Free Art City programming for St. James kids

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This article was published 29/06/2022 (1494 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Many St. James parents have expressed to me that their families need more access to after school and summer programming for their children. In particular, they spoke about how crucial it is that arts programming is accessible and available to all kids.

That’s why earlier this month I was so proud to announce that our office helped secure a partnership that will provide free creative arts programming for St. James kids every summer for the next five years. Programming will be held out of the Deer Lodge Community Club and Bord Aire Community Centre and will be available to kids in St. James between seven to 14 years of age. Local non-profit Art City will provide the free programming, which will help kids grow creatively, foster self-expression, build friendships, strengthen local community involvement and, most importantly, have fun.

Funding for this programming was provided by generous local donors Bob Williams and Kyle Bornais of Farpoint Films. This funding will ensure that the programming will remain free of cost and will be available to all St. James kids, regardless of income level. I’m very grateful that Bob and Kyle recognized the importance of arts programming for children in St. James and that they were able to help ensure that it’s accessible and available to all.

My office also collaborated with Art City to bring free high-quality art programming to Valour Community Centre (Clifton location). Free weekly art workshops will take place every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting July 6 and ending Aug. 24. This programming will ensure that kids have a safe environment where they can grow and express themselves freely through arts and crafts. This programming was made possible thanks to a donation from local Winnipeg business Cascades.

Special thanks to the donors, our community centre volunteers, as well as Art City for collaborating to make these free art programs available to residents in St. James and in the West End. As always, if you have any questions or concerns to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me by phone at 204-792-8779, or email at adrien.sala@yourmanitoba.ca. I’m always grateful to connect with community members and look forward to hearing from you.