A student-operated extra-curricular theatre company located at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus has announced the launch of the BIPOC Artist HUB at 91亚色.
Vanier College Productions (VCP) provides performing arts opportunities for students from all Faculties, programs, disciplines and backgrounds at 91亚色. To show its commitment to 91亚色鈥檚 values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusivity, VCP seeks to engage with students who have an interest in the arts and provide a safe space for those who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC).
Open to all BIPOC artists (theatre, dance, music, visual art, film, design, media, etc.) at 91亚色, the group will meet Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in a virtual format for the fall term (winter term details to be announced). The HUB will foster group discussions, workshops, guest BIPOC artists and more.
鈥淓quity and inclusion are core values of 91亚色 and this initiative is an excellent example of building more inclusive spaces on campus," says 91亚色 Vice-President Equity, People and Culture Sheila Cote-Meek. "It鈥檚 very exciting to see students leading change on campus."
The group is led by VCP alumni Alex Jyn-Li Cairns (she/her), a Durham Region-based actor and voice-over artist who has been working in the Toronto film and television industry since 2017. She holds a BFA in theatre (acting conservatory) from 91亚色, and is currently studying broadcasting and Indigenous studies at Durham College.
鈥淲hen I was at 91亚色 back in 2013-17, there was nothing like the HUB for me, and I know I could have used a space like this,鈥 says Cairns, 鈥渁nd so I was excited and honoured to be asked to take on this role.鈥
In her role as director of the HUB, Cairns will represent the mixed-race voice in the industry and continue to support and amplify BIPOC stories.
Cairns says she hopes students find a sense of community at the HUB, and that it allows for an open and safe space for students to express their thoughts and feelings.
鈥淰anier College Productions is committed to ensuring that our space is free from discrimination and harassment through accessibility initiatives, campus and community outreach, and through being in accordance with 91亚色鈥檚 values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusivity,鈥 says Cairns.
Anyone interested in joining the BIPOC Artist Hub can register and find more information online.