Who We Are
Our Vision
We see a movement where young people are celebrated and engaged as culture makers, perception changers and collaborators in building creative communities.
Our Mission
SKETCH is a community arts organization that offers free arts based programs, wrap-around services and access to studio space so young people can experience the transformative power of the arts; build leadership and sustainable livelihood in the arts; and cultivate social and environmental change through the arts.
What We OfferMandate
SKETCH runs free arts programs for aspiring and emerging creatives 18-35yrs, who are navigating poverty and precarity due to systemic oppression with a focus on those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and other racialized young people.
Equity at SKETCH
Our Equity Strategy is intended to guide our program design, engagement practice and strategic plans to increase equity throughout the organization. It’s a long term living and active learning plan to be interacted with and iterated through dialogue with young people, staff and partners.
VIEWAcknowledgement
SKETCH acknowledges that we are living and working in the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, in Toronto (T’karonto – Mohawk term), covered by Treaty 13, which has been stewarded since time immemorial to this very day by the Haudenosaunee, the Wendat, Petun, Seneca and most recently by the Missauagas of the Credit River First Nation and is home to many Indigenous Peoples.
We are learning that this acknowledgement includes respecting Indigenous nationhood and lands as well as the traditional laws, governance and Treaties, standing for their protection.
We are learning these territories are guided by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, a treaty between the Anishinaabeg, Mississaugas and the Haudenosaunee to peaceably share and protect the lands and waters.
We recognize the violent impacts caused by colonialism that continue to affect Indigenous Lands, Cultures and Peoples. We also recognize the prevalence of racist ideas and policies that have been born of White Supremacy and capitalism that has driven colonization. The racist ideas and policies have led to systemic violence against Black persons and People of Colour.
We seek to live and work in solidarity, building greater awareness, reflexivity and knowledge to support the self-determination, justice and leadership of Indigenous, Black, and all racialized peoples of Turtle Island.
Please connect to Equity at SKETCH to learn more about and engage with our intentions to build social and racial equity.
Artwork by Maanii Oakes