Celebrate the creative voices of 8 emerging artists from our iAM x Verse & Visual Expressions program.

Over the past 8 weeks, these Black youth artists have explored the intersection of collage and poetry as powerful tools for storytelling, reflection, and self-expression. Through guided prompts and creative dialogue, they’ve woven together words and visuals that speak to identity, resilience, and imagination.

Experience their final works: collages and spoken word poetry capturing the heart of their journey and the beauty of interdisciplinary art in motion.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Brainer Nwakebe
Celestina Bogle
Emani Leon
Malikah Brown-Henry
Mei Lein Harrison
Morewa Adeyemi
Tamoya Thomas
Tracy Ipekhia

AGENDA

Doors Open 6:45pm
Opening Remarks 7:00pm
Event Concludes 9:00pm

JAYU is committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event for everyone. When registering, please mention if you require any accommodations or have any dietary allergies that can impact your time in our space. Light refreshments will be available.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our amazing partners and funders. We’re so grateful to the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage’s Canadian Arts Presentation Fund and the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program Events Stream for supporting JAYU’s Annual Festival of the Arts. iAM x Verse & Visual Expressions comes to life with support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario. Thank you to all our supporters for helping us keep art, storytelling, and community at the heart of what we do.

About JAYU

JAYU is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of equity-deserving youth (ages 16-30) from the GTA. Through both year-round and festival programming, we support and elevate young, emerging artists by offering them professional development opportunities and platforms to showcase their work.

About JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA)

JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA) is a five-day celebration of creative expression informed by human rights, equity and social justice. Youth-produced and youth-led, creatives from across the GTA share their art with community and ignite meaningful conversations.