As the summer winds down we wanted to take a minute to spotlight some of the amazing things Art Starts has been up to over the summer!
![]() |
The Element was a six week experience for youth in the Neptune/Lawrence Heights communities. The program explored the fusion of dance, singing, rap, drama, music production, and fashion. Along with all the amazing workshops, the youth involved worked on leadership skills and in then end put on an amazing showcase at the end of the summer. Entitled “Nuff Said” it was a dynamic dramtic and musical experience that dealt with gender, community conflict, and the realities of being a youth in today’s society. |
| Art In XS is Art Starts summer camp program running out of St Thomas Aquinas School at Dufferin & Eglinton and in the Villaways Art Studio at Sheppard & Leslie. In this half day program kids got a chance to experience a wide variety of workshops taught by professional artists including Steel Pan playing with Salmon Cupid, Recycled Art Sculptures with Illona Staples and a field trip to Second City for an improv workshop. | ![]() |
![]() |
This is the second summer Art Starts has had the pleasure of co-producing Dusk Dances in Earlscourt Park. This outdoor dance festival brings contemporary and traditional dance to public parks. From Aug 19th- 22nd from 7-9pm each night the community marveled at the dance spectacle put together by the phenomenal dancers and choreographers. They were all stellar performances and we look forward to doing it again next year! |
| Our Graffiti Transformation Project at the Yorkdale subway station underpass was also a HUGE success! This summer 4 youth worked with artist Josh Barndt to transform the south wall and pillars of the underpass into a community mural. Titled “Knowledge is Power” the mural tackles issues of cultural tradition, music, influential people and local icons, in order to tell a story and empower the community. | ![]() |
We know summer can’t last forever but we’re already gearing up for fall starting with a new session of Stressbusters! As part of out Program Without Walls, Stressbusters gives Mothers/Caregivers of children 0-6 yrs old the chance to engage in stress-relieving exercises, creative art and dance lead by professional artists while children are engaged in arts, crafts and movement exercises with a children’s artist.
Thanks to everyone for all their hard work and participation this is truly a summer we won’t soon forget!
Stay tuned for announcements about our fall programs or subscribe to our email list to get updates sent to you when new programs and events come up!

















Art Starts Crew with 



