10/07/2026
From the vault. Some more history...
Did you know our flagship fundraiser, UPwithART, has a history that goes all the way back to 2005?
It represents years of rich history, mixing art and social justice like paint on a palette. It was the natural outcome of Unity Project’s embrace of arts and culture and our experience of residents arriving at our door with almost nothing but art supplies tucked under their arms. After returning in 2011, UPwithART became the annual event we know and love today.
The first UPwithART events were mounted in 2005 and again in 2007 as a grassroots gala to showcase the many artists among Unity Project residents, staff, volunteers and founding members. It was organized by UP frontline staff Rachel Ayres, Matti Paquiz and the late Linda Moore, and has remained a crowd favourite. First hosted by Tamara Moro at the Guildhouse Gallery 2005 and by Wendy Saby at the Self-Employment Centre in 2007. Since 2011, it re-emerged as an annual event.
There are 5 more days to go in our UP Turns 25 campaign! Donate here: https://unityproject.ca/up-turns-25/