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 Reia Tariq. Growing up in Dubai and now living for almost a decade in Toronto, Reia enjoys combining her eastern and western upbringing and influences in her art. Working as VIBE Art’s Program Administrator alongside being an art facilitator as her 5-9 means she’s always surrounded by creativity and just full on creative people that help motivate her when it comes to her own art making!
VIBE: What is your role at VIBE?
Reia: I’m a Program Administrator at VIBE Arts.
VIBE: What led you to the arts?
Reia: I’ve always loved the arts! I grew up in a very colourful city so it’s been a lifelong love of mine! To this day, I’m learning Japanese (very, very slowly however) so I can one day hopefully be part of the Kaikai Kiki Gallery team (Takashi Murakami’s gallery.) I love artists who create their own unique worlds and want to do the same with my own work!
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments at VIBE?
Reia: My favourite moments were when I previously worked in coordinating our #VoiceUp program, at the end of our workshop’s the youth would show their confidence in their art pieces and speaking about how the program positively impacted them and ultimately how much they had enjoyed being a part of the program with each other!
VIBE: What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at VIBE?
Reia: I can’t wait to see what new and amazing art programs are going to be happening, not just for 2021 but beyond!
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
Reia: Don’t try and please others with your art, you’ll just lose what makes you, you.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
Reia: More colour! We need more public, accessible art especially in neighbourhoods that often don’t get as much notice or love.
Stay tuned for more VIBE Staff on VIBE Spotlight