Core Values in Brief

The following core values help to anchor our work at Sketch:

We value and celebrate:

1. The diversity and the common humanity of people
Our diversity makes us unique and allows us to offer learning to one another. Our common humanity connects us and allows us to relate to one another.

2. Creativity, the Arts and the Art-Making Process
We are all creative. The arts are a viable way to live, interact, inspire, solve problems, learn skills and promote individual and social change.

3. The Power of Narrative
Making narrative and metaphor is an important part of healing and allows us to rewrite our own stories. It restores power, builds community and invigorates individual and social change.

4. Youth Participation and Leadership
Young people take risks to participate in the art making process. That participation contributes to the development of the programming of Sketch. Leadership opportunities are essential to youth making a healthy transition into adulthood and contribute to Sketch programming remaining relevant.

5. Community
Creating opportunities to gather in community building bridges and breaking down the barriers that exist between people; finding our own individual roles in community, learning from each other and exploring our interdependence.

6. Quality of Excellence & Innovation in our Work
A commitment to working professionally, creatively, with integrity and humility recognizing our accountability to youth, to our neighbours and to our supporters.

7. A Healthy and Positive Work Environment
A commitment to health and safety, clear and accessible policies and procedures, strong communication and humility in leadership.

8. The Story of Sketch
Its founding roots and beginnings are necessary to its groundedness, continued growth and sustainability. The contribution of all people who have been involved with Sketch along the way is also vital to its growth and relevance. Sketch is a work-in-progress attempting to be responsive to the community it serves.

Download Full Core Values