Exploring creativity and belonging

A JOURNEY WITH KOAC ARTIST IN RESIDENCE TARA VAHAB

In 2019, a year just before the pandemic, Tara held a meeting with the board and volunteers of her newly founded organization Loud Art Society. Sitting alongside her as a fresh volunteer, I remember how she spoke and dreamed of the organization shaping and helping the community through art. At the time, she dedicated herself fully to what seemed like a long road to success. 

Years since then, I witnessed her push through challenges and rise up in difficult circumstances. Her growing organization, now a non-profit, has built strong partnerships with Calgary Immigrant’s Women’s Association and the City of Calgary to provide mental-health workshops and events. She has recently received the 2023 Mamdani Arts Leadership Award presented by CEO of Strategic Group RIaz Mamdani and hosted by Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

I got the honour of telling a part of her story through film and documentation, during her 2023 artist residency at Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre.