/ HEARTISTRY
LAINI Youth
A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership!
HEARTISTRY
October 2026 to June 2027
Hosted by Hadeal Karrar
WHEN | October 2026 to June 2027. See each program for dates and times.
WHERE | The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade). Outing locations vary.
Arts workshops • Study sessions • Group circles • Arts outings • Volunteering
Heartistry is a free arts and wellbeing program for girls and non-binary youth in Grades 5 to 12. At The Jamii Hub in downtown Toronto, your child can make art, build friendships and find encouragement as they grow.
Young people’s wellbeing is shaped by how they feel about themselves, their relationships and the challenges they face each day. Heartistry brings these experiences into its activities, using creativity, conversation and time together to help participants express their feelings, recognise their strengths and develop ways to cope with stress.
Painting, writing or making something together can open up conversations that might otherwise be difficult to start. Through these shared experiences, participants are encouraged to explore who they are, value their own ideas and feel more comfortable being themselves. Returning to a welcoming group gives them opportunities to build friendships, feel less alone and develop a sense of belonging.
CHOOSE FROM:
LAINI ART
Make art and explore ideas with artists and other young people.
AGE GROUP | Grades 5 to 12.
WHEN | Saturdays, 12 PM to 2 PM
REGISTRATION | One registration for the program. Attendance is on a drop-in basis*
*If a workshop involves a project that needs a commitment over several sessions, we’ll contact families separately with an invitation to register for that series.
LAINI CIRCLE
Conversations, journalling and reflection on friendships, feelings and everyday life.
AGE GROUP | Grades 7 to 12
WHEN | Sundays, 12 PM to 2 PM
REGISTRATION | One registration for the program. Attendance is on a drop-in basis*
LAINI STUDY
A place to work independently on homework, with adult encouragement.
AGE GROUP | Grades 7 to 12
WHEN | Thursdays, 6 PM to 8 PM
REGISTRATION | One registration for the program. Attendance is on a drop-in basis*
LAINI OUTINGS
Visit exhibitions and performances with other Heartistry participants.
AGE GROUP | Grades 5 to 12
WHEN | Every other month; dates vary.
REGISTRATION | Individual registrations for each date. Open to participants of LAINI Art, LAINI Study or LAINI Circles.
LAINI LEAD
Volunteer and help at community events.
AGE GROUP | Grades 7 to 12
WHEN | Throughout the year
REGISTRATION | Open to participants of LAINI Art, LAINI Study or LAINI Circles.
Across these activities, the aim is to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and confidence while helping them build connections and skills they can draw on beyond the program.
No previous arts experience is needed. Materials are provided for Art and Circles. For Study, participants bring their own schoolwork and study materials.
Register once for each of Art, Study and Circles. Your child can attend as their schedule allows. Outings require separate registration; youth can ask the Jamii team in person about Lead.
Before your child attends
All LAINI families must complete the mandatory LAINI registration form, which includes emergency contacts, allergies and pickup information. Complete it once across Jamii’s LAINI programs. To update any details, submit the form again, and we will use your most recent submission.
Support free community arts
Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.
LAINI Heartistry programs are sponsored by Aubrey and Marla Dan Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Arts Council, Rama Gaming House, Charitable Gaming.
