Sheridan launches artistic series highlighting marginalized communities

Sheridan College’s Creative Campus Galleries has launched the first installation of its innovative Art & Storytelling Series, an initiative that highlights voices and stories from historically marginalized communities through art-based installations and programs.

The inaugural installation, Speak Up!, is taking place at Sheridan’s Davis Campus in Brampton, Ont. from August 27 – December 14. Like all exhibitions and events at Sheridan’s Creative Campus Galleries, admission is free and open to all members of the public. 

Speak Up! focuses on amplifying women’s voices and experiences through photographs by Mariam Magsi, an illustrated game book by Tara Krebs, a choir performance by artist Annie Wong, and a stand-up comedy night by Anasimone George and her peers at SHADE comedy series. These artists make visible some of women’s everyday experiences to spark conversations and support women who want to take up space and be heard.

“In light of the #MeToo movement, many conversations about sexual violence have received international attention,” says Marsya Maharani, Assistant Curator, Creative Campus Galleries. “#MeToo offers a hopeful glimpse into the power of storytelling. As an immigrant woman in Canada, story-sharing in both private and public spheres has been integral to forming my sense of belonging amidst strangers. It’s my hope that Speak Up! will foster a safe space for all women-identified members of the Sheridan community to excel.”

Stay tuned for full event details, which will be posted to galleries-sheridan.ca as they become available.  

Speak Up! is presented in collaboration with the Centre for Equity and Inclusion, the Dare to Care Campaign, the Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies, the International Centre, Library and Learning Services, the Sheridan Student Union, and Student Affairs. Together, we are working towards an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures trust, motivates open participation, encourages risk-taking, and inspires creativity.

Sheridan’s Creative Campus Galleries showcase and catalyze creativity through the mobilization of visual culture while providing opportunities for interdisciplinary inquiry and exchange across Sheridan’s faculties, departments, research centres and community. Visit galleries-sheridan.ca to learn more.

Pictured top right: A photograph of Humna by artist Mariam Magsi. Part of the series Purdah, 2017. Courtesy of the artist.