Project: The Four Villages
The Four Villages Community Health Centre provides services across a large area of west-end Toronto including the Junction, Swansea, Roncesvalles, and Bloor West Village neighbourhoods. Four Villages offers free universal and accessible primary health care. They care for the whole person by treating the body, mind and spirit of those who need it most – the elderly, the frail, the new immigrant, the young child, and the new mother. By promoting healthy living, preventing illness and supporting a healthy community, they offer everyone the tools they need to improve their health.
In 2010, the Ontario Arts Council initiated a pilot project to support artist residencies in the health care sector. The Four Villages Community Health Centre was chosen as one of two sites in Ontario to explore the impact of arts in the health care sector. Jennifer LaFontaine and Emmy Pantin were the artists in residence at the health centre for two years. Over 100 staff and clients of the Four Villages participated in the arts residency. Participants produced digital stories, visual arts installations, audio stories and photographs that explored the impact of health on their lives, and art on their health. The Four Villages staff continue to share the stories in their work, in person and online.
www.digitaljourneys.wordpress.com
“Art made me feel well. I was eager to begin each day. I had more energy and more hope. I found my art revealed untapped pieces of who I am – I felt more wholeness, which is what health is all about.”
– Lynn, Journeys to Health Participant
“There aren’t many opportunities to work with someone nearly 80 years older, but this workshop made it happen. I think digital storytelling encourages community togetherness.”
– Oba, Journeys to Health Participant