Artbeat Studio, in collaboration with 444 Kennedy Tenant’s Association, Manitoba Housing Authority,  Community Wellness Initiative, and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s Senior’s Health Resource Team (SHRT) provide art mentorship and skill development opportunities for residents of 444 Kennedy and other downtown Manitoba housing units.  Artbeat alumni artists with the supervision of the staff of Artbeat Studio deliver this unique service. This program promotes community life by providing a sustainable ‘centre for art activities’ that facilitates healthy living and wellness.

Artbeat Studio recognizes the social and economic disadvantage of mental health consumers and the impact of mental illness on all economic, cultural, racial, gender and age groups. Reducing vulnerability and promoting empowerment and recovery define our goals. Artbeat Studio seeks partnerships within the Winnipeg arts and culture community for mutual support and inspiration as part of Artbeat Studio’s empowerment strategy.

Groups who benefit from the project:

Participating residents of 444 Kennedy Street and residents of neighbouring Manitoba Housing units who experience low levels of employment and income, need for education and training, have inadequate community facilities, high rates of health problems, addictions or crime, and lack of community capacity to improve their situation.

Artbeat alumni artists providing art mentorship to the residents of Manitoba Housing units find employment, volunteer opportunities, and social connection through this program.

Local community members of the area surrounding the Manitoba Housing units experience an enhanced quality of life and increased sense of safety, security, and well being.

The primary goal of the Artbeat Studio / 444 Kennedy Street collaboration is to provide an alternative opportunity for tenants and neighborhood artists.

The tenants are provided with peer art mentorship, working studio space, materials and resources for promotion of mental health, healing and empowerment through artistic creative endeavour. In addition, tenants have access to an exercise centre and health related counselling. The program encourages peer contacts and facilitates personal/professional development among participating residents. Participants are provided with opportunity for meaningful social engagement. Integrated benefits for involvement include conflict resolution, creating and maintaining a safe, comfortable, flexible and welcoming work environment (psychologically and physically), and when appropriate, liaison with support agencies.

Participant residents are provided with fair access to expertise and support to work on projects that require adequate space, time, and materials to complete.  Productivity and project completion demonstrably enhances self-esteem.

The 444 Kennedy Arts Centre Program features Resident Artist Studios (Artbeat Studio Alumni), “Creative Corner” arts workshops in a wide variety of mediums (every Tuesday from 2:00pm-4:00pm), casual art drop-in, special exhibitions, and promotional events.

For more information about the 444 Kennedy Arts Centre Program, please contact Artbeat Studio, Inc.

Further Information:
Creative Corner & Artbeat Alumni Drop-In