This article appeared in our Info Edmonton Magazine March/April 2022.
When Edmonton artist Emily Chu obtained a grant from the Edmonton Arts Council in early 2021, she began art research in Chinatown that would launch into a larger, on-going project. Chinatown Greetings is part community art project and part fundraiser, organized to support the various businesses throughout Chinatown affected especially by the pandemic and reduced foot traffic. To follow their progress and get updates on upcoming events throughout Chinatown, check out their Instagram (@ChinatownGreetings). You can show your support by visiting the community, supporting businesses, and learning about the history and community organizations found in this neighbourhood. A limited quantity of Chinatown Greetings art and products were made available at TIX on the Square and Lola’s Gift Shop from their first project with artist Ray Dak Lam. We chatted with Emily Chu about the developing art-community project.
Q: How would you describe the success of the 2021 events?
A: Our goals are to amplify and celebrate Chinatown through the Arts, by creating sustainable and healthy relationships between artists and the community. We help support this process by building relationships with Chinatown businesses, organizations, and social services. From the 2021 project, we were able to distribute 100 banners to storefronts, social services, and community associations—that was our introduction. We’ve also been able to refer local artists for projects centering Chinatown (such as local Lunar New Year red envelopes by Serena Tang). The work of our 2021 artist partner Ray Dak Lam is also in talks of being installed as a window mural in Chinatown. And we are continuing our partnership with the CTC, supporting and connecting artists for their current pop-up shop (Lola’s) at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. We hope that these projects will continue and grow, and center the community in a hopeful light. We will continue to help connect artists with community members.
Q: What is so significant about artist-initiated community projects?
A: Artists do important work, and their impact is powerful. Artists are able to do fieldwork and research from a personal perspective, and that can inspire viewers to question, engage, and get involved. We want to support artists by creating platforms to share their unique insights, and help them find ways to make these projects happen. Chinatown businesses can encounter challenges in language and translation—Art is a language that is universal. Houseless folks are often silenced and Art can help amplify someone’s story. It has the ability to share intimate perspectives/memories and find commonalities. As an artist myself, I have used my creative skills in my commercial illustration career to help businesses grow. So I understand the powerful impact it can have, especially supporting the work and needs of the community. We want to support and connect with more artists, because there are so many stories that need to be shared around Chinatown and misconceptions to shine a light on.
Q: What’s next?
A: We are still in the conceptual phase of the project, but I can confirm that we will be partnering with the talented and thoughtful photographer Jordon Hon. We are working with Jordon to create a photobook about Chinatown, through portraiture, interviews, and community engagement. The end product will be a publication or zine, and potentially be launched through an exhibition in Chinatown. Some of the details may change during the process, but we are really excited to have Jordon capture stories, sites, and people in the community to share these incredible stories[…] We are always looking for artists to connect with. We are also open to considering micro-projects to support, as well as partnerships with organizations and businesses, to keep the energy going between our big projects!
