BUILDING ALLYSHIP
Supporting BIPOC artists in London, ON.
The London Arts Council is committed to confronting systemic racism and inequity that exists in London today. LAC joins BIPOC - Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and community members in support of equity, justice and human rights. Thus supporting renewed energy to create meaningful change is not lost.
Allyship:
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allyship is not an identity—it is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust, consistency, and accountability with individuals and/or groups of people.
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allyship is not self-defined—our work and our efforts must be recognized by the people we seek to ally ourselves with
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it is important to be intentional in how we frame the work we do
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This definition of allyship is informed by: https://theantioppressionnetwork.com/allyship/
Surveys:
Along with the listening circles the LAC is conducting a survey to further our understanding of how we can assist and support BIPOC artists and arts organizations in London, ON.
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Our continuing role:
We are turning our spotlight towards the voices of those who are continuously marginalized, silenced, and ignored. LAC will continue to promote and exercise the principles of equity in all that we do.
London Arts Council commits to further engaging BIPOC artists and arts organizations through an extensive consultation process, including:
Listening Sessions:
The London Arts Council has organized listening sessions to hear from the BIPOC arts communities.
These sessions will be held in small numbers in order for every voice to be heard.
At this time, we request that attendance be limited to BIPOC arts community members.
To register for Listening Sessions for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Artists - please follow the link below.
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RAISING VOICES
Cutural expression and production are powerful forces that can change the attitudes and beliefs of a society. The London Arts Council has worked with many BIPOC artists whose art serves to educate and build community. We invite you to learn more about some of the BIPOC artists and arts organizations working with and receiving funding from the LAC's various programs and projects throughout our website.
 London Arts Live 2020 |  Pride Lit - 2 Willow Switch |  London Korean Samulnori Drumming Team - Culture Days 2018 |
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 Jim HanJim Han has worked in many of LAC's programs. In 2018, Jim curated B13 - one of LAC's Culture Days sites. |  Youth Artist Mentorship Project |  PL - River TalksArtist Shawna Redskye |
 Connor McPhail |  LAL2020q_editedLondon Arts Live Artist Activation |  Frank ReynosoLondon Arts Live Artist - Summer 2020 |
 Global Girl Media featured at Public Art |  LAL2020d |  Amanda Myers, Crossings |
 Richard Gracious |  Christine Leu and Alan Webb public art p |  Residential School Survivors Public Art Project |
 Quinn Smallboy, Visual Artist |  Moses Lunham |  Residential School Project |
 Megan Arnold & Vidya Natarajan |
COLLABORATING FOR TRUTH
Collaborating for Truth brings voices together to help change the narrative. The London Arts Council uses its platform to amplify voices for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, collaborating for truth is needed in our community, city, province, country and around the world.
Collaborating for Truth brings voices together to help change the narrative. The London Arts Council uses its platform to amplify voices for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, collaborating for truth is needed in our community, city, province, country and around the world.
A beautiful example of collaborating for truth has been our work with Atlohsa Family Healing Services for both the
2018 and 2019 Atlohsa Peace Awards
The awards celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions, propelling social change in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation. Through media, arts, education and advocacy these trailblazers truly exemplify leadership in an era of rapid growth and change.
Each Award honours an individual or organization that best represents one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Love, Respect, Truth and Wisdom.
In 2019, in the spirit of the Two-Row Wampum and Two-Eyed Seeing, LAC created Indigenous and non-Indigenous artist collaboratives to
co-create a performance and film for the awards evening.
Visual Artists Quinn Smallboy & Sharmistha Kar, Dancers Montana Summers & Avery Hall and Musicians Robin Henry & Mary Ashton performed together during the event.
We are honoured to share the film created for the 2019 event by
Film Artists Nicole Coenen and Edward Lees.
The London Arts Council is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum.
The London Arts Council is committed to working in peace and healing with the surrounding First Nations communities of the city of London:Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware Nation.
To find out more about the LAC's Building Allyship efforts, please email info@londonarts.ca