BRAMPTON – To celebrate a successful inaugural year of Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and Brampton Library’s joint Artist in Residence program, local artist, Sima Naseem, and her youth co-creators are hosting a film screening and gallery, displaying the puppets, sets, and artwork used to create their film.
Since September, Sima has held weekly public office hours for youth aged 10 to 18 years old and led a series of workshops at Brampton Library’s Four Corners Branch. Over the past three months, Sima and her youth co-creators worked together to create an animated film of a story with dynamic characters, applying their skills to make artwork for the sets. Additionally, local musician, Jett Dunkley, scored the film soundtrack and voice acting was provided by Zakariah Sattu.
In its inaugural year, the Artist in Residence program has welcomed more than 25 local youth creatives during its weekly public office hours. Sima also mentored and partnered with over 30 youth creatives during her workshops, teaching them valuable skills in animation. Each youth co-creator provided contributed to creating the film.
The Brampton Artist in Residence program was created by the Brampton Arts Organization in partnership with Brampton Library to unlock a new way for community members to engage in creative experiences while building relationships with local talent and art organizations. The goal is to create awareness and encourage further exploration of Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries.
Artists or arts organizations in residence receive an $8,000 artist fee and free, dedicated private workspace to undertake their residency at the Brampton Library’s Four Corners Branch in downtown Brampton. They also offer mentorship to local creatives through weekly public office hours open to all Brampton residents and hosted workshops for youth aged 10 to 18 years.
Sima Naseem is a Brampton-based Pakistani-Canadian mixed media and film artist who works with multiple mediums with a focus on animation, and public art. She enjoys telling stories of exploration, discovery, and her personal life. Sima uses bright colours and playful designs to create a positive impact on her community through inclusivity, diversity and inspirational imagery. Sima is always looking for new and creative ways to share her cultural and personal experiences through art.
“The success of the Artist in Residence program in its inaugural year speaks volumes about the vibrant artistic community we have in Brampton. Sima Naseem’s dedication to mentoring and fostering creativity among our youth is commendable. This film screening and gallery event are not only a celebration of artistic achievement but also a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton