PEERS Public Projects: 'Blockstar Collective' by Nala Haileselassie - Call for Participants

Program Name: BlockStar Collective

Program Description: BlockStar Collective is an 16mm analogue film workshop collective inviting youth ages 14-18 from priority neighbourhoods to experiment with the analogue filmmaking technique through radical film education, workshops and the creation of a collective film. Through BlockStar Collective, youth filmmakers will be supported in investigating their changing neighborhoods, and what it means to grow up in Toronto and how our stories of migration and living here are disparate yet overlapping. How can we learn from each other's homes, families and blocks? The workshop series will culminate in works to be shared publicly through a community film screening. Our collective is interested in experimental, emergent and exciting perspectives of youth in Toronto who have something to say about their apartment buildings, their plazas, their parks. 

Facilitator Biography: Nala Haileselassie is an artist, researcher and curator based in Toronto, ON, working from the lineage of Black women and cultural workers across the world. Her work is rooted in film, animation, facilitation and archival remixing. She learned what it means to be an artist in her neighbourhood, Flemingdon ‘Flemo’ Park.

Program Details:
Location: Toronto, ON (Exact location shared with selected participants.)
Dates: 5 in-person workshops during July/August 2026 (Dates scheduled based on participant availability.)

Program Compensation:

Selected participants will receive a $500 honorarium for participating in the workshop series, along with transit support, workshop materials, and meals during sessions. Additional screening or panel fees may be provided for participants involved in the final public screening.

Program Eligibility:
We are seeking 4–6 participants ages 14–18 who are based in a Toronto priority neighbourhood, available to attend all workshops, and interested in film, storytelling, collaboration, and community. All levels of arts experience are welcome. Priority will be given to applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, Deaf, Mad, Disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or members of other equity-deserving communities.

Key Dates:
Applications Open: May 11, 2026
Applications Close: June 29, 2026
Notifications Sent: June 30, 2026

About PEERS Public Projects & Whippersnapper Gallery

Another Way is part of PEERS Public Projects, produced by Whippersnapper Gallery. PEERS Public Projects supports emerging artists and community-engaged public art projects rooted in collaboration, experimentation, and accessibility.

Questions? Please contact Noor Khan at peers@whippersnapper.ca.
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PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

Full Name (Legal)

 *
Preferred first name:
Pronouns:
Email Address: *
Phone number: *
Social Media (IG, X, etc):
Date of Birth *
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Which of Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods do you live in? *
If you don’t know the name of your neighbourhood, please share your postal code.
What is the name of your high school or middle school? *
How long have you lived there (days, months, or years)? *
Which of the following identities or experiences apply to you? (Select all that apply.) *
Required
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
What interests you about your neighbourhood or community? What stories, places, or experiences would you want to explore through filmmaking Example: neighbours, apartment buildings, relationships/community in the neighbourhood, etc. *
Which statement best describes your relationship to art-making? *
Have you ever edited videos on your phone, computer, tablet or other device? If so, please describe what device and apps you have used! *
This project focuses on collaboration and community impact of making and sharing films. What interests you about working with other youth? *
ACCESSIBILITY & AVAILABILITY
What days are you generally available between July – August, 2026? Note: Workshops will likely take place on weekends between 12–5 PM and last approximately 2–4 hours. (Select all that apply.) *
Required
Are there any dates you already know you are unavailable?
Are you available to attend in-person programming in downtown Toronto? Note: Address to be shared before program start date. *
How would you most likely travel to the workshop? (Select all that apply.) *
Required
Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies?
Do you have any accessibility needs that would ensure that you are able to comfortably participate in this program, and is there any support we can offer? Note: This may include seating, mobility devices, transportation, translator, assistive devices, etc.
Do you have any questions about the workshop?
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