Updates on the Podcast and Article
When the idea of analyzing art in Regent Park came up in our second meeting, we were excited by the prospect of a challenge. None of us, including the Regent Park residents, had any connection to art in the neighbourhood, and we believed the safe story to tell would be through an analysis of local businesses. Kabir had a connection with the owner of a grocery store, and as comfortable a story as that would be, we were concerned it would be a similar story to other class groups.
Therefore, we took the art challenge head-on, knowing we would have a tougher time finding people to interview along with trying to tie our story of art into the theme of economic justice. However, we also knew we would get more out of a unique type of project like this if we completely stepped out of our comfort zone.
Now, reflecting on those first conversations our group had, we can’t be more happy with the direction the project has gone. We uncovered the story of the Living Lane and directly related it to the theme of economic justice. Specifically, in our final article, we will explore how the opportunity to create art in a dedicated studio is a barrier emerging artists face, and explain how Regent Park’s investment in subsidizing studio space gives emerging artists the opportunity to develop a stronger portfolio and personal brand. Through their experience working in their own studio space, artists are able to explore themselves, their art, and their business. By moving into the Living Lane’s studios, the artists also become role models, letting kids and aspiring neighbourhood artists realise that their dream of becoming a career artist is possible.
Interview with Fatima Saya
This week we had the opportunity to interview Fatima Saya from the Daniels Corporation. At this stage of our project, we got to hear the story of the Living Lane and the Work-Live opportunity through the perspective of a developer. She told us that the idea of the Living Lane and the Work-Live opportunity was to repurpose this lane way, otherwise, it’s just a “dingy” back alley. After hearing feedback from artists about the affordability of studio space, the Living Lane was borne out of a desire to repurpose this laneway as a creative centre that guarantees subsidized studio space for artists. The artists themselves, particularly Benny Bing, were a part of these early conversations, and Fatima is personally familiar with the artists. From this, it is clear that as a representative of the Daniels Corporation, she isn’t detached from the artists or the issue of accessible space. She finished the conversation by claiming her role is to be an advocate that ensures the artists are able to continue practicing their craft in the community without falling victim to the cycle of gentrification that typically accompanies revitalization.
Podcast Recording at Regent Park Focus
The Artists at Daniels Spectrum.
This Thursday, we had the opportunity to record our part of the podcast (excluding the interviews we have already filmed) at Daniels Spectrum. The timing of the recording couldn’t be more perfect, since we had just finished conducting all six of our interviews and our thoughts and reflections were still fresh in our minds. Everyone had unique insights on the interviews and about the role of art in Regent Park and economic justice in the neighbourhood. One part of the podcast that was particularly interesting, was when Connor asked Kabir whether or not he would be encouraging if any of his children wanted to pursue a career in the arts. While Kabir said he would be open to exploring the option, Gayathri pointed out, drawing on Melissa’s experiences growing up in an immigrant family, that many children of immigrants do not see artistry as a viable career path, due to cultural expectations on what occupations will lead to financial success and freedom. Many immigrants experience financial hardship when first arriving to a new country, so they expect their children to pursue high-paying jobs in fields such as medicine, law or engineering, to prevent them from experiencing similar financial strain. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in an immigrant family, she agreed with Melissa’s perspective, stating “I am a product of my upbringing.”
The Artists team members are Connor, Gayathri, Kabir, and Sandesh