Toronto History Museums is launching a new mentorship program gathering 10 artists across the city to respond to anti-colonialism, anti-oppression & anti-racism. 

The program is called "Awakenings," and allows the 10 selected artisits to self-direct their own works for one year with mentorship from one of Toronto's notable artists.

Mentorship will be with city-based creative director Ashley McKenzie-Barnes. Her work has been featured at the city’s Harbourfront Centre, and notable collaborations include Colin Kaepernick’s "Know Your Rights Camp" and singer Lauryn Hill. 

The artists' works will be announced during Pride 2023 and displayed across the downtown core in Toronto History Museum areas. 

The aim of the project is to help elevate the voices of Toronto’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Colour) and 2SLGBTQ+ artist communities. The program is open to emerging and mid-career artists 21 years of age or older who are working in contemporary visual art, design and interdisciplinary practices.

CJRU contacted Ashley McKenzie-Barnes for comment about the upcoming mentorship program and what works the commitee is hoping to see from the selected artists. CJRU is awaiting a response. 

The application to the mentorship program is open now until July 29. 

Areas that are part of Toronto’s History Museums include Fort York National Site, the Royal Ontario Museum and Black Creek Pioneer Village. 

More details to come.  

Listen to CJRU's coverage of the Awakenings mentorship program here: