Left Of Centre: Conversations Nia Centre for the Arts

In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with freelance film programmer and curator Sarah-Tai Black explores working in the arts as a Black queer woman, the politics and impact of tokenism, privilege, and proximity, and the importance of following what makes your soul feel good.  

ABOUT SARAH-TAI BLACK

Sarah-Tai Black is a film programmer, arts curator, writer, and speaker living in Toronto. She is one of the Directors at The Royal Cinema where she programs a monthly series called Black Gold.   Her writing has been published by numerous outlets, including The Globe and Mail, Cinema Scope, MUBI Notebook, CBC Arts, TIFF's The Review, and cléo journal, and alongside several artist projects. In collaboration with institutions such as Museum of Contemporary Art and A Space Gallery, she has curated performance pieces by artists Lido Pimienta and Aisha Sasha John, a solo show by multidisciplinary artist Timothy Yanick Hunter, and has spoken about arts culture, film, and moving image arts in their many forms as a guest of the National Gallery of Canada and The Walrus, as well as with platforms such as Canadian Art, Screen International, and Huffington Post.  Sarah-Tai has previously held the role of Programmer at Images Festival, worked as a part of TIFF’s festival programming team and as a guest Ringleader at True/False Film Festival, served as a juror and panelist on behalf of several festivals such as Sarajevo Film Festival, Indie Memphis Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, BlackStar Film Festival, as well as partnered with several local arts organizations and initiatives including TIFF Cinematheque, Inside Out, and Regent Park Film Festival. She is committed to intersectional feminist practices within the arts and her work focuses heavily on the representation and experiences of black, queer, and body diverse communities. Find Sarah-Tai Online: www.sarahtaiblack.com @blackgoldto  

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS 

Wondering what the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In this series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.  ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.  Find Us Online: 

Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts

In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with writer, playwright, and community-engaged artist Fiona Raye Clarke to explore ways that emerging Black writers can find and hone their voices to not only better understand who they are, but also learn how to articulate this. Fiona also share the importance of flash assessments, and how they can be used as a tool to gain valuable feedback on the potential of your work.  

ABOUT FIONA RAYE CLARKE 

Fiona Raye Clarke is an award-winning Trinidadian-Canadian writer and community-engaged artist. She is the editor of Basodee: An Anthology Dedicated to Black Youth (2012) and Black Like We: Troubleshooting the Black Youth Experience (2018) which won the ArtReach Youth Arts Pitch Contest. Her writing has appeared online and in print in the Puritan Town Crier, the Room Magazine blog, alt.theatre, among others. Her plays have been produced by the rock.paper.sistahz festival and InspiraTo Festival, and her co-created short film screened at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival and the San Francisco Queer National Arts Festival. She is an alumnus of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Artistic Director of the Black youth oral history theatre project, INTERGENERACIAL.   Fina Fiona Online: fionarayeclarke.com @fionarclarke  

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS

 Wondering what the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In these series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.  

ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS 

Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.  Find Us Online: 

Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts

In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with Nigerian Canadian artist, independent curator, and photo editor Liz Ikiriko to talk about developing authentic artist statements and artist bios, as well as how emerging Black artists can build a strong network of peers, curators, and more.  

ABOUT LIZ IKIRIKO 

Liz Ikiriko is a Nigerian Canadian artist, independent curator, and photo editor. Her work as an educator, maker and mother informs her practice which is focused on African and narratives of the diaspora. She is committed to the creation of embodied experiences that utilize accessible platforms to share moments of vulnerability and care for all of us on the margins. She has worked with the CONTACT Photography Festival, the Contemporary African Photography (CAP) Prize and Wedge Curatorial Projects. Her work has been exhibited nationally and her writing has appeared in Public Journal, MICE Magazine, C Magazine and Akimbo. She currently teaches in the School of Image Arts at Ryerson University.   Find Liz Online: www.lizikiriko.com @lizikiriko  

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS 

Wondering what the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In this series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.  ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.  Find Us Online: 

Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts

In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with journalist and producer Pacinthe Mattar, who walks us through the ins and outs of garnering, leveraging, and responding to press and media about your artistic work. Pacinthe shares insight, best practices, and guiding principles in navigating the press landscape (both traditional and non-traditional), and how to make sure your artistic voice and work are being recognized and honoured.

ABOUT PACINTHE MATTAR 

Pacinthe Mattar is a journalist, writer, and producer. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, she has since called Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Toronto home. After earning her Master’s degree in journalism, Pacinthe spent a decade at CBC, beginning as a TV news producer before moving into radio, where she was a long-time producer The Current. In 2018, she moved to Berlin as a recipient of the Arthur F. Burns Fellowship through the Washington-based International Center for Journalists. Her writing has appeared in Buzzfeed, Deutsche Welle, The Walrus, Toronto Life, Chatelaine, and Reader’s Digest Canada. She speaks English, Arabic, and French, and is a proud aunt to two magical nieces. Find Pacinthe Online: @pacinthe 

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS 

Wondering the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In this series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.  ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.  Find Us Online: 

Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts

In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with filmmaker and producer Sara Elgamal, and executive producer and founder of PIQUE, to explore how emerging Black artists can fine-tune their business skills through clear and effective contracts, invoices, and workflows. Sara and Imad cover some of the most asked questions on when to get advice from a lawyer, where to find great templates, and how to start your collaborative projects off strong with clear agreements.

ABOUT SARA ELGAMAL 

Sara Elgamal is an international Filmmaker, who has produced work in Dubai, Japan, the UK and more. Using compelling and high quality visuals to tell meaningful global stories (documentary, branded content, music videos, short films) , she aims to shift the narratives and perceptions of underrepresented regions and people.  Her recent pivotal production work includes a series of visually stunning music videos including Sampha’s “Blood On Me, Sonder’s “Too Fast” (D&AD Award winner) and most notably Daniel Caesar’s “Freudian” (Prism Prize Winner).  Sara first established herself as a Producer after moving to London, England where she worked as Post-Producer, managing teams of animators for HBO and SkyTV. She then went on to produce branded content for Iris Worldwide London where she worked on campaigns for Adidas Football, Mini Cooper and Samsung.  Back in her home city of Toronto, where she is currently based, she produced content for Shopify’s Studio Team, before starting ‘Sarathecamel Productions Inc’. Sara has recently Directed her first campaign for the United Nations Populations Fund, UNFPA in Ethiopia - released June 2019  Find Sara Online: www.sarathecamel.com @sarathecamel  

ABOUT IMAD ELSHEIKH 

Imad is an Executive Producer and Creative Consultant based out of Toronto. He founded PIQUE, a digital production platform that collaborates with young creators across the globe. It aims to produce digital content and special events for artists and creators. PIQUE is passionate about nurturing and developing those with minimal experience and matching them up with industry professionals and productions.  Imad constantly seeks new challenges and projects to continue to develop his craft. PIQUE is an opportunity to use his expertise and to collaborate with other artists while showcasing and celebrating the wealth of talent throughout Canada’s neighbourhoods and abroad.  He has worked with various partners and brands including CBC, Adidas, Warner Music, Red Bull, Nobis, Kuumba, and other independent international artists.  Find Imad Online: www.piquetoronto.com @pique  

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS 

Wondering the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In this series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.  ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round.  Find Us Online: Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts

When are you ready to apply for a grant? What does the process look like from behind the scenes? How much support material should you have? We answer all your burning grant writing questions and more with Kevin Reigh from the Toronto Arts Council. This episode is originally from our video series Left of Centre Conversations, where we sit down with Black art professionals and explore ways emerging artists can feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy they deserve as a creative. Check out the full playlist on YouTube. 

ABOUT KEVIN REIGH 

Toronto Arts Council Community Arts Program Manager Kevin Reigh has 15+ years experience in the arts/not for profit sector having previously worked at dance Immersion, the Canadian Music Reproduction Rights Agency (CMRRA) and Unity Charity.   Kevin also founded Mosiah Grant Writing + Creative Communications to help independent artists and smaller not-for-profit organizations navigate the world of grant writing and proposal development.   As a writer and spoken-word artist, Kevin has released one album (Ground Provisions) and two volumes of poetry (Love Universes All Things and Bedroom Bully) and has collaborated with numerous musicians and dancers throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Kevin’s work was included in T-Dot Griots: An Anthology of Toronto’s Black Storytellers and he also contributed spoken-word to Paranoid Jack’s The Last of the Funky Cyborgs. 

ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE 

Wondering what the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In these series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative.

ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS  Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth.  We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round. Find Us Online: 

Website: niacentre.org 

Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre 

Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts 

LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts