Toronto’s arts scene has a new pulse, and it’s beating through the inspired work of cousins Amal and Leila Hassan. Their youth mentorship program, “Vibrant Visions,” has quietly transformed the lives of dozens of Toronto teens over the past two years, creating ripples throughout the city’s creative community.
“We started with just five kids in my basement studio,” Amal told me during our conversation at their newly opened space in Scarborough. The walls around us displayed striking portraits and abstract paintings created by their mentees. “Now we’re working with over forty young artists each season.”
The cousins, both accomplished artists in their own right, saw a troubling gap in Toronto’s arts education landscape. Schools were cutting arts programs, and many talented young people in underserved neighborhoods had nowhere to develop their creative skills.
“I grew up here, and I know what it’s like to have that creative fire but no outlet,” Leila explained. “Our parents always encouraged our art, but not every kid has that support system.”
Their program offers free weekly workshops in visual arts, photography, and digital design to teens aged 13-18. What makes their approach unique is how they’ve integrated professional development alongside artistic training.
According to Arts Network Toronto, youth who participate in arts programs are 25% more likely to continue their education beyond high school. The Hassan cousins are witnessing this statistic come to life through their mentees.
Seventeen-year-old Darius Williams credits the program with changing his life trajectory. “Before Vibrant Visions, I was just doodling in my notebook. Now I’ve sold three commissioned pieces and I’m applying to OCAD University,” he said, beaming with pride while showing me his portfolio.
The program has garnered attention from local businesses too. Eastside Print Shop provides materials at cost, while The Common, a popular coffee shop in the neighborhood, hosts quarterly exhibitions of the students’ work.
“The community response has been overwhelming,” Amal said. “People want to support these kids because they see the talent and dedication.”
What started as a passion project has evolved into something much bigger. Last month, the Toronto Arts Council awarded Vibrant Visions a $25,000 grant to expand their programming to include filmmaking and music production.
City Councillor Jennifer McKenzie has become an advocate for the program. “What the Hassan cousins have built addresses multiple needs in our community—artistic development, mentorship, and creating safe spaces for young people to express themselves,” she said during a recent community meeting.
The impact extends beyond artistic skills. Many participants report improved confidence, better academic performance, and stronger connections to their community.
“It’s about more than just teaching techniques,” Leila emphasized. “We’re helping these young people find their voice and recognize their worth.”
The program’s success hasn’t come without challenges. Finding consistent funding remains difficult, and their new space requires significant upkeep. The cousins both maintain part-time jobs to supplement the program’s modest operating budget.
“Some days I’m exhausted,” Amal admitted. “But then a student shows me something they’ve created, something they never thought they could do, and it recharges me completely.”
Their work reminds me of the vital role arts education plays in developing well-rounded individuals. As someone who’s covered Toronto’s cultural scene for years, I’ve seen numerous initiatives come and go, but Vibrant Visions stands out for its genuine connection to the community it serves.
The program’s growth comes at a critical time. According to data from the Toronto District School Board, arts education funding has decreased by 12% over the past five years, despite evidence showing its positive impact on student development.
The cousins are already planning their next expansion—reaching younger children through partnerships with elementary schools. “The earlier we can nurture creativity, the better,” Leila said.
As our city continues to grapple with budget constraints and competing priorities, programs like Vibrant Visions demonstrate how grassroots initiatives can fill crucial gaps in our educational and cultural infrastructure.
For the Hassan cousins, this work isn’t just about teaching art—it’s about building a more creative, connected Toronto, one young artist at a time.
Those interested in supporting Vibrant Visions can attend their upcoming fundraising exhibition at The Common on October 15, where works by both mentors and mentees will be available for purchase.
