For newcomers to Canada, getting settled can be a daunting task—finding work and housing, potentially learning a new language, and fitting into an unfamiliar place doesn’t leave much space for fun and creative expression.

When Fabiola Arias arrived in Victoria from Mexico 23 years ago, she felt like her creative pursuits had to be put on the back burner. 

Throughout her life, she had participated in theatre and musicals, from elementary school to university, but as a new immigrant, finding a job, paying the bills, and fitting in with a new culture and community became her top priority. 

Looking back, she said, she realized that making time for creative expression may have helped ease the stress of immigrating.

“Expression just felt like a luxury that I wasn't really entitled to at the time,” Arias told Capital Daily. “But you know, today more than ever, I'm really convinced that access to art expression, just like nature, is not a luxury, but a basic human need.”

For years now, Arias has been thinking about the importance of artistic access to those experiencing challenging life transitions. 

“Art can really rewire your brain and pull you out of those hard spots,” she said.

Arias said many organizations geared toward immigrants have dealt with funding cuts in recent years and have reduced the number of programs offered as a result. She’s long considered how she could create a space for newcomers to gather and explore creativity together.

In January, she finally decided to get the idea off the ground. She applied for a small community grant through the Fernwood Neighbourhood House and has been working on a plan since spring.

Now, she and a small group of volunteers are set to launch the pilot of VOICES—an acronym for Voices of Inclusion, Community Expression, and Storytelling—a grassroots arts program for racialized immigrants and refugees who are seeking a safe space to build community and express themselves creatively.

Over the span of 13 weeks, participants will learn skills in theatre, storytelling, improvisation, writing, singing, clowning, and more. Participants don’t need to have any experience in a creative field—just the willingness to try something new. 

“Even if they have no artistic experience or if they've never done anything artistic in their lives, those are the people that we really, really want to encourage even more to come for these free sessions,” said Arias. 

Arias said the program has a no-pressure approach to performing. Participants may work toward a live production at the end of the program, but no one is obligated to perform for an audience if they don’t want to.

“The key thing is about belonging,” she said. “Immigrants are an important part of the fabric that makes Canada one of the best countries in the world. We just really wanted to create that space.”

As the first session kicks off today, Arias is hoping to get the word out. So far the team has had a steady number of signups, but there’s still room for a few more participants. Those interested can reach out to the VOICES Victoria team at any time—even if the sessions have begun, Arias said the team still wants newcomers to get in touch—or register online.

Arias said she’s also looking for a couple more volunteer facilitators to lead a session. She’s encouraging anyone with expertise in performing arts—theatre, music, movement, etc.—to contact her team.

The program, running Sept. 20 to Dec. 13, is free and open to immigrants and refugees who are aged 18 or older.