Through support from Guelph Arts Council’s Youth Opportunities Award, Art in the Park was able to give local youth and community members a chance to explore their creativity and become more involved in the arts. The Youth Opportunities Award supports local artists, organizations and youth-led initiatives that create, enhance or expand opportunities for young people to experience and engage with the arts. We spoke with the Skov Park Neighbourhood Group about the project’s success and the experience of bringing it to the community.
Can you talk a little bit about Skov Park Neighbourhood Group for those that have never heard of you before?
Skov Park Neighbourhood Group is a grassroots group in Guelph’s Ward 2 that operates under the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC). We bring neighbours together through community gardening, environmental education, arts, food, and community events, with a strong focus on creating welcoming opportunities for youth and families.
Can you provide a brief description of your Art in the Park event?
Art in the Park was a free community event at Skov Park that brought together art, nature, and community. Families and neighbours were invited to participate in outdoor art-making activities inspired by nature and spend time connecting in the park.
Do you feel the event was successful, and how did it differ from your original expectations?
Yes, we felt the event was very successful. We had 21 attendees, mostly youth. We expected the focus to mainly be on creating art, but it also became a great opportunity for families and neighbours to connect.
What gaps in community programming, especially regarding youth and the arts, did an event such as this fill?
There is a need for more free and accessible arts programming for youth and families directly within their neighbourhoods. Art in the Park created an opportunity for young people to be creative, spend time outdoors, and participate without needing previous art experience, buying materials, looking for space, or having to travel outside their community.
What is in store for the Skov Park Neighbourhood Group next?
We hope to continue offering community events, workshops, gardening activities, and programs that bring together arts, nature, food, and environmental education. We are especially interested in creating more opportunities for youth and families and building partnerships with other local organizations.
How can those who are interested get involved with your group?
People can get involved by attending our events, volunteering at the community garden, helping with community activities, or sharing ideas for future programming. We’re always happy to connect with residents, artists, educators, and organizations that want to contribute to the neighbourhood. People can find us on instagram: @skovparkng
