About Cultural Canvas Thailand
Cultural Canvas Thailand was founded with the mission to generate awareness of social and global issues in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Members continue to play a major role in the transformation of the Chiang Mai community with programs to help those with HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers. The Art Relief Program uses creative means as a tool for change. It allows community members the opportunity to express themselves and cultivate their inner creativity. Art Relief operates a variety of workshops for local community members providing a safe space for them to participate in creative activities. Some workshops include science, while others incorporate specific cultural events.
Community Need
There is a tremendous need, for both children and adults, to have programs that provide activities and support for children during the after school hours. There is a low petty crime rate; however, according to OSAC on Thailand’s Crime and Safety Report Chiang Mai has a continuing drug problem, particularly with methamphetamine and intravenous drugs. Chiang Mai has rapidly developed economically in the past few years. There is now a population of 170, 000. Despite the wealth and economic development, there is an increasing number of children living on the streets in these urban communities. According to the UNICEF organization children who live or work on the streets are at a great risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, drugs and HIV. The Chiang Mai community has programs like Cultural Canvas Thailand to help those in need, which are usually children. It is important to have programs in place to help keep children and adults safe and out of trouble.
Solution
With a diverse population, it is important that there be constructive and creative activities for all ages. Visionaries, like Cultural Canvas Thailand, saw the potential benefits of volunteer programs like Art Relief, empowerment programs, environmental protection programs, assistance and outreach programs to provide resources for a variety of individuals. Cultural Canvas Thailand developed the Art Relief program to provide an outlet for creativity among these people. They chose an Art Relief program because it can create an environment of inclusion and belonging. It can bring a community together and allow them to learn from each other.
Project Description
The following provides an outline of tasks, professionalism and expectations that the volunteer must meet. Providing a safe environment for individuals to express and cultivate creativity is at the core of the Art Relief program. The main objectives, outlined by Cultural Canvas Thailand, of a volunteer are:
1. Planning and facilitating art workshops including writing lesson plans and budgets, leading the workshops, conducting evaluations and writing blogs.
2. Ensuring all elements of the workshop are prepared and ready, including purchasing supplies and printing materials.
3. Assisting with the facilitation of other workshops.
4. Assisting with ongoing and one-off promotional events and exhibits.
5. Assisting with the ongoing functioning and maintenance of the ARI program including occasional administrative and office related tasks.
(Cultural Canvas Thailand, December 3, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.culturalcanvas.com/volunteer-art-relief-international)
Every Wednesday, Art Relief members visit Hope Home, a home for children with varying disabilities who need extra care. They conduct a variety of workshops from sculpting to finger painting. The children learn to explore media without fear, and to use them as a form of expression. This type of expression and creativity allows them to self-explore attitudes, self-esteem, and the management of emotions. In the case of Hope Home, each week the children are exposed to a new project.
Furthermore, every second Friday, Art Relief volunteers visit Healing Family Foundation, a place where adults with varying difficulties spend time weaving to earn an income. It is a safe space that allows them to provide for their families. Adults with disabilities take on an active role; they learn how to work independently, and form social relationships in a safe and accepting environment.
These are examples of how Art Relief helps to solve social problems within the community through a positive and creative environment. It provides opportunities for individuals to encourage self-expression and creativity while promoting common social values.
About The Best Project Fund
"The B.E.S.T. Project Fund is the premiere experiential learning opportunity at Bishop’s. This unique possibility is meant to assist students, determine their career paths and realize their ambitions.It allows the student to learn outside of the classroom.The funds are awarded to students whom the Selection Committee believes have the potential for significant achievement and impact once they graduate from Bishop’s" (http://www.ubishops.ca/future-current-students/money-matters/scholarships-awards-bursaries/b-e-s-t-project-fund/).
I stumbled upon this opportunity by word of mouth. Simone, my roommate, came home one day and we discussed the email that had been sent out to the Bishop's student body earlier that day. After a lengthy conversation she had convinced me that this was the perfect idea for me and earlier in the year I had a minor existential crisis. Now all I needed was a project. Emma, a friend from my soccer team who had completed the B.E.S.T. Project the year before, was the one that gave me the idea for the Cultural Canvas Volunteer Program. After a whirlwind of research and application writing it was simply a matter of time to hear back from both Bishop's and Cultural Canvas Thailand. Fortunately, it was a happy ending, I received acceptance to the Program and received the necessary funding. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given, without the help of Bishop's University, I would not have been able to attend this program. I truly think that this project will help me determine my career path and solidify my passions.
Cultural Canvas Thailand was founded with the mission to generate awareness of social and global issues in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Members continue to play a major role in the transformation of the Chiang Mai community with programs to help those with HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers. The Art Relief Program uses creative means as a tool for change. It allows community members the opportunity to express themselves and cultivate their inner creativity. Art Relief operates a variety of workshops for local community members providing a safe space for them to participate in creative activities. Some workshops include science, while others incorporate specific cultural events.
Community Need
There is a tremendous need, for both children and adults, to have programs that provide activities and support for children during the after school hours. There is a low petty crime rate; however, according to OSAC on Thailand’s Crime and Safety Report Chiang Mai has a continuing drug problem, particularly with methamphetamine and intravenous drugs. Chiang Mai has rapidly developed economically in the past few years. There is now a population of 170, 000. Despite the wealth and economic development, there is an increasing number of children living on the streets in these urban communities. According to the UNICEF organization children who live or work on the streets are at a great risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, drugs and HIV. The Chiang Mai community has programs like Cultural Canvas Thailand to help those in need, which are usually children. It is important to have programs in place to help keep children and adults safe and out of trouble.
Solution
With a diverse population, it is important that there be constructive and creative activities for all ages. Visionaries, like Cultural Canvas Thailand, saw the potential benefits of volunteer programs like Art Relief, empowerment programs, environmental protection programs, assistance and outreach programs to provide resources for a variety of individuals. Cultural Canvas Thailand developed the Art Relief program to provide an outlet for creativity among these people. They chose an Art Relief program because it can create an environment of inclusion and belonging. It can bring a community together and allow them to learn from each other.
Project Description
The following provides an outline of tasks, professionalism and expectations that the volunteer must meet. Providing a safe environment for individuals to express and cultivate creativity is at the core of the Art Relief program. The main objectives, outlined by Cultural Canvas Thailand, of a volunteer are:
1. Planning and facilitating art workshops including writing lesson plans and budgets, leading the workshops, conducting evaluations and writing blogs.
2. Ensuring all elements of the workshop are prepared and ready, including purchasing supplies and printing materials.
3. Assisting with the facilitation of other workshops.
4. Assisting with ongoing and one-off promotional events and exhibits.
5. Assisting with the ongoing functioning and maintenance of the ARI program including occasional administrative and office related tasks.
(Cultural Canvas Thailand, December 3, 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.culturalcanvas.com/volunteer-art-relief-international)
Every Wednesday, Art Relief members visit Hope Home, a home for children with varying disabilities who need extra care. They conduct a variety of workshops from sculpting to finger painting. The children learn to explore media without fear, and to use them as a form of expression. This type of expression and creativity allows them to self-explore attitudes, self-esteem, and the management of emotions. In the case of Hope Home, each week the children are exposed to a new project.
Furthermore, every second Friday, Art Relief volunteers visit Healing Family Foundation, a place where adults with varying difficulties spend time weaving to earn an income. It is a safe space that allows them to provide for their families. Adults with disabilities take on an active role; they learn how to work independently, and form social relationships in a safe and accepting environment.
These are examples of how Art Relief helps to solve social problems within the community through a positive and creative environment. It provides opportunities for individuals to encourage self-expression and creativity while promoting common social values.
About The Best Project Fund
"The B.E.S.T. Project Fund is the premiere experiential learning opportunity at Bishop’s. This unique possibility is meant to assist students, determine their career paths and realize their ambitions.It allows the student to learn outside of the classroom.The funds are awarded to students whom the Selection Committee believes have the potential for significant achievement and impact once they graduate from Bishop’s" (http://www.ubishops.ca/future-current-students/money-matters/scholarships-awards-bursaries/b-e-s-t-project-fund/).
I stumbled upon this opportunity by word of mouth. Simone, my roommate, came home one day and we discussed the email that had been sent out to the Bishop's student body earlier that day. After a lengthy conversation she had convinced me that this was the perfect idea for me and earlier in the year I had a minor existential crisis. Now all I needed was a project. Emma, a friend from my soccer team who had completed the B.E.S.T. Project the year before, was the one that gave me the idea for the Cultural Canvas Volunteer Program. After a whirlwind of research and application writing it was simply a matter of time to hear back from both Bishop's and Cultural Canvas Thailand. Fortunately, it was a happy ending, I received acceptance to the Program and received the necessary funding. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given, without the help of Bishop's University, I would not have been able to attend this program. I truly think that this project will help me determine my career path and solidify my passions.
About the Author
My name is Alyssa McLean and I originate from Ontario. In 2013, during my senior year in high school, one of my teachers approached me and told me about Bishop’s University. He highly recommended that I consider attending Bishop’s. After quickly researching the school, I decided to apply. It was only after being accepted that I came to visit with my parents. In that moment I fell in love with Bishop’s and its community. I was soon dreaming of starting my post-secondary education.
What drew me to Bishop’s was the Educational Program. Bishop’s was well known for producing teachers of high quality. Furthermore, the program entailed practicums that would allow me the opportunity to teach throughout my attendance, an offer that Ontario schools did not have. Bishop’s also provided me with small, intimate class sizes that would grant me the chance to be a part of the community and work closely with my professors. Coming from a small community and a school of 500 students, Bishop’s was the adventure I needed to experience a new place and culture. After my first year I felt as though something was missing. Therefore, I altered my education to a double major in Educational Studies and Fine Arts with a concentration in studio and also added a French minor. This allowed me to take a variety of courses like the sociocultural history of Quebec, teaching ethics and religious culture, as well as a drawing and foundations studio.
Now in my third year at Bishop’s, I have joined the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team. It has been one of the best decisions I have made while at Bishop’s. In joining the team, I also joined a family. Hard work, commitment and perseverance are large parts of being a varsity athlete, and those skills and qualities have helped me to develop academically as well. As well as participating in other various intramural sports, in the future, I also plan to join the Reading Circle Program offered at Lennoxville Elementary School and Big Buddies. I believe that these programs will permit me to work with the youth in the community and to help students in a one on one environment. I still have three remaining years to complete my undergraduate degree. I look forward to completing my practicum with Bishop’s and hope to complete one of my practicums in Northern Quebec. Upon completion, my tentative plan is to study art therapy in Toronto. One day I wish to work in areas with limited access to education and to help create social change in places of turmoil.
Ultimately, my interests are varied. I have been a lifeguard for over six years and have taught a variety of classes including aqua fit lessons. I also enjoy various sports activities like soccer and volleyball. I take pleasure in a multitude of artistic interests; I have completed various artistic pieces including a colouring book for the City of Cornwall. Finally, I adore working with children and hope to add traveling to my list of interests from this experience.
What drew me to Bishop’s was the Educational Program. Bishop’s was well known for producing teachers of high quality. Furthermore, the program entailed practicums that would allow me the opportunity to teach throughout my attendance, an offer that Ontario schools did not have. Bishop’s also provided me with small, intimate class sizes that would grant me the chance to be a part of the community and work closely with my professors. Coming from a small community and a school of 500 students, Bishop’s was the adventure I needed to experience a new place and culture. After my first year I felt as though something was missing. Therefore, I altered my education to a double major in Educational Studies and Fine Arts with a concentration in studio and also added a French minor. This allowed me to take a variety of courses like the sociocultural history of Quebec, teaching ethics and religious culture, as well as a drawing and foundations studio.
Now in my third year at Bishop’s, I have joined the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team. It has been one of the best decisions I have made while at Bishop’s. In joining the team, I also joined a family. Hard work, commitment and perseverance are large parts of being a varsity athlete, and those skills and qualities have helped me to develop academically as well. As well as participating in other various intramural sports, in the future, I also plan to join the Reading Circle Program offered at Lennoxville Elementary School and Big Buddies. I believe that these programs will permit me to work with the youth in the community and to help students in a one on one environment. I still have three remaining years to complete my undergraduate degree. I look forward to completing my practicum with Bishop’s and hope to complete one of my practicums in Northern Quebec. Upon completion, my tentative plan is to study art therapy in Toronto. One day I wish to work in areas with limited access to education and to help create social change in places of turmoil.
Ultimately, my interests are varied. I have been a lifeguard for over six years and have taught a variety of classes including aqua fit lessons. I also enjoy various sports activities like soccer and volleyball. I take pleasure in a multitude of artistic interests; I have completed various artistic pieces including a colouring book for the City of Cornwall. Finally, I adore working with children and hope to add traveling to my list of interests from this experience.