Feature ~ Blog

To be open is a seemingly easy concept to grasp, but is one that is often hard to transfer into reality in full force. As a dancer, I have spent many years training myself to be precise in the technique or choreography I am learning. Like in any art form, you often become so involved in the practice that you can simply fall into a realm where your art form is the only thing you are conscience about. This can make it difficult to not only be open, but to acknowledge there are other influences out there that can expand your self and your work.

This past August, I spent two wonderful weeks in the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island, which is where the idea of openness began to resonate with me for the first time. I participated in the National Artists Program through the Canada Summer Games. “The program’s philosophy is to bring together bright and talented young artists from each province and territory, representing a variety of disciplines, and challenge them, under the guidance of facilitators, to interpret the Games theme and experience individually and collectively through their art.”  Each province and territory selects three artists to participate in a two-week period of mentorships and collaboration, ending in the creation of a final piece for the closing ceremonies. NAP was originally created 10 games ago to bring together art and sport, Providing formal and informal opportunities for the artists to interpret and experience the games, and vice versa for the athletes.

I applied to this program by chance, knowing nothing about it. Thinking about it now, it was a bit of a risk, and I was skeptical at first, being part of a program that is associated with sports. I thought to myself a lot, why would they have an art program at a sporting event? However by taking that chance and being open to participating, I was able to take in an experience, which has given more to me artistically than a lot of things I have done.

The program was fairly consistent in its set up. We were able to sign up for numerous mentorship sessions within or out of our own discipline daily. We participated in local festivals, had a panel discussion with senior artists, set up our own show for the athletes and even had the pleasure of hearing Measha Brueggergosman perform, which was incredible! We lived in the village with all the athletes, ate at the cafeteria and in the evenings many of us NAPsters would be meet at the gazebo in the village to hang out, jam and share ideas. Evening jam time was definitely a highlight for me.

Although there were many great aspects to the program, it was truly the other artists that turned it into an amazing experience. To be surrounded by such a large group of extremely talented young artists who are constantly open to ideas and ready to improvise at a moments notice is a very rare thing. I have never been part of a group where there was absolutely no judgment, and where people thrived on  seeing you push your limits. We created an environment in which it was safe to go places you normally wouldn’t go artistically and helped each other expand ideas in any way we could. I am honoured to call these fantastic artists my colleagues, and even more so my friends. They are a group that has had a direct impact on me, artistically and personally, breathing new life into me at a time of change in my life.

In the past few months since NAP ended, I have still been in touch with almost everyone in the group, some on a regular basis. A small group of us have also recently formed a collective under the name of One Trunk to fulfill the desire to work with together on projects across the country. We have already begun to apply to a few festivals, and to create interdisciplinary pieces that challenge the way we normally work in our own separate creative processes.  

This experience taught me a multitude of things, many which will not fully resonate for a few years. NAP truly brought me to understand the importance of being open, especially as a young artist emerging into the field. If you allow yourself to let go of preconceived notions or the fear of messing up, and see a different perspective, you may just surprise yourself on how much more there is to learn and ways to challenge yourself. The next NAP will be happening in 2011 in Halifax, NS, and I highly encourage any young artists to get out there and apply! It’s a wonderful experience, and may lead you down some paths you never thought you would be going down.