Dreaming Space

An online weekend retreat for underrepresented musicians to recover a sense of possibility, connect, and strategize in response to COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted artists who thrive on the connection, intimacy, and power of live performance. Underrepresented musicians, especially Black, Indigenous, and queer artists who already face systemic barriers to working in school environments, now face an entire new slate of hurdles to employment in the arts.

Performing artists face a shifting landscape of public health protocols and a drastic decrease in paid opportunities for the foreseeable future. Here at ArtStarts, we have been especially heartbroken by the opportunities that were lost in early 2020 for our roster of incredible musicians who are passionate about working and touring in schools.

“Dreaming Space” is a two-day slow, online weekend retreat for underrepresented musicians and performing artists to connect, dream, and recover a sense of possibility. We know the digital arena is full, the fatigue is real, and you’ve hardly had a moment to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your artistic career.

With that in mind, we’ve designed this program to take place in manageable chunks, to centre meaningful connections between marginalized artists, and with plenty of breaks and reflection time.

This two-day online offering will include opportunities to explore digital platforms with mentorship from experienced artists, and breakout sessions specifically for Black and Indigenous musicians to process the specific impacts of 2020 on their practice.

Schedule

All times are in PST; all workshops are online

Saturday, September 26th

Acknowledging the Impact of COVID-19 On Your Practice
10:00am - 11:00am
We’ll take some time to integrate and get grounded in the ways COVID-19 has impacted your practice as an underrepresented musician.

Artist in Action, New Normal-Style: Ginalina at “ArtStarts on Saturdays”
11:00am - 12:00pm
The arts haven't stopped, and young people haven’t stopped needing to see themselves reflected in children’s performance. Join us for the launch of Ginalina’s new book through song and stories online, and learn from this award-winning artist as she celebrates a career milestone online while getting creative and staying safe with COVID-19 protocols.

Ask the Artist: Ginalina
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Following her ArtStarts on Saturdays performance, join us for a short conversation with Ginalina about how she navigates the multiple barriers facing racialized performers in entertainment and education for young people. 

Skillshare: Working in COVID-19
With Khari Wendell McLelland
12:30pm - 2:00pm
How are we getting it done? How are we making it happen? This hour and a half connection time is an opportunity for you to strategize and network with other musicians who work in school environments and figure out your next move. 

Sunday, September 27th 
(Yes, this day is light! We affirm your need to rest, log off, and integrate learning from Saturday.)

Indigenous Artists’ Connection Space
With Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik of PIQSIQ
10:00am - 11:30am
Indigenous musicians will have the opportunity to connect with each other in-community. This time was envisioned for folks to process the specific impacts of 2020 on their practice, but this hour and a half will be emergent and focus on the needs of the group, with no ArtStarts staff present.

Black Artists’ Connection Space
With D.O. Gibson
12:30pm - 2:00pm 
Black artists will have the opportunity to connect with each other in-community. This time was envisioned for folks to process the specific impacts of 2020 on their practice, but this hour and a half will be emergent and focus on the needs of the group, with no ArtStarts staff present.

Booking and Touring Q&A
With Pavan Thind and Hannah Jarvis
1:30pm - 2:00pm
During this half-hour, optional session, artists can connect in a casual setting online to ask our Booking and Touring department any questions about working with ArtStarts, staying COVID-conscious during your performances, and the future of Showcase.

Farewell & Onwards
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Join us for a short, optional session to reflect on what you’ve learned from one another over the past two days, and make plans to connect in future. 

This program is made possible by generous support from Creative BC.