Mapping Identity: A Decolonizing Arts Practices Project

March 18 - April 16

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Mapping Identities

Mapping Identities

**Opening Reception**

Friday, March 18, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 pm

"Mapping Identity: A Decolonizing Arts Practices Project"

Mentoring Artist: Praba Pilar

& In partnership with Ndinawe Youth Resource Center

Youth participants: Tanis, Creelyn, Marcus, Michelle, Veronica, Ivania, Darian, Royce

Curated by: Becca Taylor, Canada Council Aboriginal Curator in Residence

Additional engagement and support from Transitional School Teacher: Sandra Costa

Support from Educational Assistants: Elsie Edwards Gagné and Rogerio Andrade

Project Description

"In Mapping Identity: A Decolonizing Arts Practices Project," we share the process and art works created during a youth art workshop designed and led by Colombian Mestiza interdisciplinary artist Praba Pilar. Developed with Becca Taylor of Urban Shaman Aboriginal Arts Gallery and supported by Ndinawe Youth Resource Center in the North End of Winnipeg, we wanted to provide a space for urban Aboriginal youth to reflect on who and where they are so as to imagine more creatively where they can go, to rupture stereotypical ideas, and to lend the youth the opportunity to be understood on their own terms. We explored artistic concepts of mapping of identity, working through mind maps, land maps, conceptual maps, collage and digital media to construct maps of their histories, their current lives, their family and friends, their community and their migration. Ultimately, we want to build knowledge of community constructed strategies to develop agency, resilience and strength in urban Aboriginal youth by creating artwork that opens up a richer expression and a fuller understanding.

Mentor Artist Biography

Praba Pilar is a Colombian Mestiza interdisciplinary artist, technologist and cultural worker based in Winnipeg, Canada. Her diverse art projects focus on contemporary socio-political, ecologic and technological themes. For the last 30 years she has presented her performances, street theatre, installations, interactive projects, two dimensional works, digital prints, writing and websites in galleries, museums, universities, performance festivals, conferences, public streets, and radio airwaves around the world. Having experienced extensive migration, extreme poverty, marginalization, racism and classism in her youth, she now mentors and connects with at-risk youth through creativity, in partnership with non-profit organizations and galleries. Praba has been written about in numerous publications, honored with multiple awards, and recently received her PhD in Performance Studies at the University of California at Davis (2014). You can visit her online at www.prabapilar.com.

Ndinawe is an integrated service organization for youth, focusing on Shelter, Culture, Recreation, Education, Outreach and Support, in operation since 1993.

Funding for this project made possible by the Thomas Sill Foundation.

Thank you to all who helped in this endeavour: Friends, Family, and special thanks to Thomas Sill Foundation and Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.