EAST Youth Programs
Cover Photo by Amy Lee. Program: EAST Mixtape Challenge.
The EAST program has been a core program at Scarborough Arts for 10 years. EAST has had multiple iterations with the central theme of being a collaborative program for Scarborough youth who work under the guidance of professional artists, project managers, local social service providers, youth outreach workers, and peer mentors.
EAST uses the universal medium of arts and creativity to encourage healthy, innovative forms of self expression; foster a sustainable, enriching relationship with the arts; teach broadly based transferable life skills; provide new and engaging social experiences; help identify future post-secondary and employment directions; and provide direct employment preparation training. All EAST workshops are free and open to all.
Our most current iteration of EAST is the EAST H.E.A.R.T. (Health, Education, Art, Resilience, Together) program, which is a by and for youth program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Scarborough. Find out more and keep updated on the EAST program below. EAST H.E.A.R.T. is generously funded by the Toronto Urban Health Fund.
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Program Youth Leaders: Jega Delisca (Youth Coordinator), Sky Ravinn Ffrench (Peer Mentor), Rainèe Nelson (Peer Mentor).
See below for current EAST H.E.A.R.T. program offerings!
About EAST H.E.A.R.T.
(Health, Education, Art, Resilience, Together)
EAST H.E.A.R.T (Health, Education, Art, Resilience, Together) is a yearly collaborative program for Scarborough 2SLGBTQ+ youth who work under the guidance of a Youth Coordinator and Peer Mentors, along with professional artists, project managers, local social service providers, and youth outreach workers. Each year of this program is focused on a different form of creative expression and art-medium. This program is youth-led and developed, with outcomes and benefits including: encouraging healthy and innovative forms of self-expression for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Scarborough; fostering a sustainable, enriching relationship with a youth’s self and others; teaching broadly based transferable life skills; informing about 2SLGBTQ+ specific health and wellbeing; and providing new and engaging social experiences for participants by working closely in a group of youth with similar lived experiences.
See below for the most up-to-date information on this programming and to learn more about how interested youth can join!
This program is funded by the City of Toronto, Toronto Urban Health Fund, and Delta Gaming and Bingo.
EAST H.E.A.R.T. 2024 Programming:
“SCARBOROUGH ON PAPER"
The East H.E.A.R.T (Health, Education, Art, Resilience, Together) program is thrilled to announce its fourth-year installment, inviting youth aged 18 to 29 identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ (including questioning individuals) from Scarborough to join our transformative creative journey. This year's focus is on paper-craft—"Scarborough On Paper," a unique exploration curated by artist and community builder Jega Delisca and youth leader Rainee Nelson.
Embark on a transformative journey with the EAST H.E.A.R.T. cohort in 2024, where every aspect is designed to enrich your experience. In this program you will be immersed in the captivating world of papercraft, exploring artist development, insightful talks, studio visits, and the art of letter writing. Delve into meaningful discussions and activities aimed at enhancing your overall well-being and sexual health within a safe and supportive environment.
Beyond artistic growth, this program is a celebration of community building — a space to unlock the art of socializing, create lasting connections, and embrace the beauty of diversity. Join us on this extraordinary journey where creativity, well-being, and community converge for an unforgettable experience. 🌈✨
The 2024 EAST H.E.A.R.T. cohort, "Scarborough On Paper" program will run from Tuesday February 3 2024 to June 4 2024. This is a hybrid program where it will be a blend of online Saturdays and in-person hangouts on Tuesdays over five months.
Find out more and apply today by clicking the button below!
EAST H.E.A.R.T. YEAR 3:
PUBLIC ART
Watch a timelapse video conceptualizing the design of the new Scarborough Sign,
“Things that go Bump in the Night”
Designed by Jared Oslever
EAST H.E.A.R.T. Year 3 explored public art development and creative output. Led by artist, @jaredoslever, and EAST H.E.A.R.T. leaders Jega Delisca (Youth Coordinator), Sky Ffrench (Peer Mentor), and Rainée Nelson (Peer Mentor), youth participants conceptualized and painted a new design for the Scarborough Sign as part of their culminating project.
Titled “Things that Go Bump in the Night” this captivating artwork embraces the horror genre to celebrate Scarborough's 2SLGBTQ+ community. Through evocative imagery and mesmerizing aesthetics, the mural challenges stereotypes and empowers individuals as resilient, captivating monsters. With bold strokes, vibrant colors, and haunting symbolism, it invites viewers to embrace the diverse and powerful nature of the community. The artwork serves as a compelling reminder of the struggles faced by queer individuals in Scarborough, while also highlighting their strength and resilience. It ignites a conversation about the role of public art in provoking thought, fostering community, and celebrating the unique spirits that dwell within us all.
Past EAST Youth Collective Programs
EAST H.E.A.R.T. SYSTEM UPDATE
2021-2022
SYSTEM UPDATE is a digital arts and new media-making program for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth based in Scarborough. This digital arts and new media-making program ran from January to May 2022, led by Jega Delisca, with support from Peer Mentors Sky Ffrench and Kyana Graham. Participants learned a variety of digital techniques including illustration, graphic design, gif & meme-making, and new media creating.
EAST H.E.A.R.T. (EAST Zines)
2020-2021
EAST is a collaborative program for Scarborough youth who work under the guidance of professional artists, project managers, local social service providers, youth outreach workers, and peer mentors.
Sister Sound System
EAST Healthy Relationships Through Music
Sister Sound System was created through an artistic and personal development program for young women of colour in Toronto called EAST Music & Healthy Relationships. The program was led by powerhouse entertainer and entrepreneur, Dynesti, at an organization called Scarborough Arts. Most of the young women in the program were recording professionally for the first time. Sister Sound System was created to prove that when marginalized sisters are given the support and guidance they need, they can dominate our sound systems and inspire a positive shift of energy in every space they enter.