The Social Artistry Method: Social Alchemy Workshop and Design Lab

Social Alchemy Workshops are held Friday afternoons (1:00pm - 3:00pm) during the month of August. Together you can share, experiement and practice your unique facilitation skills, gather feedback and leave inspired. The workshops are intened for anyone who wants to deepen their facilitation practice whether you're a newbie or seasoned facilitator. All are welcome.

Each workshop we'll explore the social artisty method.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone can participate including those invovled in,

• Community Development
• Mental Health
• Arts & Social Change
• Religion
• Design Thinking
• Event Planning

If you're interested to learn about your unique creative power as a facilitator these labs are for you!

Using the anaology of the traditional Scientific Method

Observation

• What do you know, what does your experience inform your practice
• How do you convene and hold space for others

Research

• What are you interested to share, how to convene.

Impact

• Intention and impact

Experiment

• Practice your facilitation skills
• Express creativity

Analysis

• Feedback from your peers
• Utilizing imagiantion

Invitiation

• Who do you connect with?
• How do you access your impact?

Where ever your find yourself along the continumn of the social artistry method you're welcome to participate and encouraged to come learn and explore

Ingredients to Social Alchemy?

Social Alchemy Workshops are based from the ongoing work of the Exbhibit of Social at Sparrow ArtsSpace. At the month long exhibit artistic research is being explored to deepen an understanding of social artisty. The learnings from the exhbit will be embedded into the workshop series!

Priscilla Cherry, (She/Elle) Founder of The Oratory

Trinidadian-Canadian Priscilla Cherry is a free-spirited storyteller and peer support specialist, passionate about creative collaboration and uplifting others. Drawing on her personal journey through mental health concerns, she blends play, creativity, and emotional healing in her work. Priscilla is a producer and announcer at CJSW 90.9 FM and CKUA 93.7 FM, the in-game host for Calgary Surge basketball, and a lead organizer with TEDxYYC. In April 2023, she launched The Oratory, a live interactive talk show—a childhood dream come true. Priscilla firmly believes in the art of hosting; the power of sharing our lived experiences; and that everyone has something to share that someone else could learn from, relate to or at the very least be curious about.

Defined

[or·a·to·ry1 ]

1. The art of speaking in public eloquently or effectively, discourse, dialogue.
2. A small private place for prayer, divine worship, or devotion.

At The Oratory, we extend a heartfelt invitation to not just witness, but actively participate, create, and discover profound solace within the transformative embrace of the arts, play, and storytelling. Our mission is to be a somatic sanctuary where authentic connections flourish, rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ubuntu – 'I am because you are.' We cherish the profound understanding that our humanity is intricately interwoven with the humanity of others.

The Oratory offers a unique blend of live music, storytelling, inner work health exercises, and interactive components. Our experiences feature discussions on profound topics like–but are not limited to– ancestry, astrology, creativity, creative therapy, existentialism, emotional and spiritual healing, lifelong learning, mental health and wellness, philosophy, reconciliation, somatic abolitionism, and spirituality–all in the name of the arts. The Oratory makes healing fun!

With a focus on social artistry and inner-child work, we delve into its benefits and practice how to initiate the journey. In this nurturing space and playground of practice, we harness the therapeutic power of art, play, and storytelling, fostering emotional well-being, mental health, and boundless inspiration.

Coach T. (He/Him) Founder of Recess Calgary

Tyson is a community developer; his personal slogan is to edify others, befriend the lonely and promote justice! Tyson is grateful to have his vocation match his values and able to bring people together through the art of facilitation. Tyson has had the delight of being part of several community initiatives on Treaty 7. A self-proclaimed troublemaker, his intention is to build communities to share power and make change. embedding the tenants of communities of care with a bit of play as resistance. Tyson is Founder of Recess Calgary.

What is Recess Calgary?

Recess Calgary is where adults can go to play their favourite childhood games, get creative and play the way they used to. Since 2018, Coach ˇT has been faciltiating opportunities for adults to engage with whimsy, take a break and imagine a future that are full of possibilites. The possibilites have been endless from pla(y)cemaking events - accessible ways to get creative in third spaces, delightful disruption and asking the quesiton, 'whose imagination are we living in?' all towards making our city a more playful place for all!

1. A fun opportunity for adults to play their favourite childhood games from the playground, summer camp and gym class.

This is where nostalgia meets novelty, Play the games as if you were on the playground, gym class or summer camp. Each class is different from the next, create connections and take a wellness break. No playground bullies - we strive to make each Recess class a fun environment for all!

2.A more playful city where people can come together to reimagine public spaces for creativity, connection and delightful disruption

We convene and facilitate as an art practice to create conversations about the public space, city building and commemeration of our past for playful futures!

If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sparrow Artspace, 36 4 Street Northeast, Calgary, Canada