Traditional, Punjabi, Farsi and Arabic)

Create a Collage

Follow artist Abol to create collage art using coloured and patterned paper from recycled magazines and newspapers.

Drawing People using the “Bean Body” Approach

Follow along with artist Kiranjot Kaur to learn how to draw people using the “bean body” approach!

This program aligns with Place des Arts mission to inspire the artist in everyone and our objective to provide quality, accessible and affordable programs. We want all to feel welcome and safe in our community.

Thank you to our supporters past and present: