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photos taken by TSW 2023 Scavenger Hunt participants: AaaronSaam, poserfish, SnapTheWrap, and Unagi

Londoners have expressed that they want London to be a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible community. They believe that the City of London should be a leader in standing up against hate and intolerance by ensuring all Londoners have opportunities for full participation in accessible community programs without experiencing barriers. As our community acknowledges our commitment to Indigenous peoples in London and surrounding First Nations and recognizes the growing populations of diverse communities, we must provide adequate support to preserve and promote diverse expressions through arts and culture that contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible community. Therefore, business case #P-8 proposes the following to effectively address the City’s Strategic Plan Outcomes 1 and 2 under Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion while also supporting Outcome 3 under Economic Growth, Culture, and Prosperity: Expansion of Existing Programs (2024-2027) Artist in Residence – Proposed to serve 12 additional culturally and artistically diverse artists. (Total annual amount by 2027: $90,000)  The expanded program will offer new categories to effectively highlight the London UNESCO City of Music designation Action Plan (Focus Area: Inclusive Communities) and UCCN membership by supporting London’s arts/culture sector development and international collaboration through arts/culture through enriched professional development, creation, and presentation opportunities. London Arts Live – Proposed to provide over 1,200 additional diverse arts activations and artistic opportunities throughout London.  (Total annual amount by 2027: $157,500) The expanded program will directly support the growth of diverse local artistic and musical talent and address growing community demands for diverse art activations. A new program component, ‘The Gallery’, will provide much-needed professional art exhibition/sales opportunities in highly visible spaces in London (e.g., RBC Place London) to promote London's diverse artists/creators and support them with income. Addition of New Programs (2024-2027) Cultivating Allyship through the Arts – Proposed to support over 50 new projects. This program will provide eligible artists/creators in the following streams with relational grant opportunities through specialized assistance and support. Indigenous Arts Stream: This stream will provide micro and major grants for research/creation/presentation for Indigenous artists/creators in London and the surrounding three First Nations as they continue to practice art forms and create art works. This stream will increase provincial and federal fund-leveraging opportunities for Indigenous artists/creators. Diverse Expressions of Arts Stream: This stream will provide micro and major grants for research/creation/presentation for diverse artists/creators from equity-denied communities as they continue to practice art forms and create artworks. This stream will increase provincial and federal fund-leveraging opportunities for diverse artists/creators from equity-denied communities. Youth Art Incubation – Proposed to support 25 youth members This program will provide paid art internship and mentorship opportunities for students in secondary/post-secondary schools to explore and engage with the local arts sector while developing their expertise through professional learning experiences. (Total annual amount by 2027: $67,500)

The UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Promotion and Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions As an international law, the 2005 Convention provides an important normative grounds for Canada (the first State that ratified the 2005 Convention) and a framework for UNESCO Creative Cities Network member cities like London. Hence, The London Arts Council's programs address the 2005 Convention through all aspects of programs as the Convention embodies the following important notions: Cultural diversity is a defining characteristic of humanity. The importance of cultural diversity for the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms is proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other universally recognized instruments. Culture needs to be incorporated as a strategic element in national and international development policies, as well as in international development cooperation, considering that culture takes diverse forms across time and space and that this diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities and cultural expressions of the peoples and societies making up humanity. Culture plays an important role in social cohesion, and cultural diversity is strengthened by the free flow of ideas and nurtured by constant exchanges and interactions between cultures. The diversity of cultural expressions, including traditional cultural expressions, is an important factor that allows individuals and peoples to express and share with others their ideas and values. Traditional knowledge as a source of intangible and material wealth is important, as are the knowledge systems of indigenous peoples and their positive contribution to sustainable development, as well as the need for adequate protection and promotion. For more information on the UNESCO 2005 Convention, see: (https://www.unesco.org/en/legal-affairs/convention-protection-and-promotion-diversity-cultural-expressions) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) UNESCO’s advocacy for the role of culture in sustainable development over the last decade has given rise to several UN General Assembly resolutions acknowledging culture as a transformative dimension that ensures sustainability in the development process. Today, UNESCO continues to align its work in culture to better address sustainable development challenges and to advocate for the prioritization of culture in both the SDGs and in the documents emerging from the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. No development can be sustainable without taking culture into account. Yet, compared to the international community’s initial ambition, the potential to engage culture for sustainable development remains largely untapped in national strategies to implement the SDGs. Now, to succeed in a time of global concern, the SDGs need the involvement of the communities, leaders and cultural network members who are most engaged in culture and who best understand its potential impacts. This means we need to harness the power of cultural institutions and organizations to shape new ways to envision a more inclusive, just and equitable world. Culture as a Human Right A large part of this commitment involves respecting, protecting and promoting the cultural rights of all persons and aspiring to greater solidarity based on the recognition of cultural diversity. The United Nations encourages cultural and heritage organizations to incorporate the principles set out in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001) into their practices, objectives and policies—particularly those concerning the obligation to guarantee cultural rights, access to cultural goods and services, free participation in cultural life, and freedom of artistic expression to forge inclusive and equitable societies. This could look like paying attention to the diversity of creative work, creating opportunities for artists to share their work in the language of their choice, and promoting equal access to art and to scientific and technological knowledge. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. UNESCO has long asserted that the achievement and implementation of the SDGs need to be people-centred so that cultural rights and diversity can be key drivers of people’s participation, ownership and creativity. To view the Culture for SDGs Toolkit, see: (https://cultureforsdgs.ca/#download) "Culture: at the heart of SDGs" Article by Jyoti Hosagrahar (https://en.unesco.org/courier/april-june-2017/culture-heart-sdgs)

LAC’s request through business case #P-38 requests additional investment of $345,000 to gradually expand the capacity of CAIP arts funding steams from $700,000 to $1,000,000. Additional investment to CAIP will mean: ·   Increased capacity to fund 20 new applicants and increase the amount of the overall investment to sustain the existing arts sector in all the CAIP funding steams. In 2023, CAIP arts funding streams received 162 applications with over $2 million in unprecedented requests from 22 arts organizations, 42 artist collectives, and 98 artists, and only 67 applicants (41%) received funding through CAIP.  CAIP policy changes have increased the applicant operating revenue ceiling amount for organizations from 1M to 1.5M to recognize the economic changes that have occurred over 23 years. ·   Expansion of diversification of CAIP allocations to equity-denied organizations and artist/creators and having the geographic reach to include artists/creators from the three surrounding First Nations. ·   Additional investment to local music (2023 51% [$355,800] of CAIP was allocated to 38 music organizations, collectives, and musicians) that will incubate artistic talent to support London’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music. ·   Increased leveraging by the LAC and CAIP recipients to access additional sources of funding. Since 2020, the LAC has leveraged over $300,000 in additional funds through the collaboration with the London Community Foundation to administer and allocate the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to local arts organizations through the CAIP process. The arts and culture sector will be able to continue to support multiple segments of London's workforce and enable London to remain competitive with the growing investments of other municipalities. The total 2020 London Cultural GDP was $677M, included as part of the 2020 $28B Ontario Cultural GDP.

Call Summary The London Arts Council invites artists and creators living in London and surrounding First Nations - the Chippewas of the Thames, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee-Delaware Nation - to submit high-resolution digital images of their original artwork for purchase and use in a public art project. Artwork images will be printed onto a vinyl wrap and attached to traffic light boxes at street light intersections around London. Application Requirements Digital images at 300 dpi. Payment Selected artists and creators will receive $400.00 per image used, as per the current CARFAC rate. The artwork provided must be original artwork and the sole intellectual property of the artist or creator, with no copyright infringements. Please refer to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office website link for clarification on copyright: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/h_wr02281.html Eligibility Professional Artist, Creator, and Practitioners of Traditional Arts This project is open to all professional artists and creators (emerging and established) who are 18 years of age or older, and who reside in London Ontario or surrounding First Nations - the Chippewas of the Thames, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee-Delaware Nation. The London Arts Council defines a professional artist and creator as someone who has developed skills through training or practice, is recognized by artists and creators working within the same artistic tradition, has a history of public presentation, seeks payment for their work, and actively practices their work. Short breaks in artistic work history are permitted under this definition. Online Submission Artists/Creators/Practitioners of Traditional Arts wishing to be considered must complete all application requirements. Please complete all required fields of the online application form and submit the required application documents. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be accepted. Applications submitted through other means, such as fax, mail, and email will not be accepted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is submitted by the deadline of Friday, January 26, 2024, 4:00pm. For any questions regarding this project, please email: info@londonarts.ca For any Call to Artists updates please check the website at www.londonarts.ca If you require support to complete this application due to accessibility barriers, please reach out to Janet Antone, Specialist, Cultivating Allyship: jaantone@londonarts.ca

Professional artists are significantly disadvantaged financially and are often one step behind the poverty level. According to Statistics Canada 2021, the median personal income of professional artists in Ontario was 41% less than that of other workers. What is more, artists with different racial, gender, sexual, and social identities have experienced added barriers and have not been able to meaningfully participate in and contribute to the London community. The expanded Arts in Communities Programs such as Artist in Residence, London Arts Live, Cultivating Allyship through the Arts, and Youth Art Incubation will provide adequate support and equitable opportunities for Indigenous artists, equity-deserving artists, and future arts professionals for their growth and development and encourage their cultural, social, and economic participation in the London community. Business Case #P8: Expanision of London Arts Council's Arts in Communities Programs, under Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion requests a gradual increase to expand the capacity of Arts in Communities programs to $500,000 by 2026. Expansion of existing programs: Artist in Residence – Proposed to serve 12 additional culturally and artistically diverse artists. London Arts Live – Proposed to provide over 1,200 additional diverse arts activations and artistic opportunities throughout London. Addition of new programs: Cultivating Allyship through the Arts – Proposed to support over 50 new projects. This program will provide eligible artists/creators in the following streams with relational grant opportunities through specialized assistance and support. Indigenous Arts Stream This stream will provide micro and major grants for research/creation/presentation for Indigenous artists/creators in London and the surrounding three First Nations as they continue to practice art forms and create art works. This stream will increase provincial and federal fund-leveraging opportunities for Indigenous artists/creators. Diverse Expressions of Arts Stream This stream will provide micro and major grants for research/creation/presentation for diverse artists/creators from equity-denied communities as they continue to practice art forms and create artworks. This stream will increase provincial and federal fund-leveraging opportunities for diverse artists/creators from equity-denied communities. Youth Art Incubation This program will provide paid art internship and mentorship opportunities for students in secondary/post-secondary schools to explore and engage with the local arts sector while developing their expertise through professional learning experiences.

The London Arts Council (LAC) invites visual artists and creators residing in London, Ontario, surrounding First Nations (the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee-Delaware Nation) to apply for a paid opportunity to participate in LAC’s community-focused arts program: Belong – Inclusive Arts Experiences for Children and Youth as Artist-Educator Mentors or Artist-Educator Mentees. Applications are now closed. Program Overview: Belong – Inclusive Arts Experiences for Children and Youth is a community-centred arts program that promotes mental health, wellness, and social cohesion through creative activities. Belong includes weekly arts activities at 5 different neighbourhood resource centres. This program will provide: children and youth with high-quality, arts education experiences that promote creativity, self-exploration/expression, and a sense of belonging emerging artists/creators with authentic and enriched apprenticeship/mentorship opportunities through co-development/delivery of arts sessions and mentorship sessions professional artistic programming for neighbourhood resource centres that serve newcomer and low-income populations, thus supporting their mission for their community. Artist-Educator Mentors will take part in Belong for approximately 14 months. This will involve orientation and training, concept development, co-creating lesson plans with mentees, monthly one-on-one mentorship sessions, and delivery of 40 (3 hour weekly) arts sessions, including time for setup and cleanup. Mentors will be compensated at a rate of $50 per hour for delivering programs and $25 per hour for orientation, training, mentorship sessions, development, planning, and preparation. Note: The time commitment is estimated to encompass approximately one day a week (*one day and a half for a 2-month period), and total payment that goes directly to each artist-educator mentor will be $11,450.00. Artist-Educator Mentees will take part in Belong for approximately 7 months. This will include orientation, training, co-creating lesson plans with a mentor and a fellow mentee, monthly one-on-one mentorship sessions, and delivery of 20 (3 hour weekly) arts sessions, including time for setup and cleanup. Mentees will be paid $30 an hour for program delivery and $20 per hour for orientation, training, mentorship session, development, planning, and preparation. Note: The time commitment is estimated to encompass approximately five hours a week and will pay a total of $3,120.00. Online Submission Artists/creators wishing to be considered MUST read the application package thoroughly prior to filling out the online application form and complete all application requirements. Please complete all required fields of the online application form and submit the required application documents. For any questions regarding this project, please email: info@londonarts.ca For any Call to Artists updates please check the website at www.londonarts.ca If you require support to complete this application due to accessibility barriers, please reach out to Janet Antone, Specialist, Cultivating Allyship: jaantone@londonarts.ca

London Arts Council is requesting $345,000 to expand the capacity of CAIP arts funding streams. CAIP contributes to the creative vibrancy of London and enhances London’s desirability as a community of choice and visitor destination by providing direct financial support and investment for the local arts sector and its diverse artistic and musical talent for creation, production, and presentation. However, the CAIP budget has not seen an increase in investment in the 23 years since its inception, yet the demand has grown tremendously. CAIP has reached its financial allocation capacity with over $2 million in unprecedented requests. As a result, only 41% of applicants received funding through CAIP in 2023. Without a healthy budget for the CAIP program, our community will lose diverse artists and arts organizations that enrich the cultural life of London.

London Arts Council is requesting $450,000 through this business case to expand the capacity of Arts in Communities programs from the current investment of $50,000 to $500,000. Through four Arts in Communities programs (Artist in Residence, London Arts Live, Cultivating Allyship through the Arts, and Youth Art Incubation), LAC will provide adequate support and equitable opportunities for Indigenous artists, equity-deserving artists, and future arts professionals by supporting their growth and development and ensuring their artistic expressions and participation, thus encouraging their social and economic contribution to the London community. Professional artists are significantly disadvantaged financially, and are one step below the poverty level. According to Statistics Canada, the median personal income of professional artists in Ontario was 41% less than that of other workers in 2020. Arts in Communities programs such as London Arts Live support hundreds of diverse artists with performance opportunities throughout London, while providing inclusive and accessible cultural experiences for Londoners and visitors. These curated activations contribute to the vibrancy and safety of London, especially in the core area, by bringing people together through live art and music performances and thus changing and enhancing the atmosphere and streetscape.

(photo of Audrey Cooper from The London Free Press, January 2014) Each year, the London Arts Council invites nominations for the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List for an honouree in the Arts category. Eligible nominees are professional artists and active volunteers whose artistic excellence or outstanding contribution of service deserves recognition. Through an assessment process, a recipient is then recommended to the City. Audrey Cooper has been named to the 2024 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List in the Arts category. Congratulations Audrey!!Audrey moved to London from Toronto in 2003, and began her first series of colourful, folk-art paintings depicting her memories of growing up on the Danforth in Toronto two years later, at the age of 76. In 2012, Audrey opened Art With Panache, an exhibition space to promote and share the work of London’s talented visual artists with the rest of the community. Art With Panache has exhibited artworks by local emerging and established artists for over 10 years with the help of volunteers and an artistic director. Audrey is an inspiring figure in London’s creative community, uplifting and encouraging others to pursue and share their artistic gifts! You can find more information about Audrey and her contributions to the community, as well as those of the other recipients on this year’s list, by clicking the button below:

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 Gallery at RBC Place London is a pilot project. If successful, the program will be expanded into other locations throughout the city. 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 first exhibition of the pilot stage, The Gallery featured artworks created by Tricia Edgar, a well-known local visual artist, artist educator, and a long-standing LAL artist. She has been involved in the London arts scene for many years and has been participating in several of London Arts Council’s programs, including LAL, Arts Education Classroom Experience (AECE), Culture City X (CCX), and Belong-Inclusive Arts Experiences for Children and Youth. These opportunities supported her growth and development as an artist and educator, while also introducing Londoners of all backgrounds to local art. An Interview with Tricia Edgar Q: Tell us the story behind the Tree Energy exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A: I have a deep love for trees, and now that I’m middle-aged and reflective, I’ve come to see them as a symbol of my upbringing – my roots. I grew up in the Port Dover area, so my roots are rural, and I’ve always enjoyed walking in the countryside, where I can see and feel comforted by all the trees. Being around trees grounds me. I always have a hunger to be in the country though I am a “city person.” I moved here but the feeling followed me. Now, I find trees in the city, especially around Western University and The Coves that I appreciate. Our Roots Are Everlasting was inspired by tree roots near my childhood home – there were all of these old trees that were cleared for farming, and then all of these roots used to line our property and we used to climb on them and play. Eventually, we dragged them into my dad’s shop because people would steal them to use in their gardens or as décor in their homes. There’s something about that, about the necessity of roots. Some of those trees being hundreds of years old, and my ancestors would have been around that area, and then people taking these roots as valuable art pieces for their homes. It really got me thinking about the significance of my own roots, and it was grounding. Q: I like that. Trees do seem very wise and like they want to impart their wisdom. So, walking through nature you hear little whispers of it, you know? A: Yeah! And most people feel something from nature and trees. But let’s hope, perhaps we keep that appreciation going for future generations. The desire to touch nature. Q: What else inspires you as an artist? A: Colour, shape, anything in nature that has repetitive patterns, and I love texture. I just feel really inspired by that visceral experience. Q: How do you transform those inspirations into artwork, then? How does your creative process work? A: Rooted in Inspiration reflects my creative process. First, I see something in my day-to-day life that inspires me, I feel the story/inspiration and want to document it, and then I use my unique method of painting to convey the feeling visually. Q: So, it starts with something that moves you in a way, and then telling the story of that experience? A: Yeah, when I start to think about a voice. Like, an artist can give voice to something, you can give voice to even just feeling. Then it’s a pictorial voice. Some people like writers and poets do that through language, and I like to convey these feelings visually. Q: That’s interesting. A writer has language and words to convey feeling, but as a painter you’ve got to convey a feeling visually in a way that resonates with others. A: Yeah, and for me it begins with me wanting to express it for myself. First off, it should be about the artist and not doing it for anybody else. First, it’s doing it for me and expressing because that brings me joy. That’s where my energy and passion is. And then the cool thing is figuring out if I can share that feeling. And we know that art does that. Some people don’t change the art on their walls for 20 or 30 years, but why? We change our cars, we buy patio furniture, clothing. The message I hope to convey is “Look at what a piece of art can do to your environment – it can give you energy.” A Blossoming Vibe-Energy Tree is a little more whimsical and I have a series of these fun, playful colourful ones that are reaching up, which were inspired by one tree with the most beautiful bark near my house. The bark to me represents pathways and a journey and gets me reflecting on my own journey and thinking about where I am now. Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A: I believe that creativity is so vital, and I see that especially in my work with children and older adults. It’s the unique perspective that each of us have and if you’re able to hone in on it, then you’ve got treasure to share. It makes you feel good. Q: Right. It colours your life. A: It does. It really colours your life. It gives you something, a positive outlet to express your feelings that are going to come out anyway. Q: What gaps currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A: I think it starts with the artist needing to want to be a part of something else. Then, we have to think of ways to overlap the community and the arts and weave them together. There is absolutely a place for traditional galleries, and there is something that will stimulate people everyday when art is brought out into the public realm. For example, I think that the Traffic Signal Box Wraps throughout the city make a big difference. We need more daily encounters and serendipitous moments with art in our daily lives. A gap I see that currently exists in the public’s understanding of what an artist does. Art is often seen as hobby instead of a career that contributes to the economy. What could help solve this is more partnerships like this one, more word of mouth, and more education and opportunities for the public to value artwork and artists more. Q: What do you envision for the Arts in London? A: I would love to see more art clubs, art centres, etc. where artists can go for artistic development, to learn from each other. Q: What made you put yourself out there to work with RBC Place London? A: I’m really proud to live here and feel that my city cares about art. RBC Place London is fostering a lot of community events, and a convention centre is a real catalyst of activity. To have art in a place that is action packed is something that I love. People aren’t coming here specifically to see artwork, but it’s a serendipitous encounter. One of my girlfriends was watching the news and saw my artwork in the background of an interview happening at RBC Place London. That means a lot to me! Q: That’s awesome! Where else can we find your artwork? A: You can see my work during the London Artist Studio Tour, I also have two group shows through the Central Ontario Art Association (one in Etobicoke and one in Ingersoll), as well as some artworks at TVDSB and King’s College. 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. 100% of the proceeds from artwork sales go directly to the artist, supporting the vibrant and diverse arts community in London, Ontario. For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca

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 second exhibition of the pilot stage, The Gallery featured artworks created by Byungjin Choi, a local visual artist, artist educator, and LAL artist. Choi is a highly experienced Korean visual artist who specializes in various forms of traditional Korean painting. Choi brings traditional beauty into modern contexts through ongoing exploration of non-traditional materials and artistic practices. Since his immigration to Canada in 2016, he has continued his artistic practices by creating new bodies of artwork and teaching young artists at his studio. Choi joined the London Arts Live Program this year and showcased his artwork through multiple live painting sessions. Choi hopes to continue his artistic journey in Canada by sharing his artwork and contributing to the diversity of London’s arts scene. An Interview with Byungjin Choi Maehwa (매화), Plum Blossom by Choi, Byungjin (최병진) (on exhibition November 2023 – February 2024) Q: Tell us the story behind the Maehwa exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A: Sagunja (Four Gracious Plants) are the foundational painting themes for people who practice traditional Korean visual art, so I never thought I would go back to that style, but I’ve been exploring a lot to develop my own defined style. When I first came to London, I was struggling a bit. So, I stopped practicing my own artwork and instead was teaching students. When this opportunity presented itself, I was thinking about so many different plants and flowers that I wanted to exhibit but none were speaking to me, so I stopped painting them. After contemplating what I would like to paint, I returned to Sagunja and to Maehwa specifically as it symbolizes that experience of perseverance. Q: What inspires you as an artist? A: My inspiration usually comes from nature, and I especially love trees. I see a lot of reflection of human life through trees and other types of plants. For about 10 years, I was really focusing on drawing small evergreen trees and was thinking about my son a lot during this time. I was reflecting on my relationship with my son as I was drawing the trees and see my connection with him reflected in the process. I would like to explore more of the nature in London and try to go further with this. Q: That’s really sweet. Did you have a specific person in mind when you were painting Maehwa? A: I was reflecting on my life a lot through the Maehwa. The challenges that I’d been going through were like a harsh winter and at this point in my life, I feel that I am emerging from that harsh winter, hopeful and starting to bloom, just as the plum blossom emerges at the end of the harsh winter months as the first sign of Spring. Q: What does your creative process look like? A: The reason I like Four Gracious Plants (Sagunja) is because the purpose of this style of painting is not about achievement of realism but about self-expression and self-exploration through the Plants. My Maehwa is not an identical depiction of Maehwa, but a visual depiction of my interpretation of what Maehwa represents – the virtue of perseverance. During my first year of university, I really tried to practice and develop my own style, not by looking at the Maehwa tree, but by studying the Ginko trees as they demonstrated visual characteristics that Maehwa represented to me. So, I practiced the shapes of the Ginko trees through their shadows. My depictions of the Maehwa tree are more focused on what the tree symbolizes and represents to me versus a hyper-realistic rendition of it. People often refer to Sagunja paintings as Eastern Abstract or Expressionism Art. I made all of the frames and glue myself. Since I was working with very thin rice paper, I had to follow vigorous processes to complete the frame. To achieve perfect consistency for the glue, I boiled the correct amount of flour in the water and stirred it consistently by using a wooden stick on medium heat until it was ready. Since the thin rice paper cannot be glued right on to the wooden panel, I glued the rice paper to the backing paper by making sure no bubbles formed or tears were made, and then the glued paper was once again glued to the wooden panel. Q: Wow, that sounds like a very involved process, and every step is personalized. A: Yes, every step is part of the art piece. It’s a really fun process. Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A: André Malraux (1901-1976), a French novelist, art theorist, and minister of cultural affairs, said “Every work of art is created to satisfy a need, a need that is passionate enough to give it birth.” I take this to mean that the reason why people create is to express themselves, and this really resonates with me. There are many ways to express yourself, and for me visual art resonates strongly. Specifically, this style of traditional Korean painting – the entire process, every step involved - really appeals to, and speaks to me. Q: What gaps currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A: When I applied for permanent residence status in Canada, I applied, and was accepted to, the category of “Visual Artist.” But I wasn’t able to do any artistic work for three years, because my life settlement took way longer than what I had anticipated. When I was teaching students, I really felt the need to continue as a practicing visual artist myself. Looking back, even though I was accepted in a specialized category, I never received resources about continuing my creative work here. I’m sure this would be the experience of other immigrants as well. If the Executive Director of the London Arts Council hadn’t reached out to me after seeing my work at a festival and provided information about the London Arts Council, I wouldn’t have known where to start to continue my artistic practice in Canada. Q: That’s too bad that there weren’t resources offered to you. It’s a barrier that we need to work on addressing. What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London? A: The London artistic scene is still new to me. I still feel very much like a newbie. But I will continue to learn more and integrate myself more, and my goal is to exhibit once a year at different galleries within the city and hopefully exhibit somewhere else one day as well – in Toronto, or New York is another goal of mine. Q: Those are great goals! What made you most excited about putting yourself out there to work with the London Arts Council and RBC Place London for this exhibition? A: This exhibition is a big turning point for me - for my artistic life and journey, and my personal growth as well. As mentioned before, this was a very healing process for me because I didn’t feel like I had to focus on being any other way than who I am and what kind of artist I truly am. And this process really helped me to reflect on that. As a newcomer artist, I believe that this exhibition opportunity will open up new doors for me. Q: That's fantastic! We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork? A: Currently, I don’t share too much of my work on social media but I plan to work on that in the future and will share that with you once I do. Q: Sounds goods. Thank you for talking with us today. Your artwork is so beautiful, and it makes it even more special to know the story and process behind it. A: Thank you very much. View the Maehwa (매화), Plum Blossom Exhibition at RBC Place London on the following dates: Thursday December 14th (11am-7pm) Thursday, January 11, 18, 25 (11am-2pm) Thursday, February 1 (11am-2pm) **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