Fabric of Community - Project Commissioned by XOXO Downsview

Description

 The Fabric of Community is a textile-art-based community engagement project and public art installation that uses fibres and fabrics to share stories of journeys, arrivals, and legacy. This project intends to embrace and amplify the stories and experiences of community members who have migratory experiences and have settled in North York.

Bio 

Paola Gomez is a Community Arts Facilitator, a trained human rights lawyer, community organizer, public speaker, writer, and dreamer. A member of PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile and an advocate, Paola is involved in causes such as ending violence against women and forced migration. Paola is the co-founder and Director of Muse Arts. Her work with refugee and newcomer communities have been greatly recognized in Canada, where she arrived as a refugee. Ms. Gomez is the recipient of 2008 Amina Malko Award from the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, 2009 Vital People from Toronto Foundation for her community building initiatives, the 2016 Constance E Hamilton Human Rights Award from the City of Toronto and the 2018 Champions of Change Award; excellence in the Arts from the Skills for Change.

The project is led by artist Paola Gomez and co-presented by North York Arts. It is a project of XOXO Downsview, a local arts and culture initiative of Canada Lands and Northcrest.