WHO WE ARE

Making Art Making Change is a non-profit charity committed to giving voice to social issues within communities through the use of visual arts, and story telling.

OUR PURPOSE

To affect systemic change and strengthen community bonds through the design and implementation of art-based projects, raising relevant questions on social issues.

OUR VISION

MAMC believes in the power of art to discover and connect our common humanity through the shared experience of story-telling and art-making.

OUR PROCESS

Build Relationships

Intentionally build relationships with different community organizations to identify relevant social concerns.

Design & Implement

Design and implement art based projects that highlight existing conversations in communities.

Provide a Forum

Provide a forum for participants' self expression.

Facilitate

Facilitate the creative process for participants to delve into and explore the emergent conversations in a safe and stimulating environment.

Exhibit

Seek partnerships with cultural and civic organizations to exhibit the resulting work where the wider public becomes part of the dialogue.

Reflect & Honour

Honour the fabric of memory, the thread of imagination and the texture of speculation as participants weave their voices together.

DEDICATED EDUCATORS

Elena Soní

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Elena Soní was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Elena came to Canada in 1980 to pursue a university education and as her country descended into chaos built a new life in Toronto. As a board member of Children's Own Museum (COM) she co-designed its programming.

Elena has exhibited her work in solo shows and collective exhibits. Elena worked with artists associated with Workman Arts. This project was presented at the AGO for the 25 anniversary celebration of the foundation of Workman Arts and subsequently at Rideau Hall. Elena was the Art Specialist, Junior Grades at The Mabin School Toronto, Canada. Since 2009, Vanessa and Elena have designed innovative arts programming for at-risk youth, schools, the elderly and new immigrants in partnership with local cultural organizations. Now under the name of Making Art, Making Change (MAMC) they continue to offer a safe space for groups to invest in a shared experience collaborating and storytelling while making art.

Vanessa Barnett

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Vanessa Barnett is an artist educator providing dynamic leadership and teaching in the Arts in teacher education, artist residencies in schools and cultural organizations. Vanessa immigrated from South Africa at the height of the Apartheid years and began teaching at the ROM and in Toronto schools.

Vanessa held the positions of Visual Arts Instructional Leader and Program Co-Coordinator of the Arts in the TDSB. She taught the Visual Arts Additional Qualifications courses at York University as well as working with educators in the International Leadership Program. She was awarded The Ray Blackwell Award for Excellence in Art Education, by The Ontario Art Education Association. Vanessa currently teaches the Creative Arts Program in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Ryerson University. Vanessa established MAMC with long-time collaborator, Elena Soní. Together they have received a number of Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council grants working across communities. with seniors, homeless, street involved youth, newcomers and Canadian youth.

OUR BOARD

Marjory McDonald

BOARD CHAIR

Marjory McDonald’s background in family business governance, as well as her work in philanthropy has guided her while serving as MAMC's board chair. Marjory was the chair of the family council for Black & McDonald Limited for six years, and has completed the Families in Business Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. She has held various leadership positions in philanthropic and volunteer contexts.

Vanessa Eckstein

BOARD MEMBER

Known for her passion for taking on initiatives that blend cultural awareness, humanity and a love of art to advance society and business alike, Vanessa’s experiences living and working in Buenos Aires, LA, New York, Mexico City and Toronto have given Blok a unique international perspective that has been recognized and awarded around the world.

Gill Evans

BOARD MEMBER

Gillian Evans is a Toronto-based philanthropist and a founding supporter of Jack.org. Gillian is highly experienced in philanthropy, non-profit and charitable organizations helping them develop professional strategy, governance, human capital and operational capacities with a bias to building and executing fundraising opportunities.

Gillian Graham

BOARD MEMBER

Gillian Graham is a retired arts writer and editor who has worked for The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, Canadian Art and other Canadian publications. She has a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University and a Masters in Art History from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

Pamela Meredith

BOARD MEMBER

With 25 years of experience in the contemporary art world, Pamela Meredith is known for collection-building, curating, and education. A personalized approach and extensive knowledge of the international art world allows Pamela to assist clients in building a collection or finding the perfect artwork to live with.

MEDIA COLLABORATORS

Erin McDonald

WEBSITE DESIGNER

Erin is a Toronto-based UX and Graphic Designer with a background working within arts and non-profit organizations. She approaches design work with the aim of prioritizing usability while also creating a visually delightful experience.

Anita Chastanet

WEBSITE MANAGER

Anita Chastanet brings together her passion for creativity and numbers as a multidisciplinary consultant serving web and business needs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mount Saint Vincent University, and has developed a strong background in web design and management.

EXPLORE OUR PROJECTS

Artists In Their Kitchen
A Collaborative Project In The Time Of Covid

Artists In Their KitchenA Collaborative Project In The Time Of Covid

Women In Dialogue
Covid19 Response

Women In DialogueCovid19 Response

With Thread As Ink
with the Textile Museum of Canada, 2020

With Thread As Inkwith the Textile Museum of Canada, 2020

Face Up
with Greenwood School, 2019

Face Upwith Greenwood School, 2019

Women's Creative Narratives
with support from the TAC & OAC, 2019

Women's Creative Narrativeswith support from the TAC & OAC, 2019

Finding Home
with the Aga Khan Museum, 2016

Finding Homewith the Aga Khan Museum, 2016

Walls & Barriers
with the ROM, 2010

Walls & Barrierswith the ROM, 2010

Making Art Making Change is a non-profit charity committed to giving voice to social issues within communities through the use of visual arts, mixed media and story telling.

Our experienced artist educators are committed to creating a safe and fun space where participants can explore artistic expression all while developing self awareness, collaboration skills and original creative thinking. Our focus is to facilitate dialogue and collaboration, thereby strengthening community bonds and reducing isolation.

Charitable Number 894382910 RR0001

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