Planting Possibility: How Niamh Helps Youth Grow Through Creativity
When Niamh first joined MacPhee Centre, it wasn’t art that brought them here; it was curiosity. A friend invited them to facilitate an online Dungeons & Dragons workshop, and before long, they discovered something much deeper: a thriving community where creativity and connection grew side by side.
“I wasn’t sure where I fit in,” Niamh recalls. “I had always loved art and storytelling, but never had any formal arts education. I studied computer science and was always doodling in the margins of my notes. When I started work at MacPhee, my art became community-driven. Seeing facilitators teach and youth explore new tools and approaches got me more involved.”
Now, years later, Niamh is a mentor, camp coordinator, and leader of the Queer Arts program, helping youth find their voices, explore identity, and build confidence through creative expression.
Over time, Niamh has witnessed countless moments of transformation. One participant came to camp used to rules, structure, and precision, confident in following instructions but unsure what to do when invited to “just explore.” Yet, when encouraged to create freely, something unlocked. They grew eager, curious, and proud to share their art — a visible spark of discovery and joy.
Another youth, full of energy and charisma, found their rhythm in improv, a space that embraced their bold personality instead of asking them to tone it down. That experience gave them the confidence to apply for a summer position at MacPhee Centre and lead their own workshop — proof of what can happen when someone realizes their voice matters.
These are small moments, but ones that showed what happens when youth are given space to explore without rules, expectations, or fear of failure.
For many young people, the MacPhee Centre is more than an art studio: it’s a refuge. A place to express, experiment, and simply be. “Sometimes youth are ostracized at school; they’re rejected for being themselves, they don’t have friends. Their real circle of friends is right here,” Niamh explains. “They come to our space and, sometimes for the first time, they see core parts of themselves reflected in other youth who have also been looking for people just like them."
As Niamh beautifully puts it:
Seeing different facilitators and artists from diverse communities helps youth recognize themselves in others and see a possible future reflected back. “When so many kids can’t envision themselves past high school, having visibly diverse community mentors they relate to in this space is huge - proof that happy, creative futures beyond survival exist, are possible, are coming.” Niamh says.
And while MacPhee Centre offers world-class programs, its most powerful commitment is that they remain completely free, breaking down barriers that often keep youth from accessing the arts. “MacPhee remains free to ensure youth are given the space to explore their creativity and community while envisioning them in their future. Nurturing these human instincts at the ground level, where they should be,” Niamh says.
At MacPhee Centre, imagination is more than expression; it’s a tool for understanding, connecting, and creating a more compassionate community. It’s a place where curiosity grows into confidence, and where every young person can see a version of themselves reflected back: strong, creative, and full of potential.
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This fall, through Where Seeds of Potential Take Shape, we’re celebrating the small moments that lead to big transformations, when creativity sparks confidence and connection blooms.
Here’s how you can be part of it:
- Donate to help youth discover confidence, creativity, and community.
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Together, we’re helping seeds of imagination grow into something extraordinary. Let’s plant possibility — and watch potential take shape.
Let’s plant possibility.
Let’s grow futures.
Let’s make sure every seed of potential take shape.