The Emerging Artists in Residency program is centered around viewing art as heart work that anyone is capable of engaging in. The purpose of the program is to help individuals who may not have thought of themselves to be professional artists recognize that they can be! Northern regions, in particular Sault Ste. Marie, have traditionally lacked access to supports, education, and resources when it comes to producing work.
The region simply does not have the infrastructure to help guide folks who are new and up and coming artists or those creating art on their own who currently may fail to recognize how they fit in the professional sphere. Have we ever stopped to think about how many artistic pieces have been started that have become shelved projects instead of reaching their final form? For those who have a story to tell but lack resources to get that story out this is sadly often what happens. But what if that didn’t need to be the case?
The Emerging Artists in Residency Program is designed to help guide emerging artists – whether from the creation or production side of things – so that concept ideas and desires to be involved in the arts can turn into their reality.
Although the program remains to be in development as the festival learns and grows each year, we are pleased to see the transformation it has already provided for each of the artists who have been involved thus far and look further to its continued impact in the years to come!
The region simply does not have the infrastructure to help guide folks who are new and up and coming artists or those creating art on their own who currently may fail to recognize how they fit in the professional sphere. Have we ever stopped to think about how many artistic pieces have been started that have become shelved projects instead of reaching their final form? For those who have a story to tell but lack resources to get that story out this is sadly often what happens. But what if that didn’t need to be the case?
The Emerging Artists in Residency Program is designed to help guide emerging artists – whether from the creation or production side of things – so that concept ideas and desires to be involved in the arts can turn into their reality.
Although the program remains to be in development as the festival learns and grows each year, we are pleased to see the transformation it has already provided for each of the artists who have been involved thus far and look further to its continued impact in the years to come!
This year our Emerging Artist in Residency is Skye Smith!
After my Nonna passed away in late January 2022, in another lockdown, my family faced a familiar struggle - a small goodbye. I found myself wearing my Nonna’s old clothes, and drinking her favourite tea. ‘La Nonna è Qui’ is the contemporary dance piece I performed on June 9, as a part of the Stories Steeped in Stone series. The song ‘Here’ from the local Leaves Off Trees album, my husband’s former band. ‘Let your guard down. Let me walk free, in your garden just you and me.’ I paired this piece with my script ‘The Steelworker’s Wife’ that I wrote as part of the Actor’s Toolbox class at Northern Arts Academy. With this piece, I hoped to portray the 1950s immigrant housewife in Sault Ste. Marie.
- Skye Smith
E.A.R.P. 2022 is made possible by funding from the Susan Barber Memorial Trust.
The Susan Barber Memorial Trust was founded in memory of Sue Barber, an established and much beloved theatre practitioner, teacher, and arts developer in Sault Ste. Marie. She was a director, teacher, and mentor to many, the kind of person who saw into people’s hearts, and helped them shine their light. Her passion and dedication to the arts shaped community, and supported many young and emerging artists in discovering their paths. Sue was an incredible creator, actor, musician, and friend. The lasting legacy she built continues to grow, and her spirit lives on.
The Susan Barber Memorial Trust was founded in memory of Sue Barber, an established and much beloved theatre practitioner, teacher, and arts developer in Sault Ste. Marie. She was a director, teacher, and mentor to many, the kind of person who saw into people’s hearts, and helped them shine their light. Her passion and dedication to the arts shaped community, and supported many young and emerging artists in discovering their paths. Sue was an incredible creator, actor, musician, and friend. The lasting legacy she built continues to grow, and her spirit lives on.
