As part of our mission to connect the greater Milton community with artists of all genres in the spirit of providing cultural enrichment, Arts Milton coordinates “The Friendship Project.” Arts Milton’s MCF-funded Friendship Project connects Newcomers with Community Hosts within Milton. Together, they participate in free arts and culture activities over five months. The program encourages community engagement, creates connections, develops tolerance and reduces isolation.
APPLY NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FRIENDSHIP PROJECT 2024
Registration Form || DEADLINE: Sat, Feb 10th, 2024 at Midnight.
Why Participate?
Get to Know Milton:
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- Explore Milton’s hidden gems with your family.
- Connect with your town deeper and discover its rich history and vibrant present.
Local Artists and Culture:
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- Engage with the town’s core, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
- Dive into the local arts and culture scene.
- Meet talented artists, understand their inspirations, and contribute to the thriving creative community.
Building Connections:
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- Create lasting connections with fellow community members.
- For Host Families, share your love for Milton with newcomers; for Newcomer Families, embrace the warmth of your new community.
Duration and Format:
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- The Friendship Project 2024 runs from March to July, incorporating virtual and outdoor activities.
- Participants, including entire families, are encouraged to engage in at least four free activities throughout the program.
- Participation in the Meet and Greet, Bus Tour and Final Picnic is mandatory.
Participants:
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- Host Families: Comprising individuals or families who have resided in Canada for over three years.
- Newcomer Families: Welcoming those who have lived in Canada for less than three years.
Event Highlights:
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- Various events include a Meet and Greet to kick off the project, four engaging cultural events, a bus tour exploring creative spaces in Milton, and a final picnic to celebrate the shared experiences.
Schedule:
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- All events are scheduled on Sunday afternoons from March to July.
- Commitment to attendance for all assigned events is crucial to ensure the project’s success.
A Glimpse of The Friendship Project 2023
The Friendship Project 2023 took place virtually and outdoors during the spring of 2023. Participants wer encouraged to participate as an entire family and will attend a minimum of 4 free activities from March – July 2023.
The Project started on February 26th for the participating families with the meet and greet and a Bhangra workshop with Bollywood West Dance.
We had a painting workshop with Artist Zunaira Mufti, and a martial arts workshop with Master Shak at the Dragon Taekwondo. On World Theater Day, we had Artist Allycia Ucchello do a puppet workshop for us, after which all the families put up a show of their own! Author Amy Leask encouraged our little storytellers to make up questions of their own, while Author Diksha Pal Narayan made all the little ones have a good laugh through their stories.
April was quite a musical month for us. We learned to make music and even composed a song of our own! Guided by Christian from the House of Chords the families had a blast creating our own single!
Celebrating International Day of Dance by dancing to the tunes of TipToe Music! Ashton did an excellent job at involving the little ones in a wide variety of activities.
In a world of texts and emails, Kaitlyn Webb Patience from isavirtue made us realize the importance of handwritten words for our loved ones. The families enjoyed connecting with their loved ones by learning the art of letter writing and making their own envelopes.
Kris Yun taught the families how to enjoy the calmness that paper-cutting art brings with it. The families made a rabbit as 2023 is the year of the rabbit. Make sure you visit Kris during Culture Days where we prepare for 2024 with a Dragon!
Thank you, Bombay Grill, for supporting the Friendship Project Picnic!
The Friendship Project is made possible through funding from the Milton Community Fund.
Photos by Sarah Arfan Photography