Communities, Arts & Culture

The arts are a cornerstone of Hamilton’s community and economy, showcasing local history, highlighting social injustices, and reflecting the city’s diverse stories. Art is also a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, helping attract potential clients and build a business’s identity. Collaborations between local businesses and Hamilton artists create job opportunities, circulate money within the economy, and strengthen the community’s cultural fabric, driving economic vitality. Although many businesses already integrate art through product design, advertisements, and creating welcoming environments for customers, realizing the full potential of these collaborations requires overcoming several financial and logistical challenges. 

With over 30,000 creative workers, Hamilton’s thriving arts scene is vital to the community. Digital creators, muralists, and clothing designers are among the many art-based businesses in the city. New artists often struggle to build their profiles, as they must run a small business without any training. They often require assistance with business and administrative tasks, and smaller networks can hinder their entry into the industry. Some artists may not even realize they qualify for loans, tax deductions, and other supports. 

Collaboration between businesses allows for shared resources, lower expenses, and access to a larger consumer audience. Business owners, however, often find it challenging to seek out and work with artists, perceiving it as expensive and time-consuming. Uncertainty about the cost and process of commissioning art further complicates matters. Although grants from non-profits and the city can help cover art project costs, the application process can be confusing and inconvenient, even for those who are aware of them. 

Integrating the arts with local businesses is a tremendous asset to Hamilton’s community and economy. For new artists, networking with businesses is essential for their growth. Many artists cannot afford to exhibit their work, but collaborations with storefront owners can provide mutual benefits. Artists gain financial support and exposure, while businesses acquire attention-grabbing art that strengths their connection to the community. Hamiltonians deserve to benefit from these fruitful partnerships, enhancing the vibrancy and prosperity of their diverse and thriving community.

• Increase business and art collaboration projects within Hamilton by educating artists and business owners about the mutual benefits, and by simplifying the grant application process for both groups.

• Help artists learn how to run their own small business operations, including navigating business administration and marketing their work effectively.

• Develop supportive networks that connect businesses with artists and foster an expanded appreciation for diverse forms of art.

• Miguel, a sculptor, finds it challenging to gain visibility in the crowded art market

• Clarissa, who has unused space in her coffee shop, is unsure what to do with it. She has heard of other business owners allowing art exhibitions or live music but doesn’t know where to begin

• James, a digital artist, is unsure how to market his work and share his project portfolio with businesses

• Lena, a performance artist, struggles to find venues where she can showcase her work and connect with an audience.

 A Guide to Hamilton's Street Art 

 StreetARToronto 

 401 Richmond 

 Government of Canada: Arts and Artists Guide 

 City of Hamilton: Arts & Music 

 Hometown Hub 

Imagine arriving in Canada with plans to begin your life in a new country,  only to feel overwhelmed by the settlement process. So many tasks need to be completed! You need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), get provincial health insurance, open a bank account, and register your kids in school. Many newcomers face this daunting list of tasks to secure housing, transportation, healthcare, and employment services. Immigration status can further complicate access to these resources. For example, a resettled refugee might get health care coverage faster than a refugee claimant. While Hamilton has many settlement organizations such as the YMCA and Compass Community Health, Canada-wide pre-COVID data indicates that  only 38% of newcomers accessed settlement services in their first year in the country . 

The stress of living in a new country can significantly impact a newcomer’s ability to seek support and navigate services effectively. Financial challenges and food security are major concerns, as  59% of newcomers worried about food insecurity . Issues like long waits for refugee hearings, challenges in leaving domestic violence situations, and poor working conditions add to the stress. Community events by settlement organizations aim to educate newcomers about their rights and local services, but attendance is often low. Supporting newcomer children in schools is also crucial, as they and their families may not be familiar with the education system. Addressing food security, legal assistance, and educational support can help reduce settlement stress. 

Language barriers pose another significant challenge, making it difficult for newcomers to understand and access programs. While some institutions offer translations, ESL classes are often full and have long wait times. Building language skills can extend beyond the classroom through online resources, hobbies, and work. Addressing language barriers is essential for newcomers to fully engage in their new community and access necessary services. 

Cultural differences can increase feelings of isolation for newcomers. Miscommunication can arise form varying social norms, such as differing views on hospitality. Mentorship programs can help newcomers understand Hamilton’s culture, build community connections, and develop personal and professional support systems. These programs can also aid in overcoming isolation and improving language skills, helping newcomers integrate more smoothly into their new environment. Supporting mental well-being, overcoming language barriers, and fostering community connections are critical priorities for newcomer settlement in Hamilton. 

• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers in the Hamilton community.

• Enhance newcomers' access to information about available services.

• Promote opportunities for newcomers to learn about and engage with Hamilton's culture.

• Maria, a newcomer to Hamilton, feels overwhelmed by the dozens of brochures and websites on how to settle. She needs to sift through and submit documents to qualify for job programs, healthcare services, and housing supports.
• Luke wants to enrol his son in extracurricular sports and after-school programs but is unsure who to ask about the application process and potential costs.
• Aagash aims to improve his English skills to participate more in the Hamilton community. When he calls a local ESL program, he finds it is at capacity for several months.

 Hamilton Newcomer Day 

 Welcoming Week 

 Circle of Friends 

 City of Hamilton: Settlement Services for Newcomers 

 City of Hamilton: Housing for Newcomers 

 Welcome to Canada: Publications for Newcomers 

 With youth unemployment peaking at 12.8% in April 2024 , young people face three major hurdles: fierce competition in the job market, inadequate preparation and support, and unexpected costs and workplace challenges. Job seekers struggle with high applicant volumes, misleading job postings, and increasing qualifications required for entry-level positions. The emergence of virtual applications further strip away essential personal connections. Those who secure jobs often face surprise expenses, such as commuting and meal costs, which can make it financially impractical to work. Meanwhile, employers grapple with the perceived high turnover and investment needed for training young staff. Addressing these issues is crucial for retaining and empowering Hamilton’s next generation of workers.

The competitive job market presents a significant barrier for youth in Hamilton. Many entry-level positions in industries such as retail and food service are swamped with applicants, making it challenging for young people to stand out. Job fairs, often crowded and overwhelming, further exacerbate the problem, leaving many youths without responses to their applications. The rise of fake job postings only deepens the frustration, misleading young job seekers and adding to their sense of discouragement. The shift to virtual job applications, intended to streamline the process, often removes the personal touch, impacting the mental health and morale of young applicants who crave direct human interaction.

Inadequate preparation and support also play a crucial role in the employment struggles faced by youth. Many young individuals are not adequately equipped with the skills needed for the workforce, such as resume writing, interview techniques, and understanding workplace etiquette, which can be especially overwhelming for newcomers. This lack of preparation is compounded by unrealistic experience requirements for entry-level positions, making it difficult for recent graduates to secure jobs in their chosen fields. Furthermore, discrimination during the application process and the lack of accommodations for individuals with disabilities or international students add additional barriers, underscoring the need for targeted support and mentorship programs.

For those who do manage to land a job, the initial experience can be fraught with unforeseen challenges. Youth often encounter hidden costs, such as fees for police checks or uniform purchases, which can strain their finances and sometimes force them to leave their new positions. Additionally, the first few months of a job are typically marked by high rates of workplace injuries and significant mental and physical strains as new employees adjust to their roles. These challenges, combined with the need for flexible hours to accommodate school schedules and the potential for high turnover, create a complex landscape that both young workers and employers must navigate carefully.

• Support youth’s mental health and well-being throughout the job application process

• Help youth navigate and overcome challenges when starting their new placements

• Equip youth with essential soft, hard, and transferable skills for the workforce

• Assist employers in effectively supporting and integrating youth workers

• Yohan, an international student, is eager to join a co-op program but is confused about obtaining a work permit.

• Stephanie, a final-year student, arrives at a job fair only to find a long line, feeling disheartened about the slim chances of meeting an employer.

• Chloe, a business owner, hires a high school student but struggles to accommodate their limited availability due to school commitments.

 YWCA Hamilton: Youth Employment Program 

 Amsterdam, Netherlands: House of Skills 

 City of Hamilton: Youth Strategy Report 

 Government of Canada: Youth Job Bank 

 Understanding the Realities: Youth Employment in Canada 

The MacChangers program is inspired by Hamilton's  "Our Future Hamilton"  vision, a 25-year plan developed in collaboration with 55,000 community members. This guide introduces community-informed challenges aligned with this vision, emphasizing the importance of lived experiences. It serves to inspire and guide projects that address community needs, align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and comply with City regulations.

If you have any questions about this guide or the MacChangers Program, feel free to reach out to changers@mcmaster.ca

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