Sima Naseem: Inaugural Brampton Artist in Residence

Sima Naseem, photo by Moeed Akhter @moeedvisuals

Brampton Arts Organization and Brampton Library select Sima Naseem as the Inaugural Brampton Artist in Residence

Brampton Arts Organization and Brampton Library are pleased to announce that Sima Naseem has been selected as the inaugural Brampton Artist in Residence through the new Brampton Artist in Residency program. For the months of September, October and November, Sima will undertake a community-focused public arts residency at the Brampton Library Four Corners Branch in downtown Brampton.

Sima will hold weekly public office hours on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm from September to November 2023. Sima’s office hours offer mentorship to aspiring artists who are interested in developing their skills and create networking opportunities for fellow artists to explore the possibility for collaboration in the future. Sima will also deliver free community-focused public arts programming through a series of workshops for youth aged 10 to 14 years. These workshops will address necessary elements of filmmaking: story, puppets, and stop-motion animation. Together, Sima and her young collaborators will create a short film.

At the end of the residency, Sima and her youth co-creators will host a film screening to showcase their collaborative work. A gallery space will be set up during the event displaying the puppets, sets, and artwork used to create the film.

About Sima Naseem
Sima Naseem is a Brampton-based Pakistani-Canadian mixed media and film artist who works with multiple mediums with a focus on animation and public art. She enjoys telling stories of exploration, discovery, and her personal life. Sima uses bright colours and playful designs to create a positive impact on her community through inclusivity, diversity and inspirational imagery. Sima is always looking for new and creative ways to share her cultural and personal experiences through art.

About the Brampton Artist in Residence Program
The Brampton Artist in Residence program offers local professional artists, collectives, and arts organizations an $8,000 artist fee and free, dedicated private workspace to undertake a community-based artist residency at Brampton Library’s Four Corners branch (65 Queen St E, Brampton, ON L6W 3L6).

Artist in Residence Office Hours
Open to all, Sima’s public office hours provide mentorship to aspiring artists who are interested in developing their skills, networking opportunities for future collaboration, and the chance to meet her and chat about art-related topics. Sima’s office is on the second floor of our Four Corners branch. Drop by anytime between 4 and 8 p.m on Tuesdays.

Sima Naseem, photo by Gardenia Flores, Brampton Arts Organization

Artist in Residence Workshop Series

Storytelling Workshop
October 15, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Students will be given the prompt, “together we flourish,” and brainstorm potential stories together. Once the group decides on a story, each student will design their own characters.

Puppet Creation Workshop
October 22, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Using the characters created in the Storytelling Workshop, participants will build puppets using recycled goods, old clothing, and magazines. Don’t forget to bring your recycled materials!

Animation Workshop
October 29, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Students will learn about stop-motion animation to bring puppet characters to life using green screens.

Animation Workshop
November 5, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Students will learn about stop-motion animation to bring puppet characters to life using green screens.

Film Screening and Artist in Residency Celebration
December 10, 2023 | 11:00 AM
Sima Naseem and her youth co-creators will host a film screening and gallery, displaying the puppets, sets, and artwork used to create their film. Join us for a meet and greet with light refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.

About Brampton Arts Organization
The Brampton Arts Organization champions Brampton’s diverse creative community and advocates for the city’s creatives. BAO aims to build a thriving, confident, and valued creative scene and cultural ecology in the heart of Brampton. In this, BAO is a key partner in fulfilling the City’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Subscribe to our newsletter for free workshops and programming.

Social Media
Twitter: @baobrampton
Facebook: @baobrampton
Instagram: @baobrampton

About Brampton Library
In its eight modern branches and online, Brampton Library is building an inclusive community by inspiring learning, literacy, and social cohesion. Apply online for a Brampton Library card, free to all residents in Ontario. Join our summer clubs for babies, children, teens, and adults. Register for in-person and virtual programs for all ages and interests through the calendar of events and subscribe to our email updates. Follow us on social media and download our mobile app on iOS and Google Play. Learn more at bramptonlibrary.ca.

Social Media
Twitter: @bramptonlibrary
Facebook: @bramptonlibrary
Instagram: @bramptonlibrary

Media Contacts
Gardenia Flores, Brampton Arts Organization
gardenia.flores@brampton.ca

June Dickenson, Brampton Library
jdickenson@bramptonlibrary.ca