On September 29, 2024, we were thrilled to host the IRAL Creatives - Youth Conference at the United Church of Steinbach, and we are still riding the wave of excitement from the success of the event!
The day began with an electric energy as participants from across the province gathered to take part in a celebration of youth leadership, creativity, and cultural exchange. With a variety of workshops, interactive discussions, and performances, the conference became a melting pot of ideas, artistic expression, and community growth.
Highlights of the Event
Inspiring Talks Dr. Ben Akoh, founder of the African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM), delivered an insightful session on cross-cultural collaboration and the power of storytelling. His presentation ignited a powerful discussion about the importance of preserving and sharing African cinema with a wider audience.
Engaging Performances The incredible Suzanna “Suzie” took the stage, captivating the audience with her beautiful artwork and sharing her journey as an artist. Her story of perseverance and passion deeply resonated with our youth participants.
Workshops and Activities Interactive workshops allowed participants to dive into the creative process, from hands-on art projects to discussions about future career pathways in the arts. It was truly inspiring to see the IRAL Creatives youth taking charge and assisting in leading these activities, demonstrating their growth and leadership skills.
What We Heard From You
As part of our goal to make each event better than the last, we’ve included some of the valuable feedback we received through our post-event surveys:
“I loved the diversity of activities and the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. The workshops were super fun!”
“It was inspiring to see so many young leaders in the room – the future looks bright!”
“This event really opened my eyes to new creative possibilities. I left feeling motivated!”
A Special Thank You
This event would not have been possible without the amazing support of our sponsors, Yaad Vibes Promotions and the Manitoba Arts Council, whose contributions allowed us to bring this vision to life. We also want to acknowledge the public support for arts and culture in our province and the positive impact it has on empowering our youth.
Lastly, a big thank you to all our participants, volunteers, speakers, and performers who made the day so special. From the creativity to the camaraderie, this event showed the power of community coming together to foster growth and celebrate cultural diversity.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning for IRAL Creatives! We have more exciting events planned, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with all of you. Stay connected with us on social media for updates, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and feedback.
Until next time, keep creating, keep leading, and keep inspiring!
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