The Purple Thistle: Youth Arts & Activism

[Penne]

Eureka -- I have found it! After hearing Matt Hern speak at this year's AERO Conference, I surfed over to his site to learn more about his various projects, particularly The Purple Thistle Centre for Youth Arts & Activism in Vancouver. This is the closest I've ever come to finding a working model which matches my vision for the dream school alternative/co-op learning centre. I contacted Matt to inquire about creating a similar common place for youth & families in Toronto, and he has graciously agreed to advise us in establishing a similar project (with a twist!) in our adopted hometown and here at our homebase in central Florida.

Soon after Matt and I made the connection, my copy of his latest book, (Everywhere, All the Time: A New Deschooling Reader) arrived in the mail and confirmed my instincts that we’re on the right track! In Devon McKellar’s article on the Vancouver Centre, one of the members wrote, “The Thistle… well if it could be a show venue, that would be great.” Creating an open space for performing arts has always been a major component of my vision for our CO-OP Centre, and so I’ve been inspired to put together a virtual version of the Purple Thistle Theatre here on the iLiF Network (see related note, playlist and blog for further details on the homepage.) We would really enjoy hearing from others who are interested in getting actively involved, financially or otherwise, or know of available facilities for lease (particularly, the Junction area of Toronto) -- either in Canada, the US, or elsewhere in the world. Woot!!!

[Penne]

Time to celebrate! I'm thrilled to announce we have a go from our new pal, Matt, on our sister Purple Thistle project with a twist ~ the CanDo! CO-OP presents Purple Thistle Theatre :D We've put together a new video playlist on the CO-OP YouTube Channel (also featured in the video section here on iLiF) to showcase original member creations, and we're planning to dive right in with a request for scene submissions to be compiled into a virtual production of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" (one of the ARDkids' all-time favorite Shakespeare offerings!) Looking forward to working with other iLiF'ers eager to share their talents, online and off :D

[Penne]

Correction: That would be "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare - I'm awake! LOL