Toronto Arts Foundation Announces First Indigenous Cohort for ArtWorksTO Program

Poetic Journalism by Gloria O’koye

We often adore the teachings

But we still have a long way to go

On practicing.

Giving back what is rightfully to the

Inheritance,

But each step leaves a lasting impact.

Art is universal,

It speaks across the lands, seas

And galaxies.

Its language can be translate

As a pure Multilingual,

No flaws except for human errors.

But what are errors?

Art showcases the beauty marks

To what the public sees as imperfections.

Artworks TO

Captures the essence of BIPOC arts

As it pushes to open doors

Which were historically closed to our

Communities.

Toronto Arts & OCAD partnerships

Since 2015,

And still blooming.

Hoping they continue to do the work

Of educating folks with unlearning…

Punitive mindsets and restrictions

Of the beauty of the arts,

Storytelling through these individuals

This cohort is rich of ancestry,

Expressed through multidisciplinary

Practices of art!

2026 will leave unforgettable memories,

No more silencing the children at heart!

Well, wishes to Ameena Buchanan,

There is beauty of mapping out stories

On the skin,

Continue to break through any stigmas

Thrown,

Because the knowledge is potent from within.

Avalonne Flamad,

Your artistic flow will show the world

The inner power of Wiki.

Brenna Nanie,

Continue to strive through your family roots to what vision you have inside

Your creative brain waves.

May you inspire others.

Glamma Kimaiyo

Afro-indigenous powerhouse

May you take eternal snapshots

Through the lens of your art of stories.

Discovering your artistic creations,

You’ll plant seeds that’ll flourish

Into living masterpieces.

Sarah Carmichael,

Be the pillar that brings healing

Throughout generations.

Beacon of hope and restorer of wounds.

You’ll shake all those who doubt,

They have no choice but to give you

Praise.

As we wait to see what’s in store,

Please support these individuals

On their art journey.

Invest in their arts like in

Spectacular gardens.

Reap the fruits, the rewards

Of standing together as a community.