Left of Centre: Conversations | Garnering & Navigating Press for Black Artists with Pacinthe Mattar

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