In Artasia 2020, we’ve reflected on our current global nature of increased uncertainty. Through this lens, we have considered the empowerment of a child’s voice for the stories & knowledge they have to share. Through times of isolation, tension and rising activism, CKA’s Artasia program activates the arts as a vital vehicle for expression among children & youth. The project not only engages children through storytelling, but furthermore connects them to each other – and their respective creativity – through online tools & technology.

In unprecedented times, innovation leads us towards new forms of unification. Leveraging Artspark [a Virtual Reality environment for creative expression], Artasia offers an immersive platform for children to explore each other’s works, inventiveness and voices. Artspark was first developed in 2019 in partnership with McMaster University, currently evolving to support new modes of exchange. With support from the Artasia emerging artist team, artwork is digitized & embedded in a place-based VR world, modelled after local regional topography (e.g. the Niagara escarpment, the Grand River, and the Great Lakes).

Artspark enables a timeless re-contextualizing of the land and its many gifts, referencing the Iroquois Trail and Plank Road as storied layers beneath contemporary streets (Hwy 8 and Hwy 6). Beginning at home and in their own neighbourhoods, sidewalk and window displays activate these VR trails. Along the way, avatar puppets launch emoji conversations about important concerns.