ArtWorksTO receives top honours from City of Toronto

ArtWorksTO Team (from left to right): Andrew Suri; OCAD U Manager, Continuing Studies Lindsay Maynard; Laura Metcalfe, Inés Aguileta, Angie Aranda and Anna Suzuki.

ArtWorksTO, a program that invests in Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ youth who are working towards careers in creative industries, is the recipient of a City Manager’s Award in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion category.

The program is a partnership between OCAD University’s School of Continuing Studies, Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network (NAN), the City of Toronto and The Remix Project.

The City Manager’s Awards, the highest honours that recognize excellence within the Toronto Public Service, were presented at Toronto City Hall on September 19, 2024. 

ArtWorksTO contributes to amplifying the voices of equity-deserving youth and opening pathways to careers in the creative industries.

“ArtWorksTO is an excellent example of how OCAD U’s School of Continuing Studies is creating partnership programs that are meeting the needs of the community,” says Lindsay Maynard, Manager of the School of Continuing Studies. “This program is unique because it provides young media artists with the foundation to launch successful careers in the creative arts sector.”

Participants receive paid contracts with the City of Toronto, a certificate from OCAD U School of Continuing Studies, and industry mentorship from the Remix Project. They also receive culturally relevant mentorship and support from the Toronto Arts Foundation.

For Lianne Rañopa, a graphic designer and graduate of the ArtWorksTO program, she was able to gain work experience related to her field. 

“The mentorship program was incredible. Having a mentor teach you specific skills, share firsthand experiences, and take the time to understand your journey was priceless,” says Rañopa. “This program helped me realize my potential and that I can be proud of the work I’ve made.”

To date, ArtworksTO has awarded $188,000 to 47 participants, enabling them to create diverse creative projects including short videos, graphic design and social media campaigns.