Centennial College collaborates with industry partners in numerous ways. The STORYWORKS course, which gives students the opportunity to work on real client projects, is just one example. Wendy Rading of Arts Etobicoke has benefitted from STORYWORKS and the knowledge of Centennial students for five years.
Over the past five years, Centennial College students have injected energy into diverse projects at Arts Etobicoke, a not-for-profit charitable organization. Their contributions — from devising a volunteer program and crafting a fundraising strategy to overseeing a community mural — have helped propel the organization forward. Wendy Rading, Arts Etobicoke’s executive director, says she has come to rely on students’ expertise and unwavering enthusiasm.
It's experiences like Rading’s that exemplify the distinctive benefits of collaborative partnerships with the college.
“With not-for-profits, there are often really important projects that we don’t have the resources to undertake,” says Rading. “It’s so valuable to have someone dedicate specific time, knowledge, and energy into a program and build it out for us. We then have a template to work with, which is very helpful. What stands out is the calibre of students and their eagerness to do a good job.”
Arts Etobicoke focuses on improving people’s lives through the arts. Serving West Toronto, the organization’s work branches off in three directions: education, community celebrations, and public art. This includes programs, exhibitions, workshops, events such as arts festivals, classes for participants of all ages, and professional development.
When a faculty member reached out to Rading, who was part of her professional network, the prospect of collaborating with the college on a project-by-project basis aligned with the organization’s needs. Centennial made it possible with STORYWORKS, a course that offers clients the opportunity to work with learners across Communications, Media, Arts and Design programs. Each student-client collaboration is unique, making the experience fully customizable.
“Sometimes, organizations worry about bringing on students because they think it means extra work for them,” says Rading, who collaborates with STORYWORKS students from the Arts Education and Community Engagement graduate certificate program. “That hasn’t been my experience at all. With a Centennial student, you’re getting a very strong candidate who is incredibly qualified and hardworking. They’ll take the task, run with it, and do a great job. From the feedback I receive, they are also gaining beneficial experience. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
While organizations benefit from students’ keenness to succeed, students acquire much-needed portfolio pieces and the opportunity to apply their newly gained skills in a real-world setting. By seeing what actual clients require of them, they become better prepared to meet the needs of the industry once they enter the workforce. Rading says her staff takes pride in being able to mentor Centennial College students during their time at Arts Etobicoke.
“Our staff is very supportive because there often isn’t much guidance for those just starting out in their careers,” she says of yet another of the benefits of collaborative partnerships. “I look back 20 years, when I returned to school to be able to complete job placements to enhance my resume. I saw the benefits personally then, and I see them now. That’s why I support such partnership opportunities.
“Many of the people we’ve worked with are also international students who are also seeking their first job in the country and are so grateful for the Canadian work experience. I am thrilled to be able to play a role in their journeys.”
About Arts Etobicoke
At Arts Etobicoke, they believe in the transformative power of the arts to enhance lives and build a stronger community. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, their mission is to create an inclusive and creative hub for everyone in West Toronto. They are committed to providing equitable access to the arts, regardless of economic or social status. Everyone can freely express their art and culture through their vibrant programs, exhibitions, workshops, events, classes, and professional development opportunities.
Article written by: Izabela Shubair
Discover more about Arts Etobicoke by visiting their website: www.artsetobicoke.com