ArtsCan Circle

Getting kids off the streets and onto music—that’s the mission of the ArtsCan Circle, an organization that uses music, drama and art as principal weapons against the drugs, violence and poverty that can threaten at-risk youth in isolated northern communities, where the suicide rate for young Aboriginal people can sometimes be frighteningly high.

From writing and recording original songs, to dramatic interpretations of classic cultural tales, the ArtsCan Circle works to connect volunteer musicians and artists with at-risk youth populations. Featuring workshops as diverse as drawing and drama to guitar and harmonica lessons, ArtsCan encourages self-expression in a non-authoritative environment. To keep the creativity flowing long after the workshops are over, the group also donates musical instruments and equipment to local schools.

The ArtsCan Circle is driven by the volunteer musicians and artists who give freely of their time and expertise, building strong relationships with children and teachers by returning to the same communities year after year. Carol Teal, ArtsCan’s executive director, describes the warm welcome encountered every time they come. “The kids realize our main agenda is to have fun with them, so we’re very well received. We try to send a leader who has been to the community on previous trips to help mentor new people, and keep building the relationships.”

Workshops are unique to each community, and depend on the particular skills of the volunteers on each trip. But every team includes a guitar player, and lessons are usually a part of the program. Song writing, which works well in groups, is popular with the children, as are workshops in painting, drawing and making instruments or other crafts. The positive results are encouraging, says Teal. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the number of youth playing instruments, starting up their own bands and creating their own music.”

—Leah Macpherson