UTown @UBC Community Grants Recipients Spring 2020

We are very excited to announce thirteen new projects supported by funding from the UTown@UBC Community Grants program. Read on to learn about these upcoming community building programs. 

Coast Salish Two-Spirit Honouring Ceremony - $1000

The Two-Spirit Collective creates a safe space for two-spirit and queer Indigenous folks of all ages. The Collective is offering workshops to create giveaways for an honouring ceremony to stand their Two-Spirit relatives up by publicly acknowledging their identities and place within our community.

Diwali 2020 - $1000

The third annual Diwali celebration at Wesbrook Community Centre brings together all members of the UBC community to celebrate and learn about the Indian New Year. Through the sharing of Indian art, dance, music and food, this inclusive, multicultural event welcomes everyone.

Gender Creative Art and Play Project - $1000

An art and play based group for gender creative and trans children and their supportive family and friends to connect. Over a series of three meet ups, children will get to work with local artists and showcase their pieces as part of a mini art show.  

Kombucha Making and Screen-printing at Sprouts - $420

Looking to learn a few tangible skills to improve your health and wellbeing? Sprouts offers workshops that bring together a diverse group of students and community members. Learn about probiotics, food justice, artistic expression – and make a few friends!

Latin Party in Acadia Park - $1000

Join families in one of UBC’s most vibrant neighbourhoods for a day of fun and joy with Latin music and food. This is a great opportunity for people who are arriving on campus to meet new friends and neighbours.

Local Art Immersion Workshops - $1000

This project brings together the UBC Aboriginal Student community with Musqueam community members to offer local, culturally relevant programming. Participants can expect to learn a new skill – traditional practices accompanied with the art of beading – and share food with people they might not normally get the chance to meet with.

Scripts of the World - $1000

Led by newcomers to Canada, Scripts of the World is a club that celebrates cultural diversity and history by exploring texts from different countries. Through the interactive activities, guests will leave the sessions with a deeper understanding of different countries and cultures, which can only bring us together as a community.

Self-Care Months - $870

This series of drop-in events, led by youth, features destressing and coping activities. Youth will try activities together, learn about mental health and connect with mental health professionals.

The Active Spirit Walk and Run - $1000

This 2km and 5km run or walk is open to the UBC community at no cost and promotes healthy living, exercise, culture and tradition. Hosted in partnership between the Musqueam Indian Band, UBC School of Kinesiology, Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology (ISK) program and the Indigenous Physical Activity & Cultural Circle (IPACC).

UX Design Jamathon - $1000

This one-day beginner friendly hackathon style competition is open to all skill levels—no programming or design skills required. The challenge theme is ‘UX for Kids’ and competitors will develop a product prototype for kids 3-12 years old. Participants will then showcase their product to the UTown community, including kids, who will be invited to vote for their favorite projects.

UHill Elementary Arts Festival - $1000

For the second year in a row, the UHill Elementary Arts Festival creates an opportunity for children in our community to share their music, dance, drama and other artistic expressions. Parents and other members of the community are also invited to share interesting skills by offering workshops and performing.

Youth Art Engagement Committee - $1000

This group of youth has been leading art events over the last year. With the grant, the group plans to connect the community by creating art galleries that provide a safe space to share people’s ideas and voices.