ECHOFORM Artivism Cohort 2026 | Civic Exploration Labs
About this Event
About the Civic Exploration Labs
ECHOFORM’s Artivism Cohort 2026 is a youth-centered creative civic engagement program exploring how art and storytelling can help us understand our communities, imagine new possibilities, and create more just futures.
Throughout the cohort, youth participants, aged 16-30, will take part in a series of creative labs focused on themes such as belonging, justice, health equity, democracy, media literacy, climate futures, and public imagination.
As part of the cohort, select sessions will also be open to the broader community through free drop-in labs, creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to participate, share ideas, and engage in creative exploration.
What to Expect
Each lab will include a mix of:
🎨 Creative activities and art-making
✍🏾 Storytelling, writing, and reflection exercises
💬 Conversations around identity, belonging, justice, and civic life
🌱 Opportunities to explore social issues through creativity
🤝 Connection with youth artists, community members, and local changemakers
☕ Free refreshments and a welcoming community space
You do not need to consider yourself an artist or activist to participate. These labs are designed for anyone interested in exploring ideas, sharing stories, and imagining what change can look like through creativity.
Lab Themes
Public drop-in labs may explore themes including:
🌎 Belonging & Justice
Exploring identity, community, equity, and what it means to build spaces where people feel seen and valued.
🩺 Health Equity
Examining lived experiences, access, wellbeing, and the stories that shape our understanding of health.
🏛️ Civic Engagement & Democracy
Exploring how communities participate, organize, and shape the decisions that impact their lives.
📱 Media Literacy & Digital Culture
Examining online spaces, storytelling, misinformation, and how digital platforms shape our identities and communities.
🌐 Global Citizenship & Systems
Connecting local experiences to broader social, cultural, and global challenges.
🌊 Climate Futures
Using creativity and storytelling to explore climate, environment, water, and our relationship with the world around us.
🎭 Arts, Storytelling & Public Imagination
Exploring how creative expression can challenge ideas, preserve stories, and help us imagine different futures.
Who Can Attend?
These labs are open to anyone interested in creative civic engagement, especially:
✨ Youth and emerging creatives
✨ Artists, writers, and storytellers
✨ Students and community builders
✨ Newcomer and immigrant communities
✨ Racialized and equity-seeking communities
✨ Anyone curious about art, storytelling, and social change
You do not need formal art, writing, research, or activism experience.
If you care about your community, your story, and your future, this space is for you.
About ECHOFORM
ECHOFORM is a youth-led civic storytelling initiative creating spaces where young people can explore identity, justice, belonging, and social change through art, research, and storytelling.
We believe lived experience is civic knowledge.
Through creative labs, publications, public storytelling projects, and community events, ECHOFORM supports youth in becoming storytellers, artists, researchers, and civic thinkers.
Cost
This event is free to attend. Refreshments will be provided at no cost.
Good to Know
- Drop-in attendance is welcome.
- No prior experience is required.
- Art supplies and materials will be available during sessions.
- Participants are welcome to bring their own creative projects or ideas.
- Photos and videos may be taken during sessions for ECHOFORM documentation and storytelling purposes. Participants will be informed and given options regarding media consent.
Come As You Are
You do not need a finished project, a perfect idea, or an advocacy background. This is a space to learn, reflect, create, connect, and imagine what’s possible.
Your story matters. Your city needs your voice. Your future is worth imagining out loud.
Agenda
Welcome & Cohort Orientation (July 3)
Info: Participants will meet the cohort, learn about ECHOFORM, review community agreements and explore the purpose of the Artivism Cohort
Lab 01: Belonging & Justice (July 10)
Info: A creative session on identity, memory, migration, culture, place and the stories we carry.
Lab 02: Climate Futures (July 17)
Info: A creative climate storytelling lab exploring water, ocean connection, environmental justice and future-building.
Lab 03: Media Literacy & Digital Culture (July 24) - Separate Event Page
Info: A lab on digital storytelling, online culture, public voice, misinformation and safer digital spaces.
Lab 04: Civic Engagement & Democracy, A Table Topic (July 31)
Info: A session exploring youth civic participation, leadership, advocacy and democracy beyond traditional institutions.
Lab 05: Health Equity & SDOH (Aug 7)
Info: A reflective lab on justice, care, harm, healing and the systems that shape community wellbeing.
Lab 06: Global Citizenship & Systems (Aug 14)
Info: A systems-focused session connecting local experiences to global issues, human rights and collective responsibility.
Lab 07: Arts, Storytelling & Public Imagination (Aug 21)
Info: A creative development session focused on turning reflections into public-facing art, writing and storytelling.
The Advice Constellation, A Mentorship Circle (Aug 28) - Separate Event Page
Info: Participants will connect with mentors through short, low-pressure conversations with community leaders and partner representatives.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
