Our History
2023 to Present - Intergenerational
In the post-covid era, SuiteLife Arts started a new project focusing on Intergenerational Programming. This was completed through events such as Breaking Bread which provided an all-ages photography workshop earlier this year. SuiteLife Arts looks forward to holding events that connect people of all ages through the arts well into the future!
2020 - Pandemic
When the pandemic hit SuiteLife Arts, the Board of Directors began to change their perspective of how the program should be run. Rather than having a festival, SuiteLife Arts chose to run programs that included Suite-8 and Breaking Bread. The Board decided to offer hybrid programs, therefore giving people opportunities to participate in either online or in person workshops, exhibits and performances.
2011 - StArt YPA
In 2011 SuiteLife Arts created the project StArt Youth Presenting Arts (StArt YPA), a one week event that provided workshops in various disciplines including the performing and visual arts, business for the arts and stage craft. The week culminated with a one-day festival in August for young artists. This youth-led development allowed Scarborough area emerging artists to network with professional artists, collaborate with peers, create new works, and share their creative endeavours with the community.
1997 - SuiteLife
SuiteLife Arts was established as a non-profit multi-disciplinary arts organization by passionate artist and director of SuiteLife Arts, Denese Matthews. The long-lasting support from TD Bank, West Neighbourhood House and Harbourfront Centre have helped SuiteLife Arts provide programs which enabled people to access free art education with peace of mind. As a performer, producer and educator, Denese sees the importance of providing accessible arts education, exhibits and performances to our communities.
Breaking Bread
Past Events
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There is so much diversity in our community and that diversity extends well beyond the borders of ethnicity, language, and culture. One thing that binds us is the love of food - and bread is a staple in most households. At "Breaking Bread" guests are invited to sample homemade breads from diverse cultures - from naan, to bannock, to purple yam buns. Through tasting the various kinds of bread along with delectable toppings, guests are able to experience different cultures and to connect with one another via meaningful conversations, embracing the diversity within the community.
Wanna to hear the best part? You get to do all of that while enjoying fascinating artistic performances and mesmerizing visual pieces from emerging artists in your community!
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Breaking Bread occurs annually
An event that brings people together to try homemade breads of different cultures.
StArt YPA
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Recognizing the dire need for accessible arts education, and platforms for young emerging artists to showcase their talents, “Suite 16" alumni created StArt Youth Presenting Art (StArt YPA) in 2010 – a 1-week annual festival. By the artists, for the artists, this youth-led initiative provides Scarborough’s emerging artists an opportunity to network with professional artists, collaborate with peers, create new works, and share their creative endeavours with the community at large.
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SuiteLife understands that sometimes, it is hard to make that first step, whether it's getting your hands dirty with a paint brush or performing in front of an audience. Thus, the StArt YPA Festival was designed to be a mix of education and entertainment - hosting multi-disciplinary workshops throughout the week that encourage young people to step outside their comfort-zones and discover the "artist" within, culminating with an afternoon of exhibits, and presentations to discover the artists near them who are on the same journey.
A festival put on by the youth for the youth.
Suite 16
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"Suite 16" is SuiteLife's marquee program and is at the root of SuiteLife's purpose. It is offered to young aspiring performers ages 15 – 29, free of charge. It is the commitment of the individual that matters!
Suite 16 is a 16-week multidisciplinary performing arts program that culminates in a live theatre performance at Harbourfront Centre. SuiteLife puts an enormous amount of effort in ensuring our teachers who come from various backgrounds, experience, and industry to create an inclusive environment for our students. The Suite 16 workshop includes instruction in: acting, singing, dance, percussion, improvisation, performance, and theatre production.
A light meal and TTC tickets are included to alleviate financial obligations on students.
A sixteen-week long program teaching multiple forms of art.