Immigrant and Refugee Youth, Community-Based Arts Practice, Belonging, and Inclusion in St. John's, Newfoundland

• In Event: 35.046 - Community Arts: Partnerships Across Perspectives

Abstract

The Open Studio is an art-making space grounded in ideals of collaborative community development, Adlerian theory, social justice and feminist thought. We explored experiences of inclusion and belonging to help immigrant and refugee youth adapt in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where newcomers often face an insider/outsider dynamic of disconnection. A participatory action perspective, this process sought emergent themes. The Open Studio was structured along seven parameters: focus on intentional art making; no judgmental commentary; non-evaluative in nature; no forced participation; witnessing; sharing; and participation by facilitators. The participant-planned final exhibition contributed to learning, sharing, and group cohesiveness. A plain language needs assessment, semi-structured interviews, and focus group generated data on how Open Studio informs cultural experiences and feelings of belonging.

Authors

• Leah Lewis

• Heather Skye McLeod, Memorial University

• Xuemei Li, Memorial University of Newfoundland