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 Vivian Patruno. Vivian Patruno is a graduate from the Radio, Film Television and Digital Media Program at Centennial College in 2020. Vivian’s full time job is an associate at RBC’s graduate program, Career Launch. She produces and edits for a number of nonprofits including Rising Youth podcast with Taking It Global, Project outsiders for previous foster youth and the Adoption Council of Ontario’s Never Too Late program. Vivian’s ultimate goal is to incite reflective media stories from the child welfare system about mental health, socio-class and child safety.
VIBE: What is your role at VIBE?
Vivian: I have recently been brought on as a Communications Assistant.
VIBE: What led you to the arts?
Vivian: My home life wasn’t ideal, after going into the foster care system I needed a way to get how I was feeling internally. I started writing and performing spoken word as a teen. I became obsessed with the realization there are many stories that are not the same yet similar. I had a thrill going into competitions and meeting poets from around the world. I don’t write or perform as much. I believe I used it as a survival tool at the time.
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments at VIBE?
Vivian: I’ve enjoyed the dynamic everyone has during meetings–even though everything is still virtual I can feel the relationships and bonds between everyone. I will also say getting to hear how passionate all the staff are about making sure the young people in our communities have arts-based programming has been really inspiring.
VIBE: What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at VIBE?
Vivian: I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing the youth grow in their arts spaces.
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
Vivan: I’ve learned how important it is to be authentic and own your story because the youth have a strong sense of who is real and who isn’t.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
Vivian: It would be amazing to see more cultural influence.
Stay tuned for more VIBE Staff on VIBE Spotlight