ARTS, JUSTICE & INTERSECTIONALITY

We organize various monthly arts and culture events as well as environmental and social impact-focused events and workshops. Our space hosts people from all walks of life and all ages. We are proud to cater to an intersectional community. We empower our community to act locally, think globally for a sustainable future.

Events and counting in our space.

Event attendance since 2014.

Events hosted by community members.

Community partnerships and growing.

Volunteer network and growing.

School partnerships and expanding.

Present Programs

Studio.89’s programs empower youth and marginalized communities through creative expression, skill-building, and social impact workshops. On average 80-85% of the participants report increased self-confidence, improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, reduced isolation, and a sense of empowerment, fostering meaningful connections and personal growth.

Rising Leaders for Climate Action

Program DetailsYouth are educated on sustainability and environmentalism, focusing on understanding policy and its intersection with social and racial justice. Through knowledge-building and ideation, participants develop and implement their solutions via a case competition judged by climate advocates, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

Impact Arts Events, Using Various Art Forms

Program DetailsRooted in social impact and creativity, this program offers accessible workshops emphasizing sustainable arts and eco-friendly practices. Through upcycled projects, therapeutic sessions, and collaborative art, it fosters healing, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring connections and building an inclusive, sustainable community.

Empathy Building, Anti-Racism Workshops

Program DetailsThrough empathy-building, cultural expression, and meaningful dialogue, participants explore the foundations of anti-racist advocacy in a safe and collaborative space. Participants gain valuable skills in leadership, empowerment, and social advocacy that are transferable to their schools, communities, and future careers.

Creatives Corner - Youth Run Social Justice Blog

Program DetailsShowcases impactful creative writing and artistic pieces exploring animals, humans, the planet, or the intersectionality of all three. From poems and short stories to op-eds, illustrations, and comic strips, each work inspires personal reflection, advocacy, or social impact and is proudly published on our blog.

Youth Job Skills Program, Building Social Inclusion

Program DetailsThe program equips young people with the essential skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce and thrive in professional environments. Through engaging hands-on workshops, guided mentorship, and practical exercises, participants gain valuable experience. Assists youth with navigating the job market with resilience and equips them with tools to contribute meaningfully to their communities and workplaces.

Painting With Coffee Grounds

Program DetailsAt Studio.89's Coffee & Canvas Paint Nights, we transform our café’s coffee retention into unique watercolors, teaching participants about sustainability through creativity. This hands-on experience not only encourages eco-consciousness but also fosters community engagement, allowing individuals to connect while creating beautiful, environmentally impactful art.

Number of Youth & Seniors Connect Programs

Program DetailsA community-based project designed to empower isolated seniors to be active members of their community, promote physical activity, and greater social inclusion for older adults by fostering intergenerational connections through art and movement-based activities. The project aims to reduce isolation, improve access to educational and cultural experiences, and ensure that older adults have the support needed to live independent and healthy lives.

Human Trafficking Podcast

Program DetailsIn partnership with Youth Troopers for Global Action, this is a podcast series created and produced in collaboration with the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, seeking to raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking in Canada.

Youth Impact Committee

Program DetailsBy focusing on equity, sustainability, and inclusion, the committee leads efforts to engage youth, build partnerships, and develop initiatives that drive lasting social transformation. Members gain valuable experience in advocacy, community organizing, and leadership, while working towards a more equitable and compassionate world for all.

Connect With Us for Customized Workshops

Identity and Self-Expression through Art

Program DetailsArt has been shown to raise serotonin levels and enhance brain function by positively impacting brain waves, emotions, and the nervous system. Participatory arts foster self-esteem, build connection, and spark inspiration through self-reflection and social interaction. This element of our programs empower participants to engage inclusively and reinforcing a sense of belonging. This creative expression promotes mental well-being, encourages personal growth, and helps individuals understand and share their unique identities.

Wellness and Mental Health

Program DetailsIncorporating this programming fosters self-esteem, emotional regulation and resilience through innovative, intersectional approaches. Combining creativity, support and open dialogue, we encourage self-reflection, build strong interpersonal skills, and cultivate deeper connections. For more specialized needs, we collaborate with trained professionals to ensure participants receive the appropriate care.

Leadership Skills for Youth

Program DetailsBy positioning young people for civic engagement and community leadership, we empower them to identify and create solutions to societal issues. This process encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. This approach strengthens community leadership and builds confidence in youth-driven solutions.

Human Rights and Social Impact

Program DetailsOur programs that incorporate human rights and social impact in Canada foster increased civic engagement, improved self-esteem, and mental well-being. Youth gain leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, while learning empathy, perspective-taking, and feeling empowered, connected, and part of a supportive community.

Everyday Environmental Consciousness

Program DetailsEmpowering youth to address eco-anxiety and develop solutions to environmental challenges, including sustainable food systems. Participants are encouraged to engage civically and take on leadership roles. By transforming improved personal habits into impactful policy initiatives, we foster a sense of empowerment, equipping youth to advocate for sustainable and lasting change at both individual and systemic levels.

Partnership

Program DetailsThrough program collaborations, we can benefit from shared resources, increased visibility, and innovative initiatives that address critical community needs. Partner with Studio.89 to create meaningful community impact through dynamic, collaborative programs that empower youth, foster creativity, and promote social equity and impact.

Like what you see, but would love to see more? Contact us so we can run with your ideas and turn them into amazing programming!

Past Programs

Women’s Yoga

Program DetailsA yoga class for women and women-identifying individuals.

Docs & Lattes

Program DetailsA monthly screening night focusing on a social justice-focused film and/or documentary, followed by a community discussion.

Open Mic Night

Program DetailsCelebrating diverse voices and foster cultural connection through music, poetry, storytelling, and spoken word. This inclusive platform invites performers from all backgrounds to share their artistry, spark meaningful conversations, and build community, creating a vibrant space for creativity, expression, and mutual understanding.

Borders & Bridges

Program DetailsA free, 8-week filmmaking workshop series catered for anyone who has a story they would like to share with the world.

Feely Piano School

Program DetailsFree, monthly piano sessions for the community, along with student performances (in collaboration with the Feely Piano School).

Conscious Consumerism

Program DetailsSchool-based workshops geared towards teaching youth about conscious consumerism.

Paint Night

Program DetailsA monthly, youth artist-led painting workshop for the community.

Youth Social Justice Team

Program DetailsA collective of volunteers dedicating their efforts, talents and time on a weekly basis to help develop and facilitate Studio.89, social justice-based programming and events.

Civics & Careers

Program DetailsDeveloped by Studio.89’s own Youth Social Justice Team and UTM’s Centre for Student Engagement, ‘Civics & Careers Reimagined’ is an event series geared towards educating students on post-secondary life.

Transgender Connect

Program DetailsA monthly meet-up event for transgender, non-binary and questioning individuals to network and connect with one another.

Vegan Potluck

Program DetailsA monthly vegan potluck and get-together for the community (previously scheduled outside of Studio.89 operational hours).

Brush Up! Visual Arts

Program DetailsIn collaboration with Nexus Youth Services, ‘Brush Up! Visual Arts Program’ is an 8-week, art therapy-based program that aims to address important topics such as healthy expression, personal creativity and coping mechanisms.

Women’s Tea Circle

Program DetailsAn open and safe space for women and women-identifying individuals, who have burning questions about their reproductive and sexual health- led by a panel of women-identifying professionals (a registered doula, nutritionist, and sexuality coach).

Critical Conversations

Program DetailsA quarterly, community panel series to foster knowledge and generate public discussion on specific, social justice-related issues.

Activist Book Club

Program DetailsA monthly book club gathering focused on social justice-based readings.

Workplace Ready

Program DetailsA free, on-the-job training program that enhances the employability skills of its participants within the Peel Region.

Melanin Magic! Open Mic

Program DetailsAn annual open mic event dedicated toward showcasing and celebrating the talent of black artists in the GTA and beyond.

Art Show & Tell

Program DetailsAn opportunity for artists of all skill levels to showcase their work of art in relation to monthly themes set by Studio.89 and subsequently network with other artists in the community.

Graphic Design Course

Program DetailsA free, virtual, 6-week program designed to teach the artistic principles of Graphic Design and how to self-market as a young entrepreneur.

Seniors & Youth Connect

Program DetailsA 6-week, bi-weekly program where youth volunteers and senior participants will develop meaningful friendships through the process of creating a unified quilt, filming a complimentary documentary film and learning new self-development skills.

Plant Based Potlucks, Building Social Inclusion

Program DetailsEach potluck provides a welcoming space where people can exchange recipes, learn about the environmental and health benefits of veganism, and engage in conversations about sustainability and ethical food choices. Fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging both long-time vegans and those curious about plant-based eating to come together, share experiences, and build lasting connections.