Educators on a bold mission to revolutionize arts education
Just BGRAPHIC is an innovative arts education organization dedicated to providing young people with transformative learning experiences that combine creative expression, academic achievement, and cultural relevance. Founded by Kayode Brown, a passionate community leader, Just BGRAPHIC is rooted in the rich diversity of Toronto’s Jane Finch area and has grown into a dynamic platform that empowers youth to explore their artistic potential while addressing social justice issues.
Our mission is to foster a creative and culturally diverse learning environment where young people can thrive artistically and academically. We aim to break down systemic barriers in arts education by offering accessible, high-quality programs that reflect the lived experiences and cultural identities of our participants.
Just BGRAPHIC offers a wide range of arts-based programs that cater to middle and high school students. Our approach integrates contemporary artistic disciplines with academic learning, ensuring that our participants develop both creative and critical thinking skills. Each of our programs is led by industry professionals, educators, and community leaders who are deeply committed to youth empowerment.
Our Programs
Just BGRAPHIC offers a wide range of arts-based programs that cater to middle and high school students. Our approach integrates contemporary artistic disciplines with academic learning, ensuring that our participants develop both creative and critical thinking skills. Each of our programs is led by industry professionals, educators, and community leaders who are deeply committed to youth empowerment.
1. Dance Programs
We offer a variety of dance programs that focus on contemporary, hip hop, and urban dance styles. Students are taught by seasoned professionals from Canada’s leading dance communities, including members of Do Dat Entertainment, the country’s first professional hip hop dance agency. Our dance programs emphasize not only technical skill and performance but also the cultural significance of dance in Black and Indigenous communities. Through movement, we encourage students to explore self-expression, discipline, and collaboration.
2. Digital Arts & Graphic Design
Our digital arts program introduces students to the exciting world of graphic design, photography, and digital media. Participants learn how to use professional software tools like Adobe Creative Suite to create projects ranging from logos to visual storytelling. Students are encouraged to incorporate their personal and cultural narratives into their work, empowering them to use digital arts as a tool for self-expression and social impact.
3. Music Production
The music production program provides young artists with the skills needed to produce, record, and mix their own music. Our studio environment offers access to industry-standard equipment, and students learn from professionals who guide them through the entire production process. The program covers everything from beat-making and songwriting to sound engineering, while encouraging students to explore genres that reflect their cultural backgrounds, such as hip hop, Afrobeat, and reggae.
4. Esports & Digital Gaming
In partnership with industry leaders like Bernard Mafei, Just BGRAPHIC offers an esports program designed to introduce students to the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming. Participants learn gaming strategies, teamwork, and leadership skills, while also being introduced to career opportunities within the gaming industry, such as game design, event management, and content creation. Our esports program also emphasizes digital literacy and responsible online behavior, preparing students for success in this new digital era.
5. Visual Arts & Creative Workshops
Our visual arts program allows students to explore traditional and contemporary forms of visual expression, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. The program emphasizes cultural storytelling, encouraging students to bring their identities and experiences into their artwork. Students participate in exhibitions and collaborative projects, fostering both individual growth and community connection.
6. Spoken Word & Creative Writing
Our spoken word and creative writing program invites students to engage with language as a form of self-expression and activism. Through workshops, students are guided in crafting original poetry, stories, and spoken word performances that reflect their personal experiences and social realities. This program amplifies youth voices and fosters a deeper understanding of the power of words to create social change.
7. STEM & Arts Integration (STEAM)
We believe that the arts can be a gateway to learning in other disciplines, particularly science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through our STEAM initiatives, students explore how creative thinking intersects with problem-solving in areas like architecture, robotics, animation, and environmental design. By blending art with STEM subjects, students learn to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, preparing them for the interdisciplinary careers of the future.
8. Social Justice Leadership Program
This unique program integrates arts education with civic engagement, focusing on issues such as systemic racism, equity, and social change. Students participate in workshops and projects that use the arts as a platform for activism, allowing them to explore how their creative talents can be used to advocate for their communities and challenge injustice. This program develops leadership skills and fosters a strong sense of social responsibility.
