UrbanArts launches new free After School Arts Program at Artscape Weston Common

In early February, programming partner, UrbanArts launched a new After School Arts Program (ASAP) on Tuesdays at Artscape Weston Common. From 3pm-5pm, youth can drop in to the UrbanArts studio space between 3:30pm-5:30pm to create art with professional arts facilitators.

“We wanted to ensure that UrbanArts was a place that provided safety and an outlet for creativity for young people,” executive director Marlene McKintosh said in the recent Toronto Star article, “Toronto organizations make sure art is accessible in the suburbs”.

 “A lot of the programming that we’ve done the last few years has been around using the arts to address social issues, using the arts as a catalyst for change, both at the individual level and at the community level.”

UrbanArts’ new ASAP program accomplishes all these goals. Youth can explore their creative side and learn techniques for self-expression at the free drop-in sessions. All while having fun with likeminded peers.

UrbanArts staff from left: Odange Mazamay, Shania Arrington, Hibah Mian, Marlene McKintosh, Lensa Simesso, David Blackmore, Mick Brambilla, and kneeling Samuel Akie and Kasim Jules.(Photo: Riziero Vertoll/Torstar)

As a progressive not-for-profit local arts service organization, UrbanArts is focused on engaging community through the arts; UrbanArts is an incubator for local arts, with a range of programs led by professional artists in visual, digital, culinary and media arts, theatre, dance and music.

Find out more about UrbanArts drop-in after school arts program.