Outreach Programs

CURRENTLY ON HOLD DUE TO COVID-19. In partnership with Portage Ontario Residential Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre for youth, Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) offers arts-based programming in our classroom  (includes 12 sessions).  Through individual and group-based art projects, students will have the opportunity to learn art techniques and practice the creative freedom of accepting mistakes, problem-solving and sharing using their projects as the catalyst.  The program will culminate in a public mural installation as well as work shown in a youth exhibition, and will include student reflections of their artistic journey. The first pilot session of this program has been partially funded by a generous grant from the Centre Wellington Community Foundation.

An inclusive, all abilities art and mindfulness workshop for young adults with (dis)abilities 18+

SUPPORTIVE ARTS is a unique program supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, offering arts-based learning opportunities and compelling artistic experiences to individuals with (dis)abilities living in the community. We welcome adults and caregivers from Wellington County and the surrounding areas to our weekly program. Led by ECFTA Arts Educators and Mindfulness Coaches.  The Supportive Arts program has now expanded to 4 sessions per week.

This program provides  visual arts programming to youth with intellectual and/or developmental (dis)abilities in elementary and secondary school.  Students meet twice a month (once a month at Centre Wellington District High School and once a month at Elora Public School.  The sessions offer art instruction, provided by an ECFTA Arts Educator, assisted by classroom teachers. The program, including instruction and art supplies are free to students.  Project themes are centred around community building, emphasizing collaboration and success through personal artistic expression. The goal is connecting students to the community in meaningful and creative ways.

Youth Addiction & Recovery Program: The Power of ART & Creative Expression. This program offers weekly art and creative expression classes to residents at Portage Elora as a conduit for acceptance, sharing and healing. It allows for emotional exploration, development of coping strategies and sharing the challenges of recovery. Run by arts educators, engagement facilitators and a social worker. The program runs in the gallery and classroom at the Elora Centre for the Arts throughout the school year.

Youth Addiction & Recovery Program: The Power of MUSIC & Creative Expression. THE POWER OF ART & CREATIVE EXPRESSION continues to be an important outreach connection to our community. Through our partnership with Portage Elora, this Youth Outreach Program is all about the POWER OF MUSIC! MUSIC JAM MONDAYS! is a pilot program this Fall and invites Portage youth in recovery to a welcoming environment to explore the basics of rhythm and melody with a variety of acoustic instruments.

SUPPORTIVE ARTS is a unique program offering inclusive, arts-based learning opportunities and compelling artistic experiences to individuals with varying abilities. We welcome all adults and caregivers from Wellington County and the surrounding areas to our weekly program, led by ECFTA Arts Educator and Mindfulness Facilitators.

Wednesday & Thursday morning and afternoon classes held weekly September through June at the Art Centre.

SPARROW'S NEST MAKERSPACE is a community hub where creativity, collaboration, and kindness thrive. Where opportunities to support the voices of our youth, teen and senior community groups are nurtured from the ground up.

In the Nest, we believe that creative expression nurtures well-being and connection to others and we understand that healthy communities need inclusive spaces away from home, work and school for connection and creativity!

ARTFUL AGEING for Seniors is part of our expanding Outreach program, offering monthly guided art classes, designed especially for long-term care and retirement living residents.  Held  on-site at Heritage River and Wellington Terrace in Elora and Caressant Care, Fergus, these hands-on art classes spark conversation, promote engagement with others, and remind us all that creativity is lifelong!

ARTFUL AGEING IN THE ATRIUM

Celebrate the new year with creativity and connect with community, every Wednesday afternoon at the Elora Centre for the Arts!

Beginner-friendly art projects designed for older adults that embrace creative freedom and collaboration in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere!

If you’re looking for connection and CreativiTea, we’ve got it for you!

RECONNECT, CREATE, & CELEBRATE THE ART OF AGEING WITH IMAGINATION!

 

SPARROW'S NEST MAKERSPACE is a community hub where creativity, collaboration, and kindness thrive. Where opportunities to support the voices of our community groups are nurtured from the ground up. The Nest offers welcoming, low-barrier creative programming for children, youth, adults, and seniors to nurture and grow connection, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

In the Nest, we believe that creative expression nurtures well-being and connection to others and we understand that healthy communities need inclusive spaces away from home, work and school for connection and creativity. Our aim is to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to participate!

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS provides free arts programming to youth with intellectual and/or developmental delays in elementary and secondary school in the Life Skills and LRC classrooms.  We meet students once a month throughout the school year at Centre Wellington District Secondary School, Elora Public School, John Black Public School in Fergus, Arthur Public School, Victoria Cross Public School in Mount Forest, and June Ave Public School in Guelph.

Led by an ECFTA Arts Educator, these sessions offer guided art instruction and contemporary art ideas to students in Centre and North Wellington.