Ready-to-Go Art Studio: Black Women in Leadership

What is the Ready-to-Go Art Studio program?

We provide the steps, inspiration, and supplies. You create the magic.

Kicking off in March 2021 at many of our Libraries, the Ready-to-Go Art Studio program is a take-home art kit program for adults, teens, and families, intended to empower, celebrate, and inspire art. In turn, art empowers, celebrates, and inspires you, the creator. We hope to expand this pilot program to include all of our branches and various age groups in the future. 

Our Library staff members have worked together to dream up this initiative and generate accompanying materials for each session. 

Please note: March 2021 art kits are no longer available. However, we encourage you to create this work at home using your own tools! And, check back soon for a new Ready-to-Go Art Studio program.

How the Ready-to-Go Art Studio program works

• Interested participants register for a take-home kit by calling or visiting their local participating branch.
• Registered participants will be able to pick up their art kit at the Library. When you sign up, you'll receive more information about when to pick up your kit.
• The art kit includes: supplies for creating the art piece; a step-by-step instruction sheet; and an educational introduction to the kit's theme.
• At your leisure, enjoy your Ready-to-Go Art Studio kit and create your masterpiece. You can complete your artwork on your own, or with family or friends! Note: Although you can create your artwork at any time, if you share it with us within the time frame noted below, you'll be entered to win a prize and your artwork will be featured in our gallery!
• Share your final artwork with your Library community following the steps below.
• Note: If registration is full or you are not local to our participating branches, we still encourage you to participate using your own supplies! Instructions are available below.

March 2021: Black Women in Leadership

In celebration of African Heritage Month at Halifax Public Libraries and beyond, this month's Ready-to-Go Art Studio theme is Black Women in Leadership. The kit features a work of art that highlights the achievements, struggles, and power of Black women in leadership. Read more about the theme, below.

I couldn't register for this session. How can I take part?

• Whether you live in a different location, registration filled up, or this month has passed you by, you can still take part!
• Use your own supplies—get creative! Don't have paint? Use crayons! No canvas? Paper works too!
• View or download the step-by-step instructions here.
• Share your artwork with your Library community. See how, below.

Share your art

• Share your creation to connect with community, celebrate your talents, and honour this month's theme!
• Take a photo!
• We'll share contributions in a gallery on this page.
• Email your photo to parsonsc@halifax.ca or post it to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and tag us @hfxpublib with hashtag #ReadytoGoArtStudio.
• Share by March 26 to be entered to win an art prize pack from Michaels craft store. The draw will take place on March 31.
• CONSENT: By submitting your photo, you give Halifax Public Libraries and its partners non-exclusive permission to use content of and/or made by the participant for digital or print publications. You understand that this may include, but is not limited to, social media posts, websites, newsletters, advertisements, posters and pamphlets. You also understand that on occasion, Library photos, video, audio, or publications may be shared with media outlets and community partners for use in promotions of Library events, initiatives, and stories. You certify that no other person's permission is needed to authorize the use of said images or content. You agree that Halifax Public Libraries cannot be held liable for images or content used with my consent. 

Contest

Congratulations to our winner, Camille Leblanc!

• Winner will be selected by random draw from submissions.
• After March 31, we will contact the winner via email.
• Halifax Public Libraries' Contest Ineligibility Policy applies. You must be a resident of Halifax Regional Municipality to win this contest.

About the theme: Black Women in Leadership

In celebration of African Heritage Month 2021, Halifax Public Libraries, in partnership with the Black History Month Association, offers high quality programs that highlight and celebrate the rich diversity, culture, and heritage of Black people across Nova Scotia. This year’s theme is Black History Matters: Listen, Learn, Share, and Act.

Black women specifically, have been and continue to be proactive leaders against racial and social injustice through their perseverance, resiliency, and diverse leadership abilities. Despite the many successes, Black women are underrepresented in leadership roles across all industries and sectors, such as government and academia. Prevailing negative stereotypes about Black women, that they are aggressive and incompetent, in comparison to their male and white female counterparts creates a false perception of Black women, which can lead to poor leadership opportunities in the workplace.

Kamala Harris, the first woman and Black woman to ascend the rank of Vice President of the United States of America, can represent a turning point for Black women in leadership. This historic victory was celebrated and seen as a symbol of representation by Black women around the world. Undoubtedly, there is much more work to do.

“People like us can win.” – Kamala Harris, 2021

As more Black women continue to break barriers and rise to prominence, it is important to address the systemic barriers that they have both historically and continue to face due to the intersection of racism, sexism, and classism. Through this initiative, we hope to challenge negative perceptions and stereotypes impacting Black women’s success. Halifax Public Libraries is committed to elevating Black women’s narratives to best reflect our community and serve as a launch point for growth, for all.

~Chanae Parsons
Programming and Community Engagement Manager, Eastern District

Gallery: Community art

Click images to expand.

Learn how to Share your Black Women in Leadership artwork here.