This is VIBE Spotlight: a weekly series that celebrates and shines a light on VIBE Arts’ roster of talented artists and now the members that make up our small but mighty team. Each Monday, our Instagram and website will feature a different VIBE staff member and provide a look into the VIBE community. Stay tuned and get to know our organization and community with #VIBESpotlight.
On this VIBE Staff Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Emma Gaudio, VIBE’s Communications Manager. Emma is an arts facilitator born and raised in the west end of Toronto. She has a professional and educational background in communications and arts administration, having held prior roles at numerous art not-for-profits in Toronto and Montreal over the last 8 years.
VIBE: What is your role at VIBE?
Emma: I am VIBE Arts’ Communications Manager.
VIBE: What led you to the arts?
Emma: When I was pursuing my undergraduate degree, some friends and I created a DIY print/digital art publication where we showcased artwork created by young people. We started off by just giving our friends and friends of friends a platform, but ended up showcasing work created by artists from around the world. This is what truly sparked my interest in facilitating and supporting young artists. This was where I began my journey of pursuing roles in the arts professionally.
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments at VIBE?
Emma: Getting to meet some of the amazing artists on the VIBE roster and the VIBE team in person! I started this position this past January, so I had only met folks through my computer screen due to the pandemic. As things started to open up this summer, I was able to do some site visits and work with my VIBE team members to host in-person events for our programming team. It’s such a great feeling to see who we’re working to support right there in front of me.
VIBE: What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at VIBE?
Emma: Our Desire Lines program is currently wrapping up and I’m really excited for the artworks created by youth to be displayed for all to see in TTC stations across the city – this iteration of Desire Lines has been supporting young female-identifying BIPOC artists with professional growth in their artistic careers. And more generally, I can’t wait for us to hold more in-person events and programs so I can continue meeting members of the VIBE community!
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
Emma: Life is all about finding a balance that works for you. What makes you feel like yourself? Discover that and nurture it.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
Emma: More access and opportunities for EVERYONE to create art. There needs to be more value placed on art-making and the good it can do to a person and to a community. Art is more than a commodity.
Stay tuned for more VIBE Staff on VIBE Spotlight