Tiny Lights Festival ignited its Artist Development Series Last September
Last September we were able to offer a series of professional development workshops for artists. In this challenging time, artists have been deeply affected by isolation and lack of communtiy. These workshops offered authentic community building opportunities, they also allowed rural artists to access mentorship from estabilshed artist from around the province.
Try Songwriting for a change- Tariq Hussain
Songs are excellent vehicles for personal expression but can they really bring about change? Now, more than ever, it feels like we need songs to give voice to the marginalized, to unite the divided, to help us navigate and adapt to a changing world.
10 emerging songwriters participated,
“The workshop with Tariq was eye-opening and inspiring. I loved his exercises and working one-on-one with different members of the groups. I wrote a full song during the weekend and plan to record it this winter. Thank you Tiny Lights for this wonderful opportunity!”- Anna Katarina
"Try Songwriting for a Change" was one of the most inspiring workshops I have ever attended. The writing exercises in the workshop tapped into creative elements that I didn't even realize I had, and taught me to think analytically about existing pieces that inspire me. The end result was not just one completed work, but three. I really look forward to sharing these works and am very grateful for the workshop teaching me how to create them.- Marc Rivest
Research to Resilience- Ronnie Dean Harris-
An activation and exploration of how research can facilitate a pathway to resilience and creative ideation from the land outwards through online and digital archives, databases and connected materials.
“I found the Ignites Series was a great way to connect with other artists and deconstruct my art practice in various ways. The sessions I attended offered an opportunity to really dig in and reflect on the ways my practice and my inspiration is connected with the natural world, as well as provided me with excellent research resources to ground my works. I really appreciate being included in this cohort. Mahsi Cho.” - Leela Gilday
“I greatly appreciated being able to learn from another Indigenous person, it was comforting and inspiring to see someone learn more about their family and self through research and community connection”
. -Hailey Bird Matheso
Every Movement has its music: Philosophy, Activism and Systems Change in the Music Industry- Meredith Bates
Music cannot reach its fullest potential until all voices are heard. In this Tiny Lights Ignites Workshop, you’ll acquire the tools to level up your online presence, EPK, bookkeeping, and grant-writing skills as well as begin breaking down the colonial structures that currently govern the music industry. Discussions on the role of activism in music creation and how we might begin to address the existing barriers in our sector in order to empower all artists through equity and inclusivity.
“I was so impressed with the sense of community that was established through this online platform. I have been watching what different festivals have been doing this year through these strange circumstances and what Tiny Lights has done here is by far the smartest, most impactful decision I have seen. It was a true pleasure to be a part of it. I am inspired!”- Jillian McKenna
Nature and We: Models for Creativity, Justice and Collective Resilience -Khari Wendell McClelland
Together we will investigate how nature and natural systems might influence our creative process and work. I believe nature holds a deep repository of wisdom for how we might approach creativity and life. I’m looking forward to learning alongside you.
“Nature and We, facilitated by Khari Wendell McClelland, was a completely joyful and uplifting experience. We engaged all our senses, we brought our creative voices to the forefront, we rejoiced the countless ways nature is intertwined in our lives and our art, we celebrated our commonalities and our differences. This time apart is incredibly challenging and the Ignite Series was a loving reminder that we are all connected to each other through our artistic and nature-based practices.” - Dana Sipos
"I truly appreciated being a participant in this series, especially in these times where many of us are missing connecting with others in the arts community. Thank you!"- Melissa Devost
“This work takes time, and we recognize our privilege and complicity in the existing model and our responsibility to foment change. We also know that we are a very small and agile organization and can do bold things. Our first step is changing the way we deliver on the funding our organization has received by putting the power back into the hands of performers to choose what they want to present, instead of as presenters telling the artist what we require of them.”Carla and Shawn Stephenson-Founders and Directors of the Tiny Lights Festival and its parent organization, Renascence Arts and Sustainability Society
This project is produced with the generosity of
