AGYU was pleased to present Art on My Mind 2021, a virtual song writing residency for emerging hip hop artists and poets. During summer, ten local youth participated in a series of workshops led by celebrated musicians and poets including Nasim Asgari, Nathan Baya, Zakisha Brown, Tracey Kayy, NamedTobias., and Terence Penny. These mentors participated in a virtual songwriting curriculum intensive, taught by award-winning spoken word poet  Joshua “Scribe” Watkis, preparing the artist-educators to design a song writing curriculum which they are using to facilitate a series of eight workshops engaging emerging artists Sarra Ali, Jenifer Alvarez, Reniah Baptiste, Abigail Campbell, Leticia Campbell, Emilie Cockell, Elle de Lyon,  Dexter Lieberthal-Brazier, Jordan Lowe, and Jo Ruth from July 6 to 17.

A core aspect of Art on My Mind is to provide a collaborative forum, and as such all the artist-educators joined forces to collectively write a new song. In addition to recording the song with legendary music producer Solitair, the residency provided the artists an opportunity to perform in a music video directed by Prince John Media, which was shot at Fountainhead Park in the Jane Finch community.

In conjunction with the song writing residency, AGYU was also thrilled to present Art on My Mind 2021:  A Virtual Performance Showcase on July 17 from 7 to 9 pm on Instagram Live @a_g_y_u.  Hosted by Jane Street Speaks founder Nathan Baya, the event included a talent-packed lineup featuring Nasim Asgari, Zakisha Brown, Nicole Chambers, Kibra, Tracey Kayy, Jayda Marley, NamedTobias., Terence Penny, and Veshone.

Building on the success and momentum of last summer’s Art on My Mind program, which included the production of the hip hop single Hope You Relate, the Art Gallery of York University was excited to bring back a new iteration of the song writing residency. Stay tuned for announcements about the release of the 2021 collaborative single along with a new music video.

AGYU thanks the Toronto Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Foundation for generously supporting this program.