About us
At Altruism GoūtArt Community, we believe in the power of art to transform lives of individuals through the power of arts and crafts. Our mission is to bring together artists and community members to create meaningful arts and crafts projects, helping communities express themself, sometimes heal and connect through arts & crafts with others.
Our Story
Founded in 2023, by our passionate family of four—Melany, Elizabeth, Megane, and Nick—we began our journey with a shared vision of combining altruism with artistic expression. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a vibrant non-profit organization, inspiring creativity and community connection in every project we undertake.
Mel's Inspiration
Our founder, Melany, lives with autoimmune diseases, which brought a unique perspective to our mission. She noticed that many people promote sports as a means to heal mental health and build community connections. However, she realized that not everyone can participate in sports, especially those with disabilities. Mel wondered, “What about people who cannot engage in physical activities?” This question sparked the idea of using arts and crafts as a way to foster connection, healing, and community involvement. Arts and crafts became a powerful tool for inclusion, allowing everyone to express themselves and feel part of something bigger.
Our Core Values
- Altruism: We believe in selflessly giving back to our community and making a positive impact through our actions.
- Creativity: We celebrate artistic expression and encourage innovative approaches to art and sustainability.
- Community: We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can contribute and thrive.
- Sustainability: Protecting our environment is part of our mission, and we strive to implement eco-friendly practices in most of what we do.
Our Mission
At Altruism GoūtArt Community, our mission is to create a world where creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity thrive together. We believe that art has the power to heal, connect, and inspire, and we are committed to promoting these values through our work. Our mission is built upon eight core pillars:
1. Community Engagement We actively engage with local communities to identify their needs and aspirations. By involving community members in our artistic projects and initiatives, we aim to strengthen social bonds and empower individuals to take an active role in shaping their cultural environment. This commitment extends to our presence in Ottawa and Embrun, Ontario, where we work to foster a vibrant arts community.
2. Artistic Expression We support and encourage artistic expression in all its forms, from visual arts and music to culinary arts and crafts. Through workshops with spotlight artists, exhibitions, and performances, we provide a platform for the community to share their stories and celebrate their creativity.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships We seek collaborations with other non-profits, schools, local businesses, and cultural institutions to amplify the impact of our work. By working together, we can create a stronger network dedicated to promoting human connection through the arts.
4. Education and Outreach We believe that education is a powerful tool for promoting human connection. We offer educational workshops that teach the value of empathy, diversity, and cultural understanding through artistic experiences. Our outreach efforts ensure that everyone, especially in Ottawa and Embrun, Ontario, has access to these enriching opportunities.
5. Advocacy We advocate for the importance of the arts in building strong, connected communities. We work with policymakers and influencers to ensure that the arts are recognized as a vital tool for social cohesion, well-being, and mental health.
6. Measuring Impact We are committed to assessing and measuring the impact of our initiatives on individuals and communities. We use data and feedback to continuously improve our programs and ensure they align with our mission, maximizing their positive effects.
7. Promoting Inclusivity We strive to make the arts accessible to people from all walks of life, regardless of their background, age, or abilities. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone, ensuring that the benefits of artistic engagement are available to all.
8. Sustainability We are dedicated to promoting sustainability through our artistic practices. By encouraging the use of recycled and upcycled materials in art, we help reduce waste and inspire innovative thinking. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that our creative endeavors not only beautify spaces but also protect our planet for future generations.
9. Healing and Well-being We recognize the profound impact that art can have on mental health and overall well-being. Through art therapy and creative workshops, we provide a safe space for individuals to express their emotions, cope with stress, and find healing. Our programs are designed to support the mental and emotional health of our community members, fostering resilience and personal growth.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Inspired by our founder Melany's journey with autoimmune diseases, we recognize that not everyone can participate in traditional activities like sports. By focusing on arts and crafts, we offer an alternative way for people of all abilities to connect, express themselves, and feel part of a supportive community.
Together, we can make a difference—one piece of art at a time.