The Animation Project for Seniors
Are you passionate about animation and storytelling? Do you want to explore the fascinating world of animation through an engaging and dynamic workshop program? Look no further! The Animation Project is back, and we have exciting changes for the 2024 edition that you won’t want to miss!
What do I need to know about the program?
Workshop Modules: The program consists of 3 modules running from September 10th – October 12th (Cohort 1) and then repeated from October 22nd – November 23rd (Cohort 2). Please sign up for just one of the two cohorts.
You will have the flexibility to sign up for all 3 modules or focus on a single one. The online sessions will be 2 hours long and the in-person sessions will be 4 hours long.
The program will conclude with an in-person session to celebrate the end of the program and give participants the opportunity to connect across both cohorts.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to delve into the world of animation, learn from expert facilitators, and connect with fellow animation enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned animator or just starting your journey, The Animation Project 2024 is the perfect platform for you to explore, learn, and create!
Module 1: Foundations in Technology + Animation
Module 1: Foundations in Technology + Animation
Online | Max 20 participants
1) Digital Literacy + Me (Online)
Cohort 1: Tuesday September 10th, 6-8pm
OR
Cohort 2: Tuesday October 22nd, 6-8pm
This workshop is all about getting comfortable with a virtual community and environments. We will explore different platforms/ terminology, file sharing spaces and review best practices for photo and video capturing on a smartphone.
2) Introduction to Frame by Frame Art Making (Online)
Cohort 1: Thursday September 12th, 6-8pm
OR
Cohort 2: Thursday October 24th, 6-8pm
We will begin to explore the wonderful world of Stop Motion Animation in this introductory workshop. Covering the history, terminology and basics of this diverse and unique medium where the possibilities are endless.
Module 2: Storytelling
Module 2: Storytelling
Online | Max 20 participants
1) Deconstructing Stories
Tuesday September 17th, 6-8pm
OR
Tuesday October 29th, 6-8pm
To become better storytellers first, we must understand what different types of story structures are out there. In this class we will explore different narrative/ non narrative storytelling formats. We will then explore how language can connect to colour, texture, movement and composition to help drive our visual stories forward.
2) Sound for Animation
Cohort 1: Thursday September 19th, 6-8pm
OR
Cohort 2: Thursday October 31st, 6-8pm
Music and Sound effects play an important role in animation. In this workshop we will dive into the use of sound in various animations, and how to capture tone, and mood when pairing movement with sound. We will also review how to source or create your very own sound effects.
3) Storyboarding
Cohort 1: Tuesday September 24th, 6-8pm
OR
Cohort 2: Tuesday November 5th 6-8pm
In this workshop we will learn the ins and outs of what makes a good storyboard.
4) Drawing in Animation
Thursday September 26th, 6-8pm
OR
Thursday November 7th, 6-8pm
Through a hands-on approach, in this workshop we will explore different animation techniques. Participants have the opportunity to create their very own expanded flipbooks and animated sequences using hand drawn techniques.
Module 3: Mixed Media Animation
Module 3: Mixed Media Animation
In-Person | Max 12 participants
All in-person workshops in this module will be at TAIS:
Located at 1411 Dufferin St Unit B, Toronto, ON M6H 4C7
1) Animation Principles
Cohort 1: Saturday October 5th, 1-5pm
OR
Cohort 2: Saturday November 16th, 1-5pm
No matter what type of animation you are interested in, understanding the 12 principles of animation will help elevate your skills by creating smooth, engaging and interesting movements. Through discussion and practice we will discover what the principles are, and how they work together.
2) Collage + Paper
Cohort 1: Saturday October 12th, 1-5pm
OR
Cohort 2: Saturday November 23rd, 1-5pm
Through a hands-on approach, in this workshop we will discuss and explore the wonderful world of collage/ paper animation.
Final Session and Celebration!
This is an in-person session to celebrate the end of the program and give participants the opportunity to connect across both cohorts.
The exact date and time will be shared with participants once finalized, it will take place at between Dec 2-5.
All registrants and participants are welcome to join the session! Food and drink will be provided.
Check out the final projects from our previous participants!
2023
2022
2021
2020
Meet your Instructor : Cristal Buemi
About Cristal Buemi, Lead Facilitator
Cristal Buemi is a Puerto Rican-Canadian, award-winning multidisciplinary artist (stop motion animation, video art/installation, collage and digital design) and educator (OCADU Experimental Animation). Her work pushes frame by frame boundaries by exploring the diaspora through land and its relation to the body, materiality and inherent beauty found in the minutia. Through a mindful, feminist, experimental, and ecological lens, Cristal focuses on abstract storytelling, sustainability and texture. Her works have been exhibited worldwide including: The NYC Independent Film Festival, Yonge-Dundas Square, Animac, Harbourfront Centre, Fashion Art Toronto, Cardiff Animation Nights and broadcasted on AMC, MTV, BellMedia and HBO. Cristal most recently co-founded Frame by Frame, a research and programming initiative that through the magic of stop-motion animation creates flexible and adaptive artistic opportunities accessible to participants of all abilities.
For more information about Cristal visit her website: https://www.cristalbuemi.com/
Meet your Program Lead : Julian Carvajal
Julián Carvajal (he/him) is a Toronto-based award-winner creator & producer of experiences. This Queer Latinx Colombian Canadian Arts Manager/Producer has over 21 years of experience managing, curating and delivering arts festivals and cultural events. He is the Event Producer of the largest PanAmerican Food and Music Festival in Canada, Mentor in Residence at the Neighbourhood Arts Network while working at North York Arts, StreetARToronto and producing “In My Element(s) Symposia” for ArtWorkxTO.
Julián has collaborated with organizations and artists from 5 continents on multiple artistic projects. He has mentored over 400 self-identified artists for the past 10 years. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships; helping others to navigate the art sector in the city while collaborating with others to co-create an anti-oppressive and more diverse and inclusive vision of the art sector in Tkaronto.
In Partnership with:
North York Arts is pleased to announce that we have received funding under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for The Animation Project.
This federal grants and contributions program supports projects that are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others in their communities.
Thank you to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for the funding support provided to North York Arts. It will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community.
For more information, visit New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.
