Through the Generations
Through the Generations is a community-engaged public art project led by artist Kanisha Dabreo in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood.
This public art project centres intergenerational exchange through an Afrofuturistic lens as a means to transmit cultural traditions, stories, and beliefs to younger generations. Together, Through the Generations envisions an equitable and vibrant future for Black folks within the context of the Jane and Finch community.
Through a series of artmaking workshops with local community members, this project will culminate in a co-created public art installation.
Through the Generations at a glance
Location: 430 Albion Rd, Toronto
Artists: Kanisha Dabreo
Documentarians: Ayesha Khan (Stories at the Table) and Prachi Dhase
Year: 2024 – 2025
Services: Public Art Management
3
artmaking workshops
1
community art exhibit
1
digital mural
About Through the Generations
Through the Generations is a community-engaged public art project led by artist Kanisha Dabreo (Artistic Perception) in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood. This project culminated in:
- Free artmaking workshops for the local community to explore canvas painting, plexiglass painting, and co-creation throughout summer 2024
- A community art exhibit showcase and celebration at Jane and Finch Mall throughout October 2024
- An award presented to Kanisha Dabreo by Councillor Perruzza (Ward 7 Humber River-Black Creek) and MPP Tom Rakocevic (Humber River-Black Creek) that recognizes her contributions to art and culture in Toronto’s Jane and Finch community
- A digital mural installation in a community space inspired by community input, universal themes in the African diaspora, Afrofuturism, and connection
Through the Generations Community Events
Join Kanisha Dabreo and STEPS Public Art in a series of free community arts workshops as part of Through the Generations. Click the links below to register via Eventbrite (registration is recommended, but drop-ins are also welcomed).
STEPS is committed to the community’s full participation in events. Please contact Ima Esin (Cultural Planner) at ima@stepspublicart.org if you have questions or requests, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
- July 13, 2024: Canvas Painting Community Workshop
- July 20, 2024: Plexiglass Painting Community Workshop
- July 27, 2024: Community Co-created Banner Workshop
- October 18, 2024: Community Arts Exhibit Celebration at Jane and Finch Mall (4:00 to 7:30 PM ET)
- Month of October 2024: Community Arts Exhibit on display at Jane and Finch Mall
- TBA: Mural Unveiling with Kanisha Dabreo and STEPS
About the Artists
Kanisha Dabreo
Lead Artist
Kanisha Dabreo is a multidisciplinary artist and digital designer based in the GTA. Her work explores the importance of community, inclusivity, and representation while touching on themes of beauty and self-love. As a displaced Jane and Finch resident, Kanisha served as a role model challenging limited perceptions of their future possibilities. Through the guidance of Black and equity-deserving artists and mentors, we aspire to inspire the next generation of Jane and Finch residents.
Funders
Through the Generations is a City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Signature Project.
It is also produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council, Albion Islington Square BIA, RBC, and funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. Thanks to Jane and Finch Mall for their additional support.
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