Dan Siney

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Vancouver
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Virtual
Languages: English, French
Themes: Mental Health
Grant Eligibility: Eligible to apply for AIC

I ask my students three questions about their creative process: 1. Do you like to know what you’re going to make before you start, or figure it out along the way? 2. Do you like to have an assignment, or pursue your own interests? 3. Do you enjoy making art for it for its own sake, or do you prefer to have a purpose? Ie. making a gift or promoting your beliefs. In my Trauma-Informed Art Programming anyone can participate meaningfully just by being themselves. I combine 20+ years’ experience exhibiting art, and 10+ years supporting under-housed and under-resourced youth. Meeting students where they're at, I guide them through their intuitions, interests, and uncertainties. I challenge the idea of being 'not good at art’ and invite more confident students into leadership roles. Students discover real abilities in unexpected places. I developed my approach while working for the Urban Native Youth Association as a Youth Care Counsellor at Cedar Walk Alternative High School. I am of settler descent. (BFA, ECUAD, 2003.) From Michael Clague, former Director of the Carnegie, and Britannia: “’You have it or you don’t. And I don’t.” But how do you know until you are exposed to those opportunities for artistic expression that work for you? Dan Siney believes passionately in the transformative power of art. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for people to discover this for themselves. Particularly young people and marginalized people.”

I am currently focussed on working with Alternative Schools (VASS), and have tailored my program descriptions accordingly. I am also interested in working with "mainstream" VSB classrooms. Programs are designed to work for anybody (teachers and staff included).

Testimonials & Reviews

Dan finds a multitude of creative ways to connect with students. He finds many ways to empower students to complete projects, and to see themselves as artist with their own unique life perspectives. Perspectives which are meaningful and relevant. Dan is gifted in connecting with and helping students to be seen, validated and heard. Dan is authentic and truly cares about the youth of today. Students want to journey alongside Dan as they explore art as a means to express how they are in the world! Douglas Matear, Principal of Student Support Services—VSB Alternative and Alternate Programs (VASS)

Please accept my wholehearted endorsement of Dan Siney. In addition to being one of the most gifted and capable youth workers I have ever worked with, Dan is a skilled and trained artist. Each time Dan called students to the Cedar Walk art room there was a surge of excitement followed by a wave of creativity. Young people who were reluctant to express themselves created piles of finished work. Omar Kassis, Teacher at Cedar Walk Alternative School (VASS)

We’ve been so appreciative of Dan’s ability to engage students. His approach sets a tone of acceptance and inclusion, making it safe and fun for youth to participate. The energetic, relaxing drawing games invite youth in, and from there they explore individual and collaborative expressions. It was particularly rewarding to see youth who would not have considered themselves artists before, getting into the zone, creating, and being proud of what they’d made. We recommend Dan without reservation. Matt Friesen, Teacher at Nova Alternative Secondary School (VASS)

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