Fuelling passion
October 22, 2020
Guests: MAJE, Ryan Veltmeyer. Hosts: Duncan Ebata, Fahima Gibrel
What happens when fuel is added to rising talent, passion and determination? We explored this and more in our conversation with Youth Art Connection cofounder Ryan Veltmeyer and alumni-turned-professional hip hop artist MAJE. They shared their stories of what happens when aspiring creatives are given a chance to build their own careers and opportunities—even when few exist in their own communities. What fuels their passion to keep going on their creative path?
Stories
Ryan shared the birth moment for Youth Arts Connection, which he co-founded almost 11 years ago, after working with kids doing community art projects at Heartwood. During that time he realized that art and music are a way to engage youth—and that this was the work made him happy. Since then his guiding principle has been the motto, “If it feels good just be around it and you’ll figure out the skills later. The plan will come…just follow your gut.”
We were joined by hip hop artist MAJE who told about coming back home from a residency in Atlanta and deciding to be a full-time artist…with no backup or financial plan. He entered Casino Nova Scotia's Artist in Residence contest, which came with a $20,000 prize for career development. When he stepped onto the stage and the anxieties dropped away, he realized he was on the right path. That was what he was meant to do.
About the guests & hosts
What struck us about these stories?
Themes and quotes from our small group conversations (read the full chat stream transcript).
Just doing it, stepping in
“Being called to the stage, to the dance floor, to life…”
Willing to be surprised
“You think things are going to turn out one way and they end up turning out better than you imagined.”
How alive we feel
“I really appreciate the good energy everyone brought to the call today. Very difficult to communicate like this in video usually, but somehow it feels like genuine connections. So well done and thank you.”
Closing words
Overflowing, Inspired, Uplifted, Energized, Happy…