Artists Mentorship Program
Artists Mentorship Program is one of the major ICAA initiatives aimed to introduce immigrant art and culture to Canadian multicultural society. The mentorship program has the following components:

• Artists profiling Arrangements of tools, materials for artistsDesign, develop and publish posters, business cards, and brochuresArtists job search and product marketing Arrangement of references and information sessions Organizing Workshops for artists to explore their potential capacities
• Art and crafts exhibitions and concerts  for immigrant artists

 ICAA Artists Mentorship Program introduces many aspects of fine arts, crafts, design, storytelling, and writing to the Canadian public. In this program, senior immigrant and established Canadian artists are providing mentorship to the new and emerging artists and senior students of ICAA professional Art School. Artists are learning how to use their potential artistic skills. Participants are given guidance on developing their own individual art projects based on their specific artistic ability and aptitude. They learn from successful professional artists, by direct learning, participation, and interactions. ICAA has created an artist run studio in order to create possibilities for immigrant and low-income artists to create an environment of art and creativity. Most ICAA artist members are lacking such an environment at home.

To reach the goals of Artist Mentorship Program we are committed to the following:

1. Assist newcomer and low income artists as well as established and settled immigrant artists in obtaining equitable access to opportunities in the commercial arts and fine arts, where they are underrepresented. Introduce newcomers and marginalized artists to a variety of occupations and careers available in the major art industries in Hamilton and the surrounding area. This includes fine arts, crafts, ceramics, stained glass, graphic design, music, drama, theater and writing, etc. Provide the artists and especially women with general understanding of the fabric printings apparel industry by allowing them the opportunity to produce quality garments with their creative art skills.
2. Introduce the basics of entrepreneurship through their art and provide guidelines, counseling, and information about further education, training, mentoring and financial aid that support their career goals and expectations.

Musicians Mentorship and Assistance Program

ICAA is introducing music from different cultures to the Canadian public, organizing annual and seasonal musical concerts with different musical instruments from different countries. Immigrant musicians bring unique sounds of their musical instruments and create a harmony between immigrant and Canadian music.

ICAA is helping immigrant and low-income musicians to establish their business and musical talent in their new home. ICAA is establishing basic networking tools, promotional material, business cards, concert invitations, post cards, equipment rentals and daily transportation support. The musicians’ mentorship program is designed to help immigrant musicians to establish network and develop customer relations. Immigrant musicians also contribute to communities’ celebrations and programs. ICAA has already helped musicians from India and Afghanistan and Sudan to perform in community events, celebrations and professional concerts.

Performing Art and Documentaries
ICAA is in the process to produce documentaries that will introduce the rich cultures of the world to the Canadian public. One of our ICAA artists group is already working on the project.

They are recording different art and cultural programs and have interviews with artists and cultural workers around the world who are living in Canada.ICAA is planning to start a drama theater that will introduce the rich cultures of the world to the Canadian public. This will be produced in Canada and will be developed by new Canadians and will be shown in Canada, United States and then around the world.  ICAA is looking forward to get more community support for this program.

Writings, Stories, and Publications
ICAA has initiated a program to start mentorship in various types of writing like fiction, drama, poetry, and story creation and telling. This will introduce the experiences and emotions of immigrants to the Canadian public.

Educational Workshops
We are organizing workshops that include an art career and occupational focus designed to introduce emerging immigrant and low-income artists and cultural workers to the esthetics of art, the commercial art applications, and Canadian art market. ICAA has taken the right step to bring together immigrant artists, musicians, crafts men and women, sculptors in a workshop. The workshop name is “Colours and Sounds – The Future of Immigrant Art”. More than 30 artists and art professionals are gathering to express themselves and create new concepts for immigrant art sustainability. Artists will continue the workshop during December 2004 - February 2005. The Colours and Sounds workshop (December 2004-February 2005) is a roadmap towards immigrant art and culture professionals’ contribution to the Canadian society. Artist workshops are a unique way of interaction among professionals from different countries in an artistic environment. ICAA successfully conducted a study of the current immigrant art challenges and its potential.

  With the help of our partners ICAA is also organizing round tables and professional discussions about diverse art styles and art problem solving. ICAA organized more than 30 art exhibitions and musical concerts to promote immigrant artists and musicians in 2003-04.