Learn
photography
in your
golden years
Collective65
Helps our Seniors bridge the gap
with the
digital world
Programs
Collective 65 runs a variety of programs for seniors. All programs use photography as a basis, but their focus varies depending on the skill level of participants. Below are the programs that we are currently offering. Find out more about each program below.
Wisdom Into Art
- Sabiduría llevada al Arte
We firmly believe that artistry should not be limited by age and that the expression & perspective of seniors, whose considerable life experience gives them a distinct view of the world, is worthy of sharing & celebrating. The specific use of visual art, such as photography, allows seniors whose first language is not English to break through the language barrier and express themselves visually. Since emotions and art are universal languages, Wisdom into Art helps cultivate a voice for Latin American seniors that can be understood by anyone.
Artistic Statement
Older Spanish-speakers in Toronto tend to be struggling with a sense of isolation due to both their age and the language barrier that we can help quell with our community of photography-centered cultural dialogue. While working with ASHTOR and Family Service Toronto, both organizations continually pointed out the need for organizations to encourage respect for their rights. Collective 65 is one such organization.
History
Through this project, we wish to increase participation in the community, through the art of photography, of Spanish-speaking seniors. Without this project, this segment of the population may not have the opportunity to share their creative abilities and artistic vision due to a lack of technical skills and a lack of access to acquiring that knowledge due to economic and physical limitations, as well as language barriers.
Mandate
Objectives
Through this project, we wish to increase participation in the community, through the art of photography, of Spanish-speaking seniors. Without this project, this segment of the population may not have the opportunity to share their creative abilities and artistic vision due to a lack of technical skills and a lack of access to acquiring that knowledge due to economic and physical limitations, as well as language barriers.
Elements of nature
We have chosen to focus the art within the Wisdom into Art program around the theme of the "Elements of Nature:" This theme was chosen because it encourages seniors to explore nature and the environment within their own communities and find creative ways to incorporate it into their artwork. Moreover, we envision a role for seniors as guardians of the planet who use their artwork to document and examine the relationship between the city of Toronto and nature.
Golden Links - Lazos Dorados
From an economic point of view, some of the program's participants may be able to sell some of their photographs or further pursue this work after the course is over, opening up prospects they would not otherwise have discovered. To this end, Collective 65 has started the Golden Links Photography Club for program alumni to facilitate continued participation within the community through a shared passion for photography.
The professional artists working at Collective 65 have often worked with seniors before, inviting them to socialize and be in a state of ease which allows them to bloom in front of our lenses. The many photographs we have previously taken of seniors are examples of enduring joy in an often struggling community of people too accustomed to silent suffering. We have witnessed a need in the elder community for a program that utilizes art as an outlet for their emotions throughout these battles.
We envision that each senior be comfortable and confident using technology and are not intimidated or isolated by it.
The Mission of this course is empowering Seniors and keep them active and creative trough the Art of Photography.
Partnerships
Collective65 is proud to partner with certain organizations to provide our programs and share our passion for learning, growth and self-improvement. Our current projects have lead us to collaborate with University of Toronto in hosting many events and enriching the lives of students of all ages.
Special Thanks to Dr. Susan Antebi Director and Dr.Berenice Villagomez, Coordinator of Latin American Studies Program at UofT for your continuing support, not only for providing space to hold our workshops and exhibitions, but also through a student placement from the program’s LAS401 course which has allowed Collective 65 to expand its programs and serve even more Latin American seniors in Toronto
About
Collective 65 is a not-for-profit organization created by two experienced Photographers-Artists in November 2014 to promote active and creating living for adults in their golden years.
The professional artists working at Collective 65 have often worked with seniors before, inviting them to socialize and be in a state of ease which allows them to bloom in front of our lenses. The many photographs we have previously taken of seniors are examples of enduring joy in an often struggling community of people too accustomed to silent suffering. We have witnessed a need in the elder community for a program that utilizes art as an outlet for their emotions throughout these battles.
Our vision is to see each senior be comfortable and confident using technology and smart phones and don't let technology isolate them.
Our mission is to empower Seniors, keeping them active and creative trough the Art of Photography.
Core Team & Co-Founders
Recognition
Student Gallery
Events
Gallery
Student Gallery
Photographs taken by our students and club members. Themes range widely and are exposed in a gallery whenever possible.
News articles, awards, acknowledgements. This is where we show off the success of our commitment to the values of Collective65.
Recognition
News articles, awards, acknowledgements. This is where we show off the success of our commitment to the values of Collective65.
