Artists and Children Together (ACT) Initiative

Launched in 2013 with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the concept of this initiative was simple: integrate artists into the early years learning environment. Once successfully implemented, MCRC spent another three years moving this important and successful concept into another community organization (see our 2016-2018 ACT Report).

Currently, we are working to further impact positive engagement with the community, children, and youth around expression through the arts. To do this work, ACT has created a community art studio staffed with two full-time artists. By providing access to the art studio, we are continuing to focus on supporting adult and educator’s work and experiences with art materials through; professional learning experiences, open art exploration times, and artist visits to family and child programs (see our 2019-2021 ACT Report). 

As an organization, we recognize the importance of working towards Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the significant role we have towards the Calls to Action. We understand this work is a journey, and through our work with a consultant, creating dialogue, and our commitment to learning, we plan to increase our knowledge around Indigenous teachings and pedagogy, and spread awareness about Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives.

Ojibwe dreamcatchers  were traditionally used as talismans (an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck) to protect sleeping  people, usually children, from bad  dreams  and nightmares. Feathers in the Ojibwe culture, and on this Dream Catcher, symbolize trust, honour, strength, wisdom, power and freedom.
Located in 410 Bronte St S main foyer- On October 9, 2019 during the Art Studio grand opening, families were invited to share a word to describe their biggest hopes and dreams.

"My experience working side by side with an Artist has helped me become an active listener, researcher and observer. I now see that children are constantly researching and testing theories. When given the opportunity to work with materials over extended periods of time, children’s ideas develop and they become more in tune with how the materials work.  Art truly is a language for all.” - Educator

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Kim Duong, BID
Coordinator, Artists and Children Together (ACT)
kimd@mcrc.on.ca