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Asante is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts Program and studied Marketing at Western University. Asante brings 5 years of professional experience in the Music Industry to the London Arts Council. Meet Asante Deluy Asante Deluy is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts Program and studied Marketing at Western University. Asante brings 5 years of professional experience in the Music Industry to the London Arts Council. Asante is excited to assist in curation of the arts in our city, with the goal of brightening up the city of London. Ask Me Anything - with Asante Deluy Who is someone you admire, and why? My mother is my role model. Growing up, it felt like she always had the best words of encouragement and was always my number one fan. She is a single mom who lived for her kids and worked 24/7 to provide for us. Nowadays, she is more than a mother to me, she is my best friend. What is your artistic background? I have been a Performing Artist for 4 years now. I have performed all around Ontario, in various cities such as: London, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Toronto. Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I played soccer for 15 years, successfully competing in the highest league in Ontario, the OYSL. I fell out of love with the sport due to my love for making music. When I made my first single, “Reality,” I never turned back. How do you want people to remember you? My priority in life is to be remembered as a kind person who touches the hearts of those around me. Making those around me feel special and heard is important to my way of life.

Janet is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts Program and the owner of Ms. Antone's Beadwork. She brings years of experience in arts administration, stage management, community outreach, and Oneida language revitalization to the London Arts Council. Meet Janet Antone Janet Antone (She/Her) is a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. She has always strived to be an impactful community member, doing her best to create positive change within her community. Janet is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program. She has worked for three years as an Arts Administrator at Native Earth Performing Arts, has stage managed the Summerworks programmed of Medicine Boy by Waawaate Fobister, and has worked at the Oneida Language and Cultural centre as the audio technician and administrative assistant, helping to preserve the Oneida Language through audio and visual mediums. Janet also started her beadwork journey 10 years ago and unofficially launched her beadwork business, Ms. Antone’s Beadwork, in 2018. Her beadwork has been all over the world (Africa, US, New Zealand, Scotland & Norway), as well as appearing in television series such as Letterkenny, Shoresy, and Rutherford Falls, for which she received a merit mention on Vogue.com. Ask Me Anything - with Janet Antone Who is someone you admire, and why? Someone I admire would be my mom, because she has shown me what perseverance looks like. She has never given up on trying to achieve her dreams and build a better life for her and her children. What would be your personal motto? Leave things better than when you found them. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? I feel like my ability to connect with people on a personal level is my best skill. I can sit with people and they will open up to me about their life and I feel like that is because I am a very open person. How do you want people to remember you? I want people to remember me as someone who always tried her best to be honest and kind to others. I want people to think of me as honest but fair.

THE RESEARCH According to current census data, 18.5 % of London Ontario’s population is aged 65 and older. As indicated by a 2017 McMaster University research paper, like other Ontario cities, the percentage of seniors 65 and older in London will nearly double by 2060 ( https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/full-article/es/providing-library-programming-designed-older-adults-benefit-older-adults-public-2858?hl=lifelo  ). This will require specialized community, social, health, and cultural services, along with built infrastructure. This indicates that as a community, we must embark on a strategic path towards the development, implementation, and refinement of specialized services and infrastructure for aging populations. With an aging population and shrinking financial resources, seniors’ programming and event collaborations are needed and encouraged in existing decentralized locations. Cross-sectoral partnerships are needed to develop more opportunities for older adults to create, perform, and enjoy arts and culture through social, intergenerational programming. Many seniors and older adults experience emotional challenges such as isolation, loneliness, and depression, as well as social and physical barriers and mobility issues that prevent them from fully participating in society and engaging in meaningful interactions with others. The Strengthening London’s Neighborhoods Strategy has already highlighted the preference for residents to identify with their local geographic area of the city. Research findings show direct relationships between artistic/cultural experiences and an individual’s mental health/wellbeing https://www.artscare.ca/resources/ . ABOUT THE PROJECT: GROWING TOGETHER THROUGH THE ARTS Growing Together Through the Arts addresses the need seniors have for emotional, intellectual, and creative stimulation, through intergenerational social engagement. The project provides affordable/free and accessible intergenerational creative workshops within public libraries across London, Ontario. These workshops will feature different artistic disciplines, such as visual arts, drama, dance, music, and digital art. Growing Together Through the Arts provides weekly professionally led virtual and in-person arts and cultural programming at Senior’s Centres, Senior Satellite Centres, and Family Centres. There is an emphasis on engaging newcomers, culturally diverse communities, and Indigenous creators to share their arts and cultural practices and activities with others reflecting London’s diverse population and commitment to reconciliation. Workshops provide varying degrees of physical activity allowing older adults to stay active. The workshops provide older adults connection within the London community by offering opportunities to participate and/or volunteer as workshop assistants and develop lasting intergenerational social connections. Workshops are designed specifically for seniors, but will also encourage families, children, youth/teenagers to attend thus creating an intergenerational learning/social environment. Youth/teenagers are encouraged to volunteer at the workshops to fulfill their volunteer hours. WORKSHOPS Click through the thumbnails on the right side of the poster to learn more about workshop offerings, locations, and dates. This project is a collaborative effort led by the London Arts Council in partnership with the City of London’s Age Friendly Network, thirteen (13) neighbourhood Senior’s Centres, Satellite Centres, and Family Centres. The project is supported by a senior’s community-based network, serving as advisors, presenters, volunteers, and participants.

Meet Philip Gurrey Philip Gurrey is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art (BA(Hons) M.Litt.) and holds a Ph.D. in Art and Visual Culture from Western University. He has worked in the private and public art sectors over the years and as an artist has exhibited throughout the UK, in France, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Canada and the US. Philip has taught art in a number of different capacities and is passionate about the role art plays in the health and wellbeing of our society. Ask Me Anything - with Philip Gurrey Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?   I am a keen trumpet player and have been playing since the age of 9. I’ve played in Jazz big bands since the age of 12 performing from a young age in summer festivals in Italy, Holland, Austria and Belgium.   Name some favourite films/albums/work of arts/pieces of literature:   I remember being introduced to ‘The Outsider’ by Albert Camus when I was a teenager and that novel had, and still has, a fantastic aura about it. I keep returning to the work of Theodor Adorno but he can be a difficult read at the best of times! I love the music of Miles Davis, Christian Scott, John Coltrane, Brad Mehldau and Charlie Hunter to name a few. John Scofield’s album ‘Works For Me’ is up there as one of the greatest albums of all time for me.     What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Being guided by what my children want to do is always a joy. Seeing the world through their eyes is always enlightening. I love playing football (soccer) it’s a great way to meet people and keep fit.   What are some causes you care about? I’m really interested in the relationship between the human and the nonhuman and with that climate change, plastic pollution, air pollution and our everchanging relationship to the planet we inhabit.

💙Jeremy Jeresky, LAC's Curator, Public Programs and Learning, will be leaving us to pursue a career as an Arborist in Lindsay, Ontario at the end of August. Anyone who knows Jeremy, knows how passionate, dedicated, and hardworking he is! He always has a “can-do!” and “we’ll make it happen!” attitude and has shown a tireless dedication to promoting the arts in London, and serving the arts community. Throughout his seven years at LAC he has been responsible for facilitating the London Arts Live, Culture City X, AECE, Belong, and Creative Aging programs just to name a few. He has built many meaningful, supportive relationships with artists and community partners, some of which have become lifelong friends. As both a friend, and member of our LAC family, Jeremy has made our lives brighter, and the world a better place! We’re sad to see Jeremy go, but are proud of him for pursuing his dream of working in nature as an Arborist. We wish him the best of luck in his studies and his next adventure in Lindsay! We know you’ll do great Jeremy! 💙 If you’d like to come visit Jeremy at the LAC office to say goodbye before he leaves, he will be in office 9:00 – 5:00p.m., until Wednesday, August 21st.   - The LAC team Goodbye message from Jeremy: " It has been an epic pleasure working with the London Arts Council and serving London’s many diverse communities over the last 8 years.   During this time, I have enjoyed bringing all kinds of exciting, experimental, thought-provoking, educational, and fun artistic experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds across this great Forest City. And in doing so, I have equally enjoyed working with hundreds of local artists from a wide variety of disciplines.   As such, I leave London with two everlasting rewards; 1.      A resonance, deep in my heart, that my work with the LAC has positively and creatively impacted many peoples lives. 2.      An unstoppable drive and work ethic inspired by the hard working team of the LAC and the many local artists who strive to be their best and to make London the best place to live.   Sincerely, Jeremy Jeresky"

Position and Submission Process Administrator, Programs and Learning Hours: full time (35 hours/week) Term: permanent Compensation: $45,000 and LAC’s healthcare spending program Application Deadline: Monday, August 12, 2024, 4:00p.m. Anticipated Interview Timeline: August 12 – 16, 2024 Anticipated start date: Monday, August 26th, 2024 Note: Please submit your application through the online application form. No other method of application will be accepted. Only those candidates who are considered for the position will be contacted. General office hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; however, this position requires working hours outside of the general office hours and may require working additional hours for certain occasions.   Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check from the London Police Services. Job Description The London Arts Council’s Administrator, Programs and Learning , is responsible for carrying out various programming and administrative tasks and reports directly to the Executive Director. The position is responsible for the development, execution, and evaluation of LAC’s arts programs in the areas of arts education, arts activation, health and well-being, and community development , and supports the organizational implementation of strategies for arts programs. The position calls for an energetic, dedicated, structured , and professional individual who can take initiative and further the London Arts Council’s mission and mandate through various arts programs .   Requirements and Qualifications LAC’s Administrator, Programs and Learning job opportunity is for an individual with deep understanding and appreciation for the arts, creativity, the arts sector, and the role of arts service organizations  (nonprofit, arms-length, and umbrella arts organizations). The individual should have a personal and professional connection to the arts , be actively engaged with the artistic community , be positive, adaptable , and flexible, understanding the fluid nature of programming environments , be a team player  working with high-functioning team members and supporting artists and artistic community members , have an organized and structured approach to developing, implementing, and evaluating programs , and be  eager to learn and grow as a professional arts administrator .   Given the historical context of where we are situated, this person should be dedicated to on-going learning and unlearning of Indigenous histories, culture , and the effects of colonialism on Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of the residential schools . The person should also be open-minded  and willing to expand their experience and knowledge to achieve a greater understanding of all equity-deserving communities . This person should have the willingness to step outside of their comfort zone  in the pursuit of relationship building, breaking down barriers , and taking meaningful actions . Please click the button below to view the full job description:

ABOUT THE MURAL PROJECT AT THE BYRON SKATEPARK In our continued mission to showcase local talent, beautify public spaces, engage Londoners through the arts, and promote health and well-being, local artist Devin Ryan, was commissioned to create a bright and bold mural at the Byron Skatepark within Springbank Park. ABOUT THE PUBLIC ART AND MONUMENT PROGRAM   The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program facilitates the creation of public art in London, which bolsters civic pride, provides focal points for community celebration, creates meaningful employment for artists, and attracts tourism and investment. This mural was created by the artist through the City’s Public Art and Monument Program, managed by the City’s Culture Services team and administered by the London Arts Council. ABOUT THE MURAL: IMAGINATION ENDLESS Imagination Endless combines Ryan's love of graffiti art and cartoon doodling, which he's enjoyed doing since he was a kid. Devin combined these styles with black line work, incorporating a bright, colourful background to make it pop. Various quirky characters can be seen throughout the mural which extends the entire length of the skatepark. Ryan also wove a nature theme throughout by including leaves and owls (one of his favourite animals to paint). ABOUT THE ARTIST: DEVIN RYAN Devin Ryan was born and raised In London, Ontario. He has a close connection to the ocean through spending every summer in Nova Scotia with his family. Ever since he can remember, Devin has been doodling up drawings and cartoons. Just as a flower grows through the cracks in pavement, art always seems to sneak its way back into Devin's life no matter what path he takes. He likes to paint with spray paint and acrylic the most. Doing large scale doodles of whatever comes to his mind is one of his favourite “styles,” as it takes him away into a different world where time doesn’t exist. Q&A WITH THE ARTIST: Tell me a bit about yourself as an artist, and your history with making art? Well, I’ve pretty well been doing art since I was born and could hold a pencil in my hand. I started off doing cartoons – comic books really got me interested in art. In high school, I got into graffiti from my time skateboarding and seeing all of the graffiti at skateparks. From there I started to spray paint, which I learned takes a lot of muscle memory. It took me a while to learn all the can controls and the types of caps to use, and from there I integrated my cartoon style with the spray paint. As you can see, this mural is exactly that, my signature cartoon style done in spray paint. Awesome. Have you created any other murals? I designed the Mario Room at the the Ichabod Escape Room on Richmond St., and in Windsor I designed another escape room. At the Palasad here in London on Adelaide St., I painted the patio in the same cartoon/graffiti style. Also, I have some graffiti style work in the alleyway of Spaghetti Eddy’s. There’s a bunch of my work around London. When did you create your first public artwork? In 2016 I got involved with Art Fusion and they provided some opportunities to paint in public. I still remember the very first time was on Canada Day; I painted on saran wrap with lights shining behind it, which gave me the inspiration for all the bright colours I use. I’ve been building my skills up and doing new things since then. What was the inspiration behind this mural? My inspiration was my graffiti and cartoon background; I integrated my styles into one and incorporated the bright colours to make it pop. I also tried to incorporate a nature theme with the leaves throughout. And with you being a skateboarder, this project was a great fit for you. Yeah! It was like a full circle moment when I got to work where I have fun. It wasn’t even work; it was just fun. So what was the process like to bring your art to life? First, I spray painted all of the bright colours in the background and then created the black outlines. I tried to be as intricate as possible - there’s a lot of detail work, a lot of thin black lines. I love black line work art, that’s one of the things that got me into art as well. Yeah, it really makes the figures pop and stand out. Are there any recurring characters that you paint? The one with the two big eyes and the heart in the chest is my old math teacher from grade 9. She sticks with me through a lot of my art projects, she was a super cool teacher.  I also love to paint owls so you can see a lot of those in my murals. Springbank Park was actually the first place I saw an owl in real life, so they’re at home here. I also like to blend in a lot of leaves, mixing nature into the urban environment. Thanks for talking with me, Devin. This is a really fun and bright mural, and it fits into the environment well. I’m sure the other skateboarders who use the park are going to appreciate it and hopefully find some inspiration while working on their tricks. Thank you! Mural photos:

In the London Arts Council’s (LAC) ongoing efforts towards actionable and sustainable reconciliation, we took the virtual concept for the IndigenousLondonArts.ca  (ILA) website, and brought it into reality, through the creation of an Indigenous London Arts Programs department led by LAC’s Administrator, Indigenous Programs, who works in consultation with Indigenous partners and community members. We  acknowledge the need for this department to be distinct, and sovereign in its development, so with the help of Indigenous Designer, Katie Wilhelm, a separate logo was created to represent Indigenous London Arts, as distinct from LAC’s regular programming, while still falling under the umbrella of London Arts Council. Taking inspiration from the Indigenous London Arts website, Katie was able to create this beautiful logo, using the colours and references mentioned in our virtual land acknowledgment . You will see the same colours repeated throughout the ILA website, as they are reminiscent of the colours seen in nature -- water, dirt, sun, air, trees, grass, -- all elements that are significant to Indigenous Peoples as the original caretakers of this land, and a part of their creation stories. As ILA is a branch of the London Arts Council, the splaying of the petals and dot in the middle nod to LAC’s logo star-shaped design. We’ve also included the City of London’s signature green which represents our relationship with the City, as we work together with their commitment to Truth & Reconciliation in mind.

The Gallery In response to demand from local artists for exhibition space and to promote and celebrate our talented local artists, the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services have collaborated with RBC Place London to pilot The Gallery program at RBC Place London as part of our London Arts Live (LAL) program offerings. The purpose of The Gallery is to promote the work of artists and creators residing in London and surrounding First Nations to display original artworks for exhibition, with sales opportunities, on highly prominent and specially designated wall space within this municipally owned building. For the third exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Johnnene Maddison , a local visual artist. Johnnene earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Pratt Institute in New York City and soon after worked in Los Angeles for an animation studio, while also making posters for Bell Telephone Company. She received a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan. After moving to Ontario, Johnnene attended Brescia College, where she earned a teaching certificate. Johnnene has been a professional exhibiting artist in Canada and the U.S. for over 40 years. She is the recipient of the Canadian National Award from CARFAC, 2014. She has worked in oils, watercolours, and textile art, and is currently working in acrylic. Her recent work is about her thoughts and her imagination. She draws her most recent thoughts on canvas and then paints using bright, original colours. These paintings are intensely personal and immediate. An Interview with Johnnene Maddison Just A Thought by Johnnene Maddison (on exhibition May 2024 – August 2024) Q : Tell us the story behind the Just A Thought  exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A : My paintings are about things that I happen to be thinking at the time. They're personal, but I find they appeal to people because every person has thoughts going through their heads at all times - even if you don't want them to. I'll get a thought and I immediately start drawing on the canvas. Q:  Have your thoughts always been the inspiration behind your artwork? A:  I don’t think so. Since I’ve started working with acrylic. Before this I was working with water colour for many years and I was doing textile art, and I had a subject. With the abstract, I didn’t have a subject so I thought “well, whatever pops into my mind I’m just going to do it.” When I’m finished, sometimes it looks exactly like what popped into my mind and other times it doesn’t resemble it at all. People ask “why would you call it that? It doesn’t look like that” and I say “well, that’s what was on my mind.” I can’t explain why it looks the way it does. Q : Right. It’s your personal thought, and maybe sometimes people catch it right away when they look at it and it resonates, but it won’t resonate with everyone all the time. A : Yeah, and I never remember the titles. A week later someone might ask “oh, what do you call that one?” and I have to look on the back to figure it out. Q : What else inspires you as an artist? A : Colour. I’m really in love with colour. But also, everything! I walk outside and I’m inspired by everything – the clouds, the sky, the grass, everything is beautiful. Q : So a lot of nature? A : Yes, but also people. People just talking to me. They’ll say something that reminds me of something, and then something else, and then something else, and then that grows into a thought which grows into a painting. Q : The process you’re describing is very similar to how I approach writing. I’m curious if you’ve experimented with other forms of art before. Have you done any creative writing? A : I’m embarrassed to say I have. I’ve written a song once, and poetry that’s not very good, and I don’t show it to anybody! I like to write though, and I like to write letters to people and have them go through the mail. Q : Yes, I love that! Receiving a handwritten letter is such a rare thing now, it’s so special! A : Yeah! Every time I get a letter, I don’t open it right away. I make a cup of tea and I savour the experience. Q:  I love that. I have all these postcards that were my grandparents and they’re just everyday correspondence but it’s amazing to think of the entire process of picking out a postcard, taking the time to write a message and then going to the mailbox to send it. It's so personalized. A: Exactly. I have a letter that my father wrote to my mother while he was in the service in Italy at the time – that’s where he was killed. My mother was pregnant with me at the time, and he wrote “I want you to call her Emily,” and I wish he got his way because this name has given me so much trouble. Emily is an easy name. Q:  Oh wow. Your name is very different than Emily and it’s a good name, I’ve never heard of anyone else with the name Johnnene before! A:  No, my father’s name was John so my mother but a “nene” on the end of it. Q:  Oh I see! That’s really nice. A:  People have a hard time pronouncing it. Sometimes I get the pronunciation “Joe-hini.” Q : Hahah that must be your alter ego. A:  I guess so! Q:  What does your creative process look like? How do you approach starting a painting? A : I gesso the canvas first and when that’s dry, I put the painting on the floor. I have a dowel that’s about 36 inches long and I tape a brush to the end of it. I have a jar of paint on the floor. I think about my thought and then I start to draw with the brush. At first, I start with a line drawing on the canvas, but it’s done with the brush and not a pencil. When that dries, I start to paint. I start with the biggest shapes and work down from there. As I’m going along, I adjust the depth of the colours. That’s the wonderful thing about abstract art, you have no idea how it’s going to turn out. Q : Is it like a stream of consciousness process where you’re just getting out what’s in your head without planning anything? A : Yeah, but there is stopping and starting over days. Some might take a few days, while smaller paintings I can do in a day. Q : Oh, I see. What has your experience been as an artist in London? What gaps do you see that currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? A: Well, supporting female artists is different than supporting male artists. There are certain galleries that I’ve noticed seem to prefer male artists. I’ve been at these galleries during openings, and I see the male artists being introduced to people, while the female artists are standing there not being introduced to anyone. When you look at public art gallery collections, if you get a list of everything they own, it is very heavily on the male side. I do see more women getting shows, as when I was young it was nearly impossible for a woman to get a solo show. I was part of many group shows, but it was much, much harder to get a solo show as a woman. Q : That was your experience when you were attending the Pratt Institute? A: Oh yeah. When I was in university in art college, there were many more art students that were male than female. That seems to be changing now. I wonder if it starts with the family – back in those days if there were families with many children, it seemed that the male was the one to go on to academic studies versus the females. Thank goodness that’s changing. Q : What kind of support do you think is needed? A: Well, one thing is that the newspaper needs to report on the arts. Many newspapers have 2-3 pages on sports, but nothing on arts. Once and a while you’ll read about large commercial exhibitions like Banksy, but nothing on local arts. I know artists and galleries often send in exhibition information to newspapers, yet nothing is published. Q : That’s a great point. Promotion goes a long way. Where can people go to see more of your work? A : I always have work showing at The Westland Gallery. That’s really the main place, aside from my home studio. Q:   That’s great that Westland Gallery has been a good home for your work. How do you feel about having your work on display at RBC Place London? A:  I think any opportunity is a good one when it comes to getting your art out there. And it will be on display here until August which is a good chunk of time. Q:  I hope lots of people will come downtown to check out your exhibition. Your work is great and thank you for sharing the process behind it with me! A:  Thank you! View the Just A Thought Exhibition at RBC Place London on the following dates: Wednesday July 24, 2024    (11:00am – 2:00pm Monday July 29, 2024 (9:00am – 4:00pm) Wednesday August 7, 2024     (9:00am – 2:00pm) Wednesday August 24, 2024   (11:00am – 2:00pm) Tuesday August 27, 2024         (8:00am – 2:00pm) Friday August 30, 2024             (8:00am – 10:00am) ** enter via the main doors on York St.** The objectives of the Gallery program are: to create a beautiful, unique, and cultured atmosphere; provide compelling experiences for local, national, and international visitors; educate the public by presenting a series of diverse artworks created by local professional artists; and provide professional opportunities for local artists, including increased promotion, sales, and career enhancement. For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca

London's  first artistically interpreted Wampum Belt, Way of Life – Bimaadziwin ( pronunciation ) – Tsi' niyóht tsi tyúnhe' ( pronunciation ) by Nancy Deleary   was installed on the interior fireplace at East Lions Community Centre (1731 Churchill Ave, London On), and unveiled on June 27, 2024. ABOUT THE MURAL PROJECT AT EAST LIONS COMMUNITY CENTRE To celebrate, honour, and share Indigenous culture and history, the London Arts Council  and the City of London Culture Services  ( Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services ),   contracted Nancy Deleary , an established visual artist from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation   for this project. In honouring the Two Row Wampum approach, Nancy was selected through the Indigenous Assessment Panel process to create the Mural Project at East Lions Community Centre ,   which is located on the interior fireplace at the community centre.   Deleary’s artistic work for this project is based on the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. As a law used by Indigenous peoples, this Wampum holds significant meaning. This project is the first artistically interpreted Wampum Belt project in London, which highlights the significant meaning of the Agreement, visually demonstrating our commitment to the Indigenous communities and the City of London’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, thus encouraging Londoners to reflect on and respect the Agreement within their daily lives. ABOUT THE PUBLIC ART AND MONUMENT PROGRAM   The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program facilitates the creation of public art in London, which bolsters civic pride, provides focal points for community celebration, creates meaningful employment for artists, and attracts tourism and investment. This mural was created by the artist through the City’s Public Art and Monument Program, managed by the City’s Culture Services team and administered by the London Arts Council and Indigenous London Arts. It is one of the first artworks to make up the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection. ABOUT THE MURAL: Way of Life – Bimaadziwin – Tsi' niyóht tsi tyúnhe' “The original makers of this land created objects out of necessity. Upon their objects they decorated images to relay messages that gave reverence to the relationships they maintained.   Colonization caused a great disruption in the life processes of the original peoples. They survived by keeping their ways and worldview hidden in the things they owned, bought, and made.   At first, anything with a native pattern was kept and displayed. In time, the people began making their own objects with representations of their beliefs and ceremonial life.   In this moment in time, the people of this land are sharing their ways so that all may be informed of a way of life that has existed on this land for thousands of years.   The Dish with One Spoon Wampum represents a significant law that the people of this territory of Southwestern Ontario uphold to this day. Learn about this Agreement by listening to Knowledge Holders and Chiefs of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee.” –  Nancy Deleary, 2024 ABOUT THE ARTIST Nancy Deleary  has been an artist all her life, influenced by the artists in her family growing up. She was recognized early by her community to have a gift to draw and design. This led her to a lifetime of researching her identity through ancestral works of art to be able to translate them into contemporary images.For Nancy, art is a communicative tool to transmit ideas and emotion. Her life has been a long journey of learning who she is as an Indigenous person of this land, and through her art she has the ability to share that. Through Nancy's interactions with viewers of her work, she learned that they can see and feel what she is addressing, and they come away learning something new about First Nations people.   June 27, 2024 Mural Unveiling Event photos:

The first Songlines Project artwork, Firekeeper  by Mike Cywink, was installed at East Lions Community Centre (1731 Churchill Ave, London On) on the exterior windows near the main entrance, and unveiled on June 27, 2024. ABOUT THE SONGLINES PROJECT In January 2023 the City of London participated with the Huron University Management and Organizational Studies Class on a City Studio Project to study what London could learn from other UNESCO designated cities about creative collaborations that could benefit London.  The “Songlines” proposed initiative developed by a group of students from this class, based upon a previous UNESCO program developed in Auckland New Zealand, won the City Studio community of choice award at the end of term Hubbub Event held at the Pillar Nonprofit Network in April 2023.  The City of London Culture Services  and the London Arts Council , in partnership with the London Music Office  and the Rotary Club of London , have come together to create the “ Songlines Project .” This project will showcase the artwork of London’s local visual artists that is accompanied by a “Songlines” QR Code that links to the London Music Office’s Spotify channel and the diverse music of talented local musicians at various stages of their music careers.In alignment with City of London 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, the “Songlines” project has a strategic focus on Economic Growth, Culture, and Prosperity. It hopes to support the outcomes of London as a destination of choice and encourage the growth of local artistic and musical talent. “Songlines” will contribute to London’s UNESCO City of Music designation. Songlines will beautify London’s streetscapes, communities, and neighbourhoods and strengthen London’s brand as an artistic and creative hub. Emerging and mid-career musicians and visual artists will gain more exposure to establish their brand that will further their careers to be export ready for more regional and international opportunities. This will in turn contribute more to the local cultural economy. ABOUT THE PUBLIC ART AND MONUMENT PROGRAM   The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program facilitates the creation of public art in London, which bolsters civic pride, provides focal points for community celebration, creates meaningful employment for artists, and attracts tourism and investment. This mural was created by the artist through the City’s Public Art and Monument Program, managed by the City’s Culture Services team and administered by the London Arts Council and Indigenous London Arts, with support by the Rotary Club of London, and presented in partnership with the London Music Office. It is one of the first artworks to make up the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection. ABOUT THE MURAL:  FIREKEEPER “This design is inspired by the story of the eagle who looks over the sacred fire and carries all the responsibilities that go along with being the firekeeper.   He shares our teachings with the people, and the birds serve as messengers carrying the teachings out to the world. Whenever we have fire, we must have water - balance is an important part of creation and our teachings. Turtle Island, the muskrat in our creation story, and one of our leadership clans, the fish, are all featured in this design. All of creation is represented - the ones who fly, the four-legged, the insects, and the ones who swim .   The image with the moon is a reminder of our responsibility to one another as people. In a community, we need to lift each other up and be there for each other. We all must help at certain points in our life, so we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it when we need it." –  Mike Cywink, 2024 ABOUT THE ARTIST Michael Cywink  grew up in Northern Ontario, in the community of Whitefish River, First Nation. He has been in the London area for more than a decade now, working with Indigenous youth throughout the city.   He is a muralist, artist, and graphic designer with multiple projects and murals throughout the London area. Michael continues to create art and support Indigenous youth, with many projects and murals on the horizon. “As an artist, I consider myself a storyteller. I, of course do not speak for every Indigenous person and my teachings are ones that have been passed along on my path so far. And as we embark on this journey, I am telling a story that is not my own.   I listen, I learn, and I try to tell other people’s stories through my art. The original ways of passing down teachings and stories is through storytelling; it is an important piece of our traditional ways of being.”    – Mike Cywink   June 27, 2024 Mural Unveiling Event photos: — FIREKEEPER   MURAL ⁠— PANEL 1 PANEL 2 PANEL 3 PANEL 4 PANEL 5 PANEL 6 PANEL 7

June is National Indigenous History Month. This month is a great opportunity to learn more about the First Nations communities who are the original caretakers of the land we live on, as well as Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation reflected in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. These calls were created in collaboration with survivors and their families to acknowledge the impact of Canada’s legacy of residential schools and serve as a guide in the process of reconciliation. Consider reading some of these resources for more information: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action Ally Toolkit Atlohsa: Educational Resources Biindigen: Indigenous Learning Circle: Indigenous History Month Challenge