Transforming Creative Expression into Female Empowerment – Sara Singh

Sara shares more about her project to integrate art-based wellness initiatives into the Downtown Eastside:

“When we embarked on the journey of creating therapeutic artistic spaces for women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), we envisioned a project that would foster resilience, creativity, and connection. Looking back, “Expressions of Resilience: Art for Well-being in the Heart of DTES” has been a transformative experience—not just for the participants but for everyone involved.”

“Our original plan outlined 24 workshops across six months (May-October 2024), but implementation shifted to September 2024 through February 2025, requiring flexibility and responsive planning. Despite this timeline adjustment, we maintained our commitment to balanced workshop leadership, with half facilitated by our team and half by compensated
community artists. This structure honored our objective of supporting local artists while ensuring consistent programming. This distribution strategy also helped us reach diverse participants within the DTES community. The diversity of workshop activities, ranging from UV resin keychains and heart-making to bracelet beading and affirmation cards, ensured all workshops remained fresh and engaging for participants.”

The Downtown Eastside Arts & Crafts Society: “The Downtown Eastside Arts and Crafts Society is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women living or working in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, as well as other underserved populations within the Metro Vancouver Regional District, through the transformative power of arts and crafts. Our mission is to offer complimentary arts and crafts workshops to underserved communities, fostering creativity, fostering a sense of unity, and enhancing individual well-being.”

Sara shares more about her meaningful partnerships with different community partners and members involved in this project:

“This project became a profound learning experience largely due to the remarkable individuals and organizations who participated alongside us. The community artists who led workshops—including Nickie, Immacula, Arlequin Grey, Shelby, Katerina Vinarskaia, Tallulah, Christy Frisken, Akino Gunstone, Kathryn Alma-Nihte, Taryn Walker, Nakuset, and Ilinca Ianorescu—each brought unique perspectives and talents that enriched our programming
beyond what I could have imagined.”

“The VCH clinic team, particularly Liza, Deer, and Blue, provided invaluable support in helping us navigate healthcare spaces and connect with community members. Equally important were the women participants themselves, whose engagement, creativity, and willingness to share their experiences taught me more about resilience and community strength than any academic study could convey. Their feedback continually refined our understanding of what makes arts programming truly impactful in this context.”

Sara shares about the valuable ways this project supported her personal growth in community-engaged work:

“This project significantly strengthened my project management capabilities, particularly in adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining core objectives. I’ve developed strong skills in resource allocation, stakeholder coordination, and program evaluation that will serve me well in future community-engaged initiatives and research projects.”

“My cultural competence has deepened through direct engagement with Indigenous-centered workshops and diverse community artists. This experience has reinforced the importance of creating space for marginalized voices rather than simply speaking about or for communities. In my future academic work, I’ll continue prioritizing collaborative approaches that center community expertise.”

“Perhaps most significantly, I’ve strengthened my ability to implement trauma-informed practices in community settings. The training protocols we developed, including the completion of courses on resisting stigma, trans rights, Indigenous health, and violence prevention, provided a foundation that I’ll continue building upon in both personal and professional
contexts.”