Shauntay at School
Shauntay Grant,
author of two children's books, spoken word artist, and 2010 Poet
Laureate of Halifax, will stretch the hearts and minds of up to
20 lucky participants during a workshop for students in grades ten,
eleven, and twelve, from these schools along the Cabot Trail:
- Baddeck Academy
- Cabot Junior/Senior High School
- Cape Breton Highlands Academy
- École NDA
- Wagmatcookewey School
Shauntay regularly conducts arts-based workshops and performances for youth, that educate and advocate for self-empowerment and social change, creating opportunities for youth to develop their talents through the literary and performing arts. As an arts educator, she has conducted workshops for many schools and youth organisations, including Leave Out ViolencE (LOVE), a not-for-profit youth violence prevention organisation, and Phoenix Youth Programs, an organisation that offers "programs and services for at-risk and homeless youth". Her workshops challenge youth to give voice to untold stories and experiences, and ultimately "be the change" by exploring their own personal connection to the written and spoken word.
Shauntay also works with Artsmarts, an initiative of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia that has seen her present to many senior high school classes on historical and contemporary Afrocentric art practices, and other topics relating to the African Diaspora.
She is passionate about working with youth, encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to their communities through the arts.
Words & Rhythms
This is a workshop designed to celebrate the rhythm and musicality that comes when words are spoken, create a platform for discussion around poetry and spoken word performance, and challenge participants to express ourselves through the written and spoken word. Through performance, activities, and group discussion, students will explore their own stories and experiences within a literary and spoken word paradigm.
Shauntay's workshop is scheduled for Thursday 29 September, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the charming community hall at South Haven. She and her students will share lunch afterward.
