From Hear to Here

Curatorial and Program Statement

From Hear to Here began as a youth engagement peer mentorship program in partnership with Children’s Hearing and Speech Centre of BC in October 2024. Based upon paired collaborations between our mentors and mentees; this exhibition celebrates our cohort in their achievements throughout the 6-month long program.

What began as an educational workshop on Disability Justice framework, leadership advocacy and alternative artmaking, developed into an exchange of creativity, exploration and connection between our cohort members. This program supported students through their transition into post-secondary, pursuing arts as a career, and building advocacy support as leaders of change. From Hear to Here has evolved into a virtual space to gain professional development skills and build an inclusive vocabulary on advocacy but also encourage vitality within our own intersectional disability identities.

Introducing our mentor, Mellissa He with mentees, Aedyn and AJ and mentor Courage Bacchus and mentee, Thomas; From Hear to Here presents their works in reflection within the program. Centered around the questions, “What does inclusive art look like to you?, “What would you tell your past and future self?”, and “What are the qualities of a good leader?”; this series prompts a conversation about the possibilities within arts and culture. What can be changed and who builds the narrative of becoming an artist? What does a leader look like to you?

This program and exhibition is funded by the City of Vancouver, BC Arts Council, ArtStarts in Schools Creative Spark, and Frog Hollow Neighbourhood grants.

From Hear to Here is led by From Hear to Here Curator, Shanna Cheng and CHSC Educator, Bowen Tang.

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Photograph Credit: Luciana Friere D'Anunciação