Arts Programs
ICA’s Arts & Outreach programs use art as a tool and method to celebrate and communicate the immigrant and refugee experience.
The Arts Program provides a non-threatening and democratic space through which to tell the newcomer story. It is a space ICA uses to explore social issues, including, but not limited to those relating to race, culture, identity, gender, religion, stereotyping and discrimination. Our objective is to hold conversations that engage community, and share ideas that help break down barriers and help build healthy and welcoming communities.
The goals of the Arts Program are as follows:
- To build inclusive community through collaborative artistic projects.
- To nurture and strengthen cultural interaction and connection
- To create innovative & provocative work that:
- Relates the newcomer narrative of coming to Canada
- Is accessible and breaks down linguistic and cultural barriers
- Actively changes the discourse around refugees and immigrants
- Shift attitudes and creates better pathways for inclusion and integration into Canadian society
- Values the contributions, talents and presence of newcomers
- Uses art-based practices as a means for healing, reconciliation and the integration of marginalized communities
- Engages audiences across multi-faceted cultural settings, encourages exchange and dialogue, promotes diversity, and fosters trust and mutual respect
Canada is a growing, dynamic and increasingly complex multicultural society. ICA believes that all cultures enrich our lives in many ways and it is essential that this diversity is celebrated and reflected in the arts. If it is not, our communities will be less vibrant, less interesting and less tolerant places to live.
For more information contact
Paulina Grainger, Manager – Arts and Community Engagement
Email: pgrainger@icavictoria.org
Phone: 250.388.4728 Ext. 2138.
Far too many seniors have reported feeling “invisible” and “diminished.”
It’s clear we live in a youth-fixated culture. As Andy Rooney ruefully pointed out,
“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”
Copies of the book are available through ICA.
Paulina Grainger,
Manager – Arts and Community Engagement
Email: pgrainger@icavictoria.org
Phone: 250.388.4728 Ext. 2138.
This year (2022) marked the return of ICA’s arts program through a partnership with the University of Victoria Theatre Department and Raino Dance to produce a powerful, community-based production. im:print 2022 is a multidisciplinary show that weaves the personal stories of immigrant, Indigenous, settler and Canadian-born artists. You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking performance!
This project is funded in part by United Way Southern Vancouver Island and the Staging Equality Project (UVic).
Tools for Equity
ICA’s Tools for Equity training program for businesses and organizations, addresses racial disparities and employment barriers faced by immigrants, refugees, and communities of colour in the Capital Regional District.
ICA Stories
ICA stories reflect the diversity of our community. This section profiles stories of newcomers' challenges and successes, including people who have just arrived and others who have built their lives in Greater Victoria.
Community Partnership Network (CPN)
The Community Partnership Network (CPN) is a group of more than 300 local agencies, businesses, and institutions committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities in Greater Victoria.