In March, the Art Gallery of Mississauga continued its mission of fostering creative engagement and community connection with a series of enriching programs.
Among the highlights was Poetic Voices: International Women’s Day, a celebration of female expression through poetry. The event, facilitated by Mississauga’s Youth Poet Laureate Lisa Shen and Poet Laureate Andrea Josic, brought together individuals of all ages to reflect on themes of empowerment, resilience, and solidarity. Through a dynamic blend of spoken word, storytelling, and poetry, participants celebrated the voices of women while also exploring how poetry can challenge societal norms and amplify voices that are often underrepresented. Both Lisa and Andrea reflected on personal experiences as women in the arts, and answered audience questions regarding the practice of poetry and dismantling personal and societal barriers. The event was a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of language, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among those present.
Meanwhile, the Art Hive on the Road program continued to grow, bringing creative experiences directly to Mississauga’s vibrant community! This month, the Art Hive made stops at the Burnhamthorpe and Malton Community Centres, where Art Therapist and Art Hive Facilitator Cynthia Morin led sessions designed to support mental wellness and foster a sense of community. These free, drop-in workshops created inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds could come together and express themselves through art without the pressure of formal instruction. Whether through painting, drawing, or mixed-media work, participants explored their creativity and built connections with one another. This mobile initiative remains an essential part of the gallery’s mission to make art accessible and impactful across the city, creating a welcoming environment for all.
The gallery also continued its efforts to engage students with its creative offerings, including visits by local schools. These school visits allowed students to experience the gallery’s exhibitions firsthand, offering them the opportunity to interact with artwork, ask questions, and discuss their personal responses to the pieces. This program aims to inspire young minds and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts within the next generation. By providing students with the chance to connect directly with art in a meaningful way, the gallery continues to shape the future of Mississauga’s creative community.
In the world of professional development and artistic exploration, Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries hosted a fascinating workshop titled Collections Through the Prism of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access). This workshop explored how art galleries and institutions can better reflect the diverse communities they serve, addressing issues of representation and inclusivity. The Art Gallery of Mississauga’s Senior Curator, Shannon Anderson, TD Programming Curator, Musha Neluheni, and Community Activator – Education Programs, Abbey Humphreys-Morris, spoke about their commitment to increasing access to the AGM’s permanent collection and how we can dismantle barriers to access through community engagement.
Thanks to the support of our partners and funders, we are excited to continue bringing art to all corners of Mississauga—whether through poetry, mobile art experiences, workshops, or school visits. Stay tuned for more enriching programs coming soon!
