Written by: Lucia Llano
As emerging artists, it is often that we find ourselves promoting our work and constantly seeking support for our art. However, how often do we see a theatre show, a dance performance or visit an art gallery? How often do we actually support our fellow art students?
I was going to write a post promoting “Dance Innovations: Uprising”, which is a fourth year student-choreographed show happening this weekend. I found myself describing the show, trying to find ways to convince you folks to come support your fellow students and experience something different, something exciting and out of your daily routine. However, I stopped myself halfway through my writing; I began to think: How many of you were actually going to get tickets to see the show? How many would be influenced by my promotion, no matter how enthralling, and purchase a ticket to support someone else’s work? We often read articles, see announcements for shows, performances, and exhibitions, but there are so many times that we tend to get lost in our own busy schedules and forget about the fact that others are looking for the same support as we are.
4th Year Acting Conservatory cast of Post National
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities not only in Canada, but in the world. We are lucky to live in a cultural hub that most people outside of the GTA do not have the benefit of experiencing. There are many art-related events happening throughout the year in the city, and we have a tendency to attend them all so that we can learn from some of the most successful and talented artists. But we forget that all of these artists that we admire and see out there did not just become successful overnight—they were once students (just like us) looking for support (just like us).
We seek support when we are working on our own student projects. As performers, we love to see every seat of the audience occupied. As artists, innovators and creators we want to see the impact of our work on people. We communicate through our art. So here this a challenge for all of you AMPD students: Support others’ work, projects, and dreams the way that you would like people to support you. Click here to find all of the different events that are happening across AMPD.
A still from the York Dance Ensemble show “Beginnings & Endings” in 2015. Piece title: “Tipping Point”. Choreographed by faculty member Tracey Norman.
Challenge yourself to pick at least two shows, events, presentations or exhibitions that are happening at York and that are not related to your field of study, and go see them! So say that your program is Dance; pick something that comes out of the Department of Visual Arts, for example. The Gales and Special Projects galleries are almost always open with free exhibitions. Or if your program is Design, you might want to see what the Theatre students are up to. I assure you that you are going to have a great time and, if not, you’ll at least learn something new. If you want to take it one step further, express your thoughts on the project by offering some constructive feedback. Nurture your art by learning from others and nurture others’ art by supporting them and urging them to do even better.
YSDN 2017 Exhibition | photo credit @lolamarie.ai – Instagram
Finally, something to always remember: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill
So go out there and see something new! There are so many things to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong. Network and build relationships with artists outside of your comfort zone, help your peers to improve and improve yourself. You won’t regret it.