Elevated Grounds

http://www.elevatedgrounds.com/

The Groundation initiative uses the performing arts as a tool to look critically at youth issues as well empower participants to take a lead role in their own artistic and self development. Participants are trained in music production, vocal training, visual arts, dance, drama and art history.

The initiative is divided into three sessions. Session 1: July-August, participants are employed through the summer in the Tropicana Jobs for Youth Program to attend arts workshops. Session 2: September-November, participants use the artistic skills they've developed to prepare for their performance at the annual Vibe to the Videolight production, a completely youth-led theatrical production. Session 3: January-May, participants attend weekly arts and self-development workshops. Participants are encouraged to use self-reflection tools like journals to document their development.
In Session 2 and 3, participants receive a weekly honorarium to reduce economic barriers to participation.

Since receipt of funding, the initiative has provided free arts education to 53 youth living in east-end priority neighbourhoods. Over 400 people attended the annual 'Vibe to the Videolight' theatrical productions. Two participants have been hired to work as leaders of Elevated Grounds and two graduates earned scholarships to receive professional arts training.