About WEAVE:
The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver is an urban centre in crisis. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize this community. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury.
Women Engaged in the Arts Vision & Empowerment (WEAVE) programs are developed to address the conditions facing women of the community. Many are dealing with a history of isolation, abuse and violence. WEAVE workshops are operated on a drop-in basis and use participatory social development methodologies to bring art history and foundation skills to the most vulnerable in our society. This is a vehicle for self discovery, empowerment and community building.
The WEAVE program offers:
- Weekly art workshops
An opportunity for women to experiment with different art mediums including painting, print making, drawing and sculpture. - Group art projects
In addition to teaching art techniques, the goal is to build a community mindset through the group creation of one art piece. - Visiting artist lectures
Feature artists provide candid discussions about their work, their process, and their lives. - Field trips
Provide a source of inspiration and learning through a visit to nature or artists. - Art Cart
Extends access to art through a mobile art studio which visits different women's organizations around the Downtown Eastside. - Gallery exhibitions
Work with the local community to promote and display art developed from WEAVE.
WEAVE's goals and philosophy:
1. Opportunities for positive reinforcement and healthy expression through creation of art.
2. Collaboration and community. Bringing divergent communities and people together to provide a greater voice for the women of Downtown Eastside.
3. Development of economic opportunities by building a sustainable and supplementary source of income for women.
