Start to Speak
Supported by the Ontario Arts Council
“Start to Speak” project concepts was based a number of women and their organizations who are using their clothing, stitching, quilting, storytelling and related events to describe the violence to which they have been subjected to either in Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan and in Canada. These women are living in Hamilton. A number of Sudanese women were also invited to the project as participants. In specific terms “Start to speak” - Community Art Project concept was aimed at to create a textile-based piece of art and a painting mural that communicates the violence, racism and feelings of women by the women and artists.
The project enabled the women and young girls to use drawing, painting, sketches, and stitches media to express their feelings and experiences. Women addressed the issue of women's participation in the financial and social life of the family in Canada.
The Afghan Canadian Women Society (ACWS) as project partner in the "Start to Speak" project played a key role in identifying and selecting a group of women and girls from Afghan, Somalia and Sudanese backgrounds. The reason for selecting this particular group is that these two nations have experienced various kinds of discrimination, violence, women and young girl abuse as well as economic disadvantage. Most of the women in this group have witnessed the worst discrimination in the recent history.
ICAA achieved the objectives of the project as was set in the project proposal to demonstrate to the newcomers' women and girls from war-ravaged countries that they could overcome their challenges by using their experiences, life skills and art with the support of the community.
The women worked with mentors in the community to facilitate and describe their stories, working in a safe environment, where they are able to share their fears and reclaim their life styles and their future. The images and the clothing pieces delivered the message to the public in an effective way of harmony and humanity that combats racism and violence at the same time.
The immigrant women and girls shared their positive community life experiences with other women of different social and ethic. The participants worked in a creative and artistic environment. They outlined their needs as active partners in family and community life.
The women and girls used their sewing, quilting and clothing design and decoration skills to put together a cloth mural. The participants work on a textile-based piece and then converted the same idea into painting on canvas the symbols of the art piece were created from the experiences of participants. Then they created sketches, drawings and compositions.
The participants agreed upon the symbols and final composition. They provided creative and valuable input based on their colors of choice, their cultural background and their national symbols. The women and girls learned artistic skills of composing their ideas and thoughts. The ICAA artists mentored the participants by providing professional artistic input to assist them in the creation of design and working process.
We are pleased and feel proud that the "Start to Speak" project with participant women and girls addressed the issue of genuine community participation of women and girls that needed empowerment and support to realize their dream one day.
ICAA achieved the anticipated outcome from the 'Start to Speak" project by identifying and organizing the targeted women group to create a textile based piece of art and a painting mural that effectively communicated the violence and racism theme which the women have experienced and their response to such acts.
The women worked collaboratively to share their stories (list of the selected stories is attached). They worked with the textile and clothing pieces to utilize their skills to carry their message to the general public through art.
The mural is a permanent reminder of the women challenges but an opportunity of a positive creative experience, which will encourage future generations to resolve their issue through dialogue and peaceful way. The outcome of a collective piece of work provides the public an example of collaborative and creative engagement with the community and artists, which uses multi-ethnic creative expressions so that they are understood and included.
