Angelique Bulosan shares how they wove circle + art together in the The New Extreme Art Youth Mentorship Program.
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) and Victoria High School's Students of Colour Association (SOCA) brought in Social Justice Consultant and Artist, Angelique Bulosan, to facilitate The New Extreme Art Youth Mentorship Program. This cohort was engaged through several facilitated circle gatherings to explore both racial justice and art-making combined. Inspired by discussions of anti-racism, decolonization and equity, the group created buttons, linocuts and printed tote bags.
While the program provided funding for materials, The Circle Way provided additional funding that ensured every participant would receive materials to be able to continue producing linocut art after the program.
As part of the cohort’s circle practice, Angelique stressed the concept of shared leadership / ownership for the health and well being of the circle. Agreements were used to set a feeling of safety; we checked in/out every time with each other and it was helpful to ask the youth: What anti-racism concepts are resonating with them? What is it about their own cultural heritage that they want to know more about? How will they go about doing that? What thoughts and ideas have arisen since last time?
Enjoy this short video that shares more about this important project:
Photos shared with permission
My name is Angelique Bulosan (they/she). My ancestry is Filipino and I was born and raised on unceded, stolen Lekwungen Territory - colonially known as Victoria, BC.
During the day, I'm the Manager of Inclusion & Diversity for the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. In the evenings and on the weekends I'm an artist and social justice facilitator.
I proudly support safer spaces for BIPOC as a member of the steering committee for the
BC Public Service BIPOC Employee Resource Group, and leadership team for Sweet
Refuge, a BIPOC mindfulness meditation group. In 2022, I will be leading two separate
youth initiatives at the intersection of art, social justice and racial justice.
I’m a cat-lover, paddleboarder - and I’m genuinely energized by meeting new people and
making connections! Learn more at AngeliqueBulosan.com