Looking Back at im:print 2024
“Absolutely beautiful. I love to see stories that are so different from my own.”
A Powerful Reflection on Identity, Belonging, and Social Justice
As we look back on the remarkable success of im:print 2024, it’s clear that the interdisciplinary performance surpassed expectations, delivering a transformative experience for both performers and audiences alike. Produced by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), this year’s edition of im:print brought together a vibrant tapestry of voices, celebrating the diverse identities of Indigenous, immigrant, newcomer, and settler artists.
At its core, im:print 2024 was not just a performance — it was an exploration of personal stories, a celebration of resilience, and a catalyst for thought-provoking conversations about equity, identity, and social justice. Artists from Greater Victoria came together to create deeply personal, honest, and sometimes provocative performances that questioned the status quo and invited audiences to reflect on their place in the world. The production was a rich, multidisciplinary showcase, featuring dance, poetry, music, storytelling, and theatre.
The performances ranged from poignant personal reflections to critical examinations of systemic issues that continue to shape the lives of marginalized communities. Each act, while unique in its form and expression, shared a common thread of truth-telling, rooted in the lived experiences of those who are often overlooked or misunderstood.
The feedback from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how deeply moved they were by the stories shared on stage. Audience members felt a profound connection to the performers and their stories, often citing how the performance left them with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) communities.
One attendee described the experience as “transformative,” noting how the stories shared through voice, song, and movement resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on them long after the final curtain call. Another shared, “The production had a joyful feeling even with the messages being difficult. What a great show!” This mix of celebration and contemplation created a truly immersive experience.
The diversity of stories presented allowed the audience to witness the rich cultural landscape of the region. From the powerful words of an Anishinaabe singer to the emotional expression of immigrant struggles, the performance spoke directly to the collective need for community, understanding, and healing. One audience member, an immigrant from the Philippines, shared how hearing the sounds of life from home made them feel an emotional connection to their past for the first time since arriving in Canada. “Your show has really touched me,” they said, highlighting the power of storytelling to create empathy and solidarity across cultural divides.
One of the most significant impacts of im:print 2024 was its ability to challenge and confront societal norms. Through art, the performance questioned the ways in which our communities are shaped by histories of colonialism, systemic racism, and exclusion. The show didn’t shy away from addressing difficult subjects, such as Indigenous injustice and the ongoing struggles of Palestinian people, ensuring that the performance was as much an invitation for reflection as it was a call for change.
“Art is not always about pretty things; it’s about who we are, what happened to us, and how our lives are affected.”
-Elizabeth Broun
This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of im:print 2024 — art as a vehicle for transformation, as a tool to dismantle harmful narratives and build new connections rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding.
Behind the scenes, im:print 2024 was brought to life by a creative team of diverse artists, including Monique Salez, Krystal Cook, Yasmine Kandil, Francis Matheu, and Paulina Grainger. The collaboration between performers, facilitators, and the wider community ensured that the production was not just a performance, but a shared creative journey. The dedication of the team, along with the passion and bravery of the performers, brought authenticity and depth to every moment on stage.
The creative team also worked closely with the performers to help them shape their stories, ensuring that each piece was both true to the artist’s experience and impactful for the audience. The result was a performance that felt deeply personal, yet universally resonant. The production was a celebration of the power of storytelling, showing that art can not only move us but also make us move — both emotionally and socially.
im:print 2024 was more than just a performance. It was a demonstration of the ICA’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces for diverse voices and perspectives. The project was funded by United Way Southern Vancouver Island and Canadian Heritage, organizations that recognize the importance of supporting arts initiatives that reflect the diverse fabric of our communities.
As the ICA’s Manager of Arts, Equity & Community Engagement, Paulina Grainger, noted in her call for artists, im:print serves as an important space for artists to share their stories, to feel seen, and to be compensated for their contributions to the cultural dialogue. Each selected performer received an artist fee, further reinforcing the value of their work and the importance of investing in the arts as a vehicle for social change.
Reflecting on the success of im:print 2024, it is clear that the event has made a lasting impact on the local arts scene. The feedback, both from the audience and performers, speaks to the importance of continuing to create spaces for underrepresented voices. The connections made during im:print 2024 will continue to reverberate throughout the community, sparking further dialogue and inspiring new generations of artists to use their work to effect positive change.
In closing, im:print 2024 has been a powerful reminder of the role art plays in shaping our collective consciousness. It has shown that when we come together to share our stories — especially those that challenge the status quo — we have the power to not only move people, but to inspire real change. We look forward to continuing this journey of artistic expression, community building, and social justice in the years to come.
im:print 2024 was a truly transformative experience for all involved. It showed us the strength of art to inspire change and foster connection, leaving an imprint that will endure long after the final performance. Thank you to all the artists, facilitators, and supporters who made this incredible showcase possible.
“Thank you for telling our story ate (older sister). You were very brave.
Your story was my story also.” (Addressed to one of the performers)
This project was funded by United Way Southern Vancouver Island, and Canadian Heritage.













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