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MISSION |
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AFC's core mission is to provide accessible,
artistic opportunities for children and youth from underserved
communities, enabling them to discover their own capabilities
through quality, hands-on programming. We focus on fostering
relationships between community partners and develop our programs
in consultation with the community and stakeholders involved. |
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HISTORY |
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Established in 1995 to provide arts scholarships to children
and youth from low-income families, well over 800 children
benefited from the scholarship program. In 2001, the idea was
conceived of bringing arts programs into communities so that
an even larger number of children could participate. Today,
AFC reaches upwards of 8,000 children and youth per year through
inner-city and special needs schools, community centres, hospitals
and Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) buildings.
To date, AFC has reached over 20,000 children, youth and
educators through three main branches of our programming: |
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Outreach Programs in
the visual, music, and performing arts in schools and community-based
settings |
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Arts Adventure Camp,
an annual summer arts camp available to young people in low-income
areas |
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Professional
Development Workshops arts-based training for teachers,
caseworkers, facilitators and child-care workers. |
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Currently, AFC's programs are delivered to more than 66 diverse
venues in inner-city community hubs, specifically Weston-Mount
Dennis, Jane-Finch, Jamestown, Lawrence Heights, Warden Woods,
East Scarborough, and Toronto Central. |
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GOALS |
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Our goals are focused on:
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Engaging marginalized youth in unique arts programs that
develop both artistic and personal skills; |
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Providing meaningful mentorship opportunities that could
lead youth to finding gainful employment; and, |
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Providing children and youth with a venue to develop a stake
in their own community. |
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The results of AFC's work can be seen in many
places throughout Toronto: outdoor spaces, hallways, hospitals,
and entrances of schools and community centres display the
art of children and youth who have worked with AFC artists.
Community and media interest in many of AFC's special projects
have been extensive and enthusiastic. |
