Awesome Arts

Awesome Arts en folie unites participants of all ages in exploring community issues through diverse art forms. In partnership with local organizations, Awesome Arts hosts workshops for various age groups, culminating in a public celebration. Through slam poetry, animation, music, theatre, and video, participants express themselves while addressing community concerns.

In November 2017, Awesome Arts was awarded the International Spotlight Award presented by the American National Arts and Humanities Youth program. Along with 12 exceptional organizations from across the United States, MASC was thrilled receive the United States' highest honour for after-school arts and humanities programs that reach underserved youth.

Awesome Arts was originally developed by Jolynn Sommervill as a One World Arts program in 2009 before moving to MASC in 2013. Since its inception, 19 editions of Awesome Arts have been held in Ottawa communities with diverse partners. It has offered 1867 workshops to 3000 participants. Awesome Arts Festivals have featured performances by over 80 local artists and 3000 participants and engaged over 8000 audience members.

 

Videos for Awesome Arts

Why Awesome Arts is awesome

I don’t know where I would have gone in life if it wasn’t for the kind of programming Awesome Arts offered me as a teen. It was my escape route for a lot of the difficulties I was experiencing. I found that it brought me healthier ways to express my frustrations, it gave me a space to laugh and write even if it was once a week. Art is a form of therapy for people like me that didn’t have the opportunity to talk to professionals through rough times. I can honestly say Awesome Arts saved me in a way.

— Akuol Luala, past Awesome Arts participant, former MASC Board Member

A big thank you to our festival sponsors!

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