Expressive Arts and Newcomer Communities
Are you a newcomer seeking creativity, connection, and mental well-being? The Expressive Arts program at Access Alliance offers a creative and empowering way for newcomers to explore life stressors, trauma, and migration experiences. Share your story in your own way, at your own pace, with art activities. These activities help build connection, reduce isolation, and create a space where you are seen, heard, and valued.
Expressive arts are especially helpful for community members who are still learning English, or prefer non-verbal ways of communicating. Using visual arts, music, dance, spoken word, embroidery, and other creative approaches, we support your emotional well-being and help strengthen resilience through community and creativity.
What kinds of programs can you access?
Programs are offered at AccessPoint on Danforth and Jane. See details below.
Healing arts for newcomer families
With more than twenty years of experience using the arts in healing, Access Alliance has a unique approach to supporting newcomer mental health. Through our programs, you can explore mental health practices, learn new skills, and build knowledge in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and right for you. You’re welcome to participate at your own pace, and in the ways that feel best for your energy, comfort, and readiness. We create supportive spaces where healing can grow through creativity, allowing you to express yourself and connect with friends and family.
Join our Expressive Arts programs!
Our Expressive Arts programs are open to newcomers of all ages. Through art, music, movement, and more, you can express yourself, meet new people, and support your well-being. Register today to explore, create, and connect in a welcoming and safe space: arts@accessalliance.ca
Getting Comfortable
Nesting Grounds: weekly community arts for families
AccessPoint on Danforth: Every Tuesday from 12:30 – 2:30 PM
AccessPoint on Jane: Every Thursday from 1 – 3PM
Community Circle Singing: Every Tuesday from 3:30 -5:30 PM
Knowing More
Newcomer Wellbeing Program: 6 – 8 week programs
AccessPoint on Danforth: next cohort January – February, 2026
AccessPoint on Jane: next cohort February – March, 2026
Diving Deeper
Art Assistant Volunteer: ongoing recruitment
Become an Art Assistant Volunteer and help support creative programs for newcomers and families. Join us to build community, learn new skills, and make a meaningful impact through the arts.
Program Calendar: more art programs
Check out our Access Alliance Program Calendar to view other art-based programs.
Are you a service provider? Want to integrate healing arts for newcomer communities? Learn it, lead it!
Newcomer communities should receive support that honours their experiences. We have developed resources and tools for organizations and service providers across Canada, promoting best practices for delivering expressive arts programs that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed.
Access Alliance Arts for Family Health
On the new Arts for Family Health website, we promote the use of the arts to support the mental health and well-being of newcomer individuals and families. It provides useful information for practitioners, managers, researchers, and academics who want to integrate or explore creative methods in their work. Learn about arts-based mental health approaches. Find community knowledge and best practices focused on strengthening the use of arts-based supports across newcomer services and community system
Contact: arts@accessalliance.ca for more information.