Awesome Arts
Awesome Arts en folie brings participants of all ages together to explore community interests through diverse and engaging art forms. Guided by professional artist mentors and in partnership with local organizations, the program offers a series of workshops for different age groups, culminating in the Awesome Arts Festival. Through slam poetry, animation, dance, music, theatre, and video, participants develop their creative voices—building skills, confidence, and peer connections—while reflecting on the issues that matter most in their communities. The Awesome Arts festival provides an opportunity for the community to have a voice, to celebrate and to shine a positive spotlight on the residents.
In November 2017, Awesome Arts was awarded the International Spotlight Award presented by the American National Arts and Humanities Youth program. Along with 12 exceptional organizations from across the United States, MASC was thrilled receive the United States’ highest honour for after-school arts and humanities programs that reach underserved youth.
Awesome Arts was originally developed by Jolynn Sommervill as a One World Arts program in 2009 before moving to MASC in 2013. Since its inception, 19 editions of Awesome Arts have been held in Ottawa communities with diverse partners. It has offered 1867 workshops to 3000 participants. Awesome Arts Festivals have featured performances by over 80 local artists and 3000 participants and engaged over 8000 audience members.
AWESOME ARTS was truly awesome!
What an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, community, and connection!
We’re excited to share highlights from Awesome Arts en folie 2025, held this past Friday, October 24, at Viscount Alexander Public School.
The night marked the grand finale of 6 inspiring weeks of artistic exploration — featuring incredible performances by Grade 3–6 students from York Street Public School, Viscount Alexander Public School, and the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre after-school program.
From AfroCaribbean dance and performances of original songs to street dance, Afrobeats, and Indigenous hoop dance, the showcase radiated creativity and passion, amplified by the sounds of Brazilian Beats and Recycle Rock.
A heartfelt thank-you to all the artists and community members who made this celebration of art and expression so special.
YOUNG AND GRATEFUL
This year, 15 youth from the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre’s after-school program came together to create an original song and music video. Guided by JustJamaal ThePoet, the group wrote and performed the song, recorded it with producer Dean Watson, and brought it to life with a track composed by Dan Najm. They then collaborated with videographer Randy Kelly to produce the final music video.
This project was developed in partnership with the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and made possible with support from Canadian Heritage.
Link to videoPhotos of Awesome Arts 2025
Videos of Awesome Arts
