MASC ... online !
This year ’ s school season requires courage and an innovative approach , and we honour all those at the forefront of school and community work . The MASC team is proud to continue our work in partnership with you , bringing the world of diverse cultures , creativity and joy at a time when these aspects of life are needed more than ever .
MASC has been working non-stop with our artists and tech consultants to develop our new MASC Online Program , allowing us to continue our 30-year history of offering rich artistic programs to audiences - even at a distance . Our summer online pilot project was a huge success , delivering more than 130 online workshops and performances . We have developed a Video-On-Demand series with live interaction with professional artists that will bring high-quality performances and engaging interaction into your classroom . It ’ s true that in times of adversity creative minds come up with incredible ways to adapt !
Online programs have been delivered as far afield as the Yellowknife (!) and we ’ re so pleased with the art , culture and creativity that our professional artists have shared with seniors , children and youth across the country . Locally , we ’ ve created some amazing projects like this powerful collective poem , Give Hope , that was written by a group of 21 students from York St . Public School as a response to the police brutality and racism they were seeing in the news . Another project connected residents of all ages through an at-adistance collaboration on the mural Together ApART in Sandy Hill . These are just a sample of MASC ’ s many engaging programs , led by an incredibly diverse group of artists who are eager to work with you .
Students have been thrilled with their online MASC programs : “ This dance class made me feel more like myself . This empowered me .” Student - St . Peter ’ s High School ( Afro-Caribbean Dance with Suzan Richards )
Teachers acknowledge the positive impacts of the MASC Online Program : “ The students were really happy to join online and work on something they are passionate about . Jamaal is very good at meeting kids where they are and harnessing their curiosity and drive .” Teacher- Agincourt Public School ( Songwriters Unite Workshop with Jamaal Jackson Rogers )
We are looking for positive ways forward in a new world that has more complexities but that has opened new doors as well . We look forward to working with you to bring programs that will ensure that our students have the access to arts education that inspires , engages , and opens hearts and minds .
MASC offers schools and communities arts experiences led by professional artists that awaken the creative process , deepen cultural awareness , encourage engagement , and give vivid demonstration of Canada ’ s diversity .
Micheline Shoebridge and Wendy Hartley Co-Executive Directors