About Us
Our Mission
We create safe and inclusive spaces for youth and emerging artists to express themselves in a positive way. Through our Edutainment methodology, we empower performance artists to create meaningful art rooted in self knowledge and self expression. We believe art has the power to transform the lives of many youth we often see lost to the system and its streets.
Our programs provide youth with platforms to perform, learn and develop leadership skills. Our model encourages youth to dive deep into their stories while using art as a cathartic practice to explore their vulnerability and create room to best deal with their mental health.
We believe safe platforms encourage self-expression and self reflection. In many cases it is an opportunity for youth to experience the power of community healing through art and vulnerability.
We also provide a stage and platform for emerging artists to practice and perform at a professional level. We continue to create opportunities for these artists to develop skills, acquire resources and build their networks. Our goal continues to be to bridge the gap between emerging and professional artists.
Awards
2018
Toronto Arts Foundation - Mayor's Youth Arts Award
2017
Toronto Arts Foundation - Mayor's Youth Arts Award Finalist
2016
Toronto Foundation - Vital Ideas Harmony Movement - Harmony Award
2015
Toronto Foundation - Vital Youth CBC Metro Morning - Torontonian of the Year (Randell Adjei)
2014
Upon A Star Books - Community Impact Award
2013
City of Toronto - Identify N Impact Award
History and Accomplishments
RISE Edutainment –
12 Years of Empowerment and Expansion
Now in our 12th year of operation, RISE Edutainment has transformed from a grassroots initiative into a thriving non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe space for artists to perform, connect, and grow. Founded by Randell Adjei, Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, RISE serves as a vital platform for marginalized voices, championing community building through the arts.
With a full team of directors, managers, and coordinators, we empower youth through various pathways, offering opportunities from entry-level positions to management roles. Since 2020, we have organized over 50 events and programs each year, extending our impact across Ontario. Notably, our Frequency Tour, now in its second year, creates collaborative spaces for youth and partner organizations to perform.
In 2022, we launched a significant initiative under our Legal Artivism Program, producing the documentary 'RISEN', currently making its rounds on the film festival circuit. This project, paired with the anticipated release of the 'RISEN' album in 2024, underscores our commitment to using art as a tool for social change.
Each year, we host the annual Edutainment Summit, bridging the realms of education and entertainment to inspire youth and artists alike. Our Monday Night open mics have transitioned from a weekly program to a monthly event in Scarborough, allowing us to partner with other organizations to build their capacity to organize and manage their own open mics in their communities. This approach truly embodies our mission of reaching intelligent souls everywhere.
In 2023, we proudly received the Toronto Arts Foundation Award, recognizing our significant contributions to the arts community. Throughout our journey, we've garnered accolades such as the Vital Ideas Award and collaborated with the City of Toronto on initiatives like Nuit Blanche and our film 'Within', which premiered to over 500 patrons at Scarborough Cineplex. Our live installation for Scarborough’s first Nuit Blanche attracted more than 2,000 attendees, further solidifying our impact in the community.
Our commitment to youth empowerment is evident in partnerships with organizations like the Toronto Foundation, UNITY Charity, and Vibe Arts, enabling us to create socially engaging opportunities. We’ve also worked with the City of Toronto on Equity Strategies Planning, successfully securing multi-level government funding for youth programs across the city.
As we continue to evolve, RISE Edutainment remains steadfast in uplifting communities and creating meaningful spaces for artistic expression. Please visit our partners page to learn more about our collaborations and the organizations that support our mission.
Our Programs and Activities
RISE Monthly Open Mics at CEE
RISE Edutainment provides youth with opportunities to express their creative voices, develop innovative leadership skills, and enrich their professional artistic practices. Our monthly open mics at CEE have become a key hub for emerging talent across the GTA. With 80-125+ attendees per event, these open mics are a safe space for artists of all forms to share their work. In response to the growing demand, we are expanding our programming across Toronto, creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Frequency Tour
During the pandemic, we created Frequency Fridayz, a virtual showcase for emerging artists in the Greater Toronto Area, focusing especially on cities and suburbs that are underserved. We have since transformed this virtual showcase into an in-person Frequency Tour that travels across Ontario. So far, we’ve been to Ajax, Oshawa, Windsor, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Brampton. This initiative aims to empower youth, elevate local talent, and foster collaboration across communities, continuing into 2024 and 2025. We’re excited to hear from you—where should we go next?
Edutainment SummiT
The Edutainment Summit is our annual event that combines educational workshops with entertaining showcases, creating an immersive experience for youth, artists, and professionals. The summit brings together industry leaders, mentors, and emerging talent for workshops, panels, and performances, bridging the gap between learning and creating, and providing a platform for future leaders in the arts.
LCA (Lights, Camera, Action) Artist Development Program
The Lights, Camera, Action (LCA) Artist Development Program is a 2-3 month program designed to support emerging artists through free coaching, paid opportunities, and practical experience. This initiative empowers participants by giving them real-world training in performance, stage presence, and artistic growth. The LCA program provides artists with the tools they need to succeed and prepares them for larger platforms.
416RISE Showcases
Since our inception, 416RISE has been an annual celebration of community and creativity. Each year, 416RISE showcases the outstanding artists who have participated in RISE programs throughout the year, offering them a chance to perform in front of larger audiences and connect with professional artists. From Ada Slaight Hall to Artscape Launchpad, this event celebrates our long-standing presence and influence in the community since 2012.
Last RISE Showcase
The Last RISE Showcase is our final event of the year, highlighting all of our work and celebrating the incredible talent that RISE fosters. It’s a celebration of local artists from across Toronto and beyond, and a powerful reflection of the impact that RISE continues to make through its programs. The Last RISE Showcase gives artists and community members alike an opportunity to come together, celebrate creativity, and share stories.
RISE Documentary & Album – RISEN
In 2024, RISE produced a documentary titled “RISEN”, as part of our Legal Artivism Program, which is currently on the film festival circuit. The documentary showcases the stories and lived experiences of our artists and community. Alongside the documentary, we released the “RISEN” album in 2024, celebrating the voices that have grown through RISE. These projects reflect our ongoing mission to elevate and empower marginalized voices through art and activism.
EVENT & PROGRAM PRODUCTION TRAINING
Our project team, Madewell Productions, collaborates closely with RISE to manage our programs, and events while also training the next generation of producers and project coordinators. This partnership creates impactful experiences and fosters professional growth for those passionate about arts and event production. With an expanding team of youth leaders, RISE continues to empower artists by creating pathways from entry-level to management positions, supporting both creative and professional development.