CONSTANZA ARIAS
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Grounded, hands-on arts professional and curator, shaped by firsthand experience navigating the challenges and inequities of the art world. Driven to create programming that uplifts underrepresented artists and communities, I bring expertise in exhibitions, grant-funded projects, and community engagement, choosing to contribute to a nonprofit like Whippersnapper where equity, inclusion, and social transformation are already central.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Artist
Independent Artist Studio
Toronto, Canada
01.2019 - Current
- Create and exhibit original work in painting and documentary photography, exploring surrealism, feminism, and social issues.
- Curate self-directed exhibitions and collaborative projects, fostering inclusive and community-centered artistic spaces.
- Design and lead workshops, classes, and programming to engage diverse audiences and support emerging artists.
- Apply for and manage grants, residencies, and funding to sustain artistic practice and community initiatives.
Assistant Teacher
YMCA
Toronto, Canada
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Co-led educational programs for children from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Assisted in planning and facilitating activities that promoted creativity, collaboration, and skill development.
- Acted as a liaison between participants, families, and staff to ensure smooth program operations and strong community connections.
- Maintained safe, organized, and supportive spaces while contributing to program quality and engagement for all participants.
Studio Coordinator
Art School Collingwood
Collingwood, Canada
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Coordinated projects, exhibitions, and daily studio operations while acting as liaison between students, artists, faculty, and partners.
- Curatorial & Artistic Practice: Exhibition planning, visual storytelling, conceptual development, and artist collaboration.
- Program Design & Facilitation: Workshop creation, curriculum planning, public engagement, and immersive arts experiences.
- Community Engagement & Advocacy: Needs assessment, coalition-building, partnership development, and culturally responsive programming.
- Grant Writing & Project Management: Proposal development, budgeting, reporting, and milestone tracking.
Crisis Responder
Kids Help Phone
Toronto, Canada
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Delivered empathetic, solution-focused support to children and youth, fostering trust and safety in high-pressure situations.
- Identified community needs and connected individuals to appropriate resources, demonstrating advocacy and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with colleagues to track trends and improve services, contributing to systemic understanding of youth challenges.
- Maintained professional standards, confidentiality, and clear communication, ensuring reliability and accountability in all interactions.
Education
BA - SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Toronto, Ontario01.2016
Certificate - ART & CURATORIAL PRACTICE
THE NEW CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
Toronto, Ontario01.2016
Skills
- Cultural competency
- Public engagement
- Immersive arts experiences
- Needs assessment
- Partnership development
- Proposal development
- Budgeting
- Reporting
- Milestone tracking
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Cultural advocacy
- Project coordination
- Community engagement
- Grant writing
- Collaboration skills
- Creative problem solving
- Concept development
- Negotiation skills
Timeline
Assistant Teacher
YMCA
09.2024 - 06.2025
Studio Coordinator
Art School Collingwood
01.2022 - 01.2023
Visual Artist
Independent Artist Studio
01.2019 - Current
Crisis Responder
Kids Help Phone
01.2017 - 12.2022
BA - SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Certificate - ART & CURATORIAL PRACTICE
THE NEW CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
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