Abstract
The value of engaging newcomer youth through community arts programs is examined within the Canadian context, specifically within Toronto. Expanding upon the existing literature and studies concerned with newcomer youth settlement needs, themes of social, structural and spatial exclusion set the context for discussion of using arts-based methods. Relating these to theories of social inclusion, social capital and critical social theory of youth empowerment, a primary investigation involved interviews with a private funding foundation, the Laidlaw Foundation, and a focus group session with newcomer youth from Beatz To Da Streetz, an active community urban arts program. The implications of this study are a demonstration of the positive process and outcomes of using arts methods for newcomer youth inclusion, but that the lack of support and resources available to such programs, particularly from federal and provincial sources, limit the impact of such programming.
Highlights
Set within the Canadian context of the lack of research and policy initiatives directed towards newcomer youth, this research paper will demonstrate the value of one approach to newcomer youth settlement programming – namely that of community arts programming
As more newcomer youth are living in lower-income communities with little access to appropriate and alternative spaces to challenge and engage in the creative process, this research paper will add to the more recent literature acknowledging this need, in Toronto
What happens when newcomer youth are left with little access and opportunity to engage in personal, social and economic outlets? If newcomer youth are meant to be future, active members within Canadian society, they must first be afforded the time and space to investigate who they are and where they fit into the Canadian context
Summary
Set within the Canadian context of the lack of research and policy initiatives directed towards newcomer youth, this research paper will demonstrate the value of one approach to newcomer youth settlement programming – namely that of community arts programming. 21), alluding to the lack of attention and funding for newcomer youth, while paradoxically expecting them to be equal and contributing members of Canadian society. Focusing on this lack of program provision and the lack of adequate research on newcomer youth, this study concerns itself with the use of community arts programs as a positive tool and method in promoting newcomer youth engagement and social inclusion. As more newcomer youth are living in lower-income communities with little access to appropriate and alternative spaces to challenge and engage in the creative process, this research paper will add to the more recent literature acknowledging this need, in Toronto. What happens when newcomer youth are left with little access and opportunity to engage in personal, social and economic outlets? If newcomer youth are meant to be future, active members within Canadian society, they must first be afforded the time and space to investigate who they are and where they fit into the Canadian context
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