Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

SpART was a yearlong artist residency in 2017 at the Thompson Community Center in Richmond, BC that aimed to engage participants of all ages in their sporting activities in expressing themselves artistically about their sport. The project was carried out in 3 phases. First were one-time community family events such as a family day, a community pic-nic and a youth day. Second were specific projects working with the instructors and their class participants: indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo, ball and senior fitness classes, Zumba, and a running group. Painting, video and photography were used in these classes. Four workshops were held with seniors transforming sport equipment into art objects. One project included participation by preschoolers. Lastly, a yearlong project was a video compilation of sporting memories and the related emotions. These works were compiled and shown in two separate exhibitions at the center. A short compilation of all video projects will be shown. I established a consistent presence by participating in some of the sporting activities when appropriate and through an information and event board, social media and a website page. Approximately a couple hundred individuals participated directly in making these works and hundreds saw them. An evaluation survey was distributed to staff and instructors and the feedback was overall positive. The limitations of this project will be reviewed.