VIBE Arts is pleased to introduce the sixth cohort of our RBC Desire Lines program.
RBC Desire Lines began in 2019 as a two-year art-in-mentorship program awarding young, emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in subway stations across Toronto after attending a wide offering of professional development workshops. The program is now wrapping up its sixth cohort thanks to funding from RBC Foundation. Each year, a cohort of equity-seeking youth artists receive employment and mentorship opportunities to lead and curate their own hands-on art experiences for children and youth.
You can view their original artwork in TTC stations across the city throughout the month of April.
Get to know the RBC Desire Lines VI Artists:
CJ Mayers: CJ Mayers is a writer, director & co-founder of MayerWood Studios, crafting impactful stories in Drama, Suspense, and Thrillers. He is driven to inspire, innovate, and empower audiences through bold, cinematic artistry. “Sharing this piece with commuters means sparking conversations about community, creativity, and the importance of supporting one another. It’s a proud moment to see my art contributing to the everyday lives of the people who make this city so special.”
Jamera DaCosta (Just J. Art): Toronto-born Painter, Digital Illustrator, Muralist, & Facilitator of Jamaican descent. Jamera aims to spread light, love, and bring new perspectives to every art piece and space she curates. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share my creations with everyone in passing; having a window to spark connection in a space where many in our city cross paths and can encounter people, places, and moments that change their day for the better.”
Maliik: Maliik, is a Toronto-born artist blending rap, R&B, reggae, pop, and rock to create raw, emotional music that connects deeply, inspiring others through authenticity, truth, and storytelling.”This whole experience has given me an opportunity to do a large scale art piece that doubles as promotion for me as an artist. This is something I’ve been praying for.”
Martin Gomes: Martin’s project is a collaboration with his best friend, Lex Errazo. “Is he Like Us?” calls for change in the city’s infrastructure. Perhaps ‘he’ isn’t like us, but their project showcases representations of some of Toronto’s culture: d’bi, Lillian, Esie, Randell, Weyni, Morgan, Karen, and Britta. “It is not often folks get an opportunity to have such a platform, so I feel responsible for saying something important about the city. When your platform reaches such a wide array of people, I believe it’s a responsibility to think about what it is you’re saying.”
Mason Borges: Mason is an Indian-Canadian Yoga Teacher, Multi-disciplinary Arts Educator, and an Operatic Tenor born and raised in Rouge Valley, Scarborough. He is also into rock climbing, Latin dance, and progressive calisthenics. “I’m grateful that I could collaborate with incredible artists to make this vision come to life.”
Micah Chu (aka mouze dezignz): Micah is an artist and arts educator passionate about sustainability, self-expression, and fostering safe spaces for youth to explore their identities. Their work often focuses on reducing fabric waste and embracing personal storytelling through art. “Art is vulnerable, and putting my work out there for thousands of commuters to see is a little scary. But it’s also an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for the support in bringing it to life.”
Michelle Ma: Michelle is an artist, facilitator, justice innovator. Michelle says that it feels unimaginable to have the opportunity to exhibit her work at a large scale in the TTC.
Paula Ner Dormiendo: Paula is a multidisciplinary artist inspired by themes of identity, home and belonging. “Creating this project really freed me of restrictive structures and allowed me to focus solely on the joys of my creative process and the mysteries the photos presented rather than the outcome.”
Pixel Heller: Pixel Heller is an artist and designer who explores Black identity, carnival masquerade, and cultural preservation through multidisciplinary work. “Exhibiting my work on a large scale in the TTC feels empowering. It’s a chance to share my story and celebrate Black identity and Caribbean culture with a diverse audience. I am excited to share part of the culture with the Toronto community.”
Want to look back at the previous Desire Lines cohorts? Visit the online gallery showcasing their work.
