ArtsCan Circle

🎸 APPLY BY MAY 19

Artscan Circle is supporting two Indigenous youth to take part in a 5-week Guitar-Making Residency this summer.

This immersive program, led by master luthier Sergei De Jonge, brings together a small cohort of artists from across Canada and beyond to learn the craft of building a guitar—from start to finish.

✨ Artscan Circle is offering 2 fully supported scholarship spots
✨ Open to Indigenous youth (First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Innu)
✨ Work alongside both Indigenous & non-Indigenous artists
✨ Build your own handcrafted instrument

📍 Chelsea, Quebec (near Ottawa)
📅 June 29 – July 31, 2026
💰 Tuition, travel & accommodations covered + $2,000 honorarium

This is more than a residency—it’s a chance to grow your creative voice, build confidence, and connect across cultures through art and making.

To apply, you’ll need:
• Short response about your creative work
• Cover letter
• Resume
• One letter of recommendation

⏰ Deadline: May 19, 2026
⚡ Only 2 spots available
📩 Apply or ask questions: [email protected]
📎 Application + info package available: https://www.artscancircle.ca/blog/apply-by-may-19-artscan-circle-supports-two-indigenous-youth-for-guitar-making-residency

ARTSCAN CIRCLE is hosting a Virtual Watercolor Workshop in Attawapiskat, where students will explore land-based storytelling, color mixing, textures, and perspective through hands-on art-making.

🖌️ Dates: April 13–17, 2025
⏰ During Art Class:
• Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 2:25 – 3:40 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: 1:00 – 2:15 PM

Led by Mohawk Cultural Art Practitioner Keith Callihoo this workshop encourages creativity, exploration, and the embrace of “happy accidents.” 🌿

Let’s bring landscapes, night skies, and imagination to life—see you there!

ArtEducation

Calling all Kashechewan residents!

Artscan Circle is excited to invite you to take part in a special Quillwork Jewelry Workshop led by visiting artist Siera Hancharyk.

Come explore the traditional art of porcupine quillwork and create your own beautiful earrings or pendant. This is a great opportunity to connect with culture, learn new skills, and express your creativity in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

No experience needed — all materials are provided!

✨ Open to community members interested in art, culture, and creativity
✨ Limited spots available

If you’d like to participate, please reach out to your local coordinator or sign up at the community center.

We look forward to creating with you!

The sound of creativity.

From guitars and fiddles to hand drums and ukuleles, Artscan Circle workshops give youth the opportunity to learn instruments and create music together.

Music builds confidence, connection, and joy — and sometimes even sparks a lifelong passion.

We are grateful to the talented musicians who share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of artists.

Artist Spotlight: Songwriting

Songwriting workshops help youth transform their thoughts and experiences into music.

Working with professional musicians, students learn how lyrics, melody, and rhythm come together to create a song.

Their voices and stories matter.

“Thanks to our fabulous fashion facilitators Ireland Houle and Carmen Houle for the walking with confidence and consent matters workshops and all the amazing staff at Dene Tha' Community School for the stage, sound and lights!” Cindy Paul Music ArtsCan Circle Videa

Instrument Spotlight: Guitar

For many youth, picking up a guitar for the first time opens the door to songwriting, creativity,
and self-expression. Artscan Circle artists guide students through chords, rhythm, and the
excitement of creating music.

Sometimes a single instrument can spark a lifelong passion.

Every child deserves access to creativity. In many remote communities, arts programming is limited or unavailable. Artscan Circle connects professional artists with youth, bringing workshops in music, visual arts, writing, and performance directly into communities.

When you donate, you help provide instruments, art supplies, and mentorship that can change
a young persons life.

Join our circle of supporters today and donate here
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/artscan-circle/

When young people create, amazing things happen. Artscan Circle workshops give youth the
chance to:

• express their ideas
• explore culture and storytelling
• learn new artistic skills
• connect with mentors and peers

The results are powerful — confidence grows, creativity expands, and communities celebrate
their young artists.

On Friday March 27 our school will be hosting a DTCS Got Talent Show, supported by ArtsCan Circle. Students from Kinder-High School will show case their talent on the big stage. There would also be a fashion show to exhibit the wonderful clothing of our designers. This event is open to the community, and will be kicked off with a community lunch! Thank you in advance for support our students in the Arts.

Artist on the Road!

Artscan Circle artist Cindy Paul is heading to Chateh, Alberta for a five-day creative workshop with youth in the community (March 23 – 27, 2026). Throughout the week, Cindy will be working with students to explore creativity, build confidence, and share stories through the
arts.

The week will also wrap up with an exciting special event featuring local talent — and we can’t
wait to share more details soon! Stay tuned for updates from Chateh.

New Blog Post: Unipkaaqtuat II in Kugluktuk 🎶

In late January, the community of Kugluktuk came together for a powerful concert and film premiere celebrating Inuit musical storytelling, drum dancing, and the cultural meaning of Inuuhiqaqtut Naunaitkutait.

Held alongside Artscan Circle’s 3-day music & songwriting workshop, the gathering brought youth, community leaders, and visiting artists together for an evening of shared stories, songs, and connection on Inuit land.

James Raffan shares a heartfelt field dispatch reflecting on the relationships, learning, and meaningful moments that shaped this special week.

Read the full story here:

https://www.artscancircle.ca/blog/unipkaaqtuatnbspii-in-kugluktuk-a-field-dispatch-from-james-James Raffan

Unipkaaqtuat II in Kugluktuk: A Field Dispatch from James Raffan — Artscan Circle In late January, community members in Kugluktuk gathered for a special community concert and film premiere that celebrated Inuit musical storytelling, drum dancing, and the deep cultural significance of Inuuhiqaqtut Naunaitkutait. Held alongside Artscan Circle’s three-day music and songwriting wor...