New Program! Student Day 2025

On Sept 19, a group of local high school students are invited to enjoy an inspiring day celebrating local contemporary Art & Culture at WAG-Qaumajuq! The morning will begin with an exhibition tour led by Threads of Kin & Belonging co-curator Nestor Wynrush that includes poetry, beats, and thoughtful discussion exploring local histories, creative processes, and concepts of belonging and accessibility that highlight the unique cultural lens of Black & Indigenous artists. Following their time in the galleries, students will enjoy a pop-up lunch courtesy of Jojo's woodfired pizza truck and enjoy live performance by rap artist, Osani Balkaran on the WAG’s iconic rooftop. Finally, students will spend the afternoon diving into a hands-on mixed media workshop, offering them the opportunity to experiment, express, and create using a variety of materials and techniques—all guided by the themes and discussion explored earlier in the day.

Elliott Walsh (Nestor Wynrush) is a Winnipeg based emcee-singer, writer, and workshop facilitator. These first-generation Canadian taps his Caribbean roots to cook up an authentic pot-au-feu that can aptly be described as Prairie Rap with a dash of Red River & West Indian Soul. The regular day to day with a mélange of thoughts exploring family, love, identity and accessibility weave between every rhythm. Ultimately, it’s sincere and unvarnished storytelling music.

Osani Balkaran is an Indigenous and Guyanese rapper, producer, and artist based in Winnipeg. Blending Hip-Hop, storytelling, and cultural roots, he crafts self-produced tracks that feature Cree references and RE-IMAGINED melodies.