Antonio Arraut
Mask Your Story | North York, Ontario
Antonio Arraut is a Colombian writer, visual artist, and arts administrator based in Toronto. His work includes the 2024 REset Point Art Exhibition, HAPPENING Multicultural Festival, and recognition such as The Power of Us Microgrant (2024) and the Estímulos Barranquilla Literary Prize (2020). Professionally, he has served as Finance Coordinator at Harbourfront Centre, collaborated with the Toronto International Festival of Authors, and earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Art Education and Community Engagement from Centennial College. He is also a self-published author, arts facilitator, and volunteer with Mabelle Arts and Access Alliance.
About the Project
Mask Your Story is a series of creative sessions where participants design and personalize carnival masks using cardboard and mixed materials. Beginning with a simple blank mask, they will decorate, modify, and paint it to reflect their own lived experiences—whether stories of immigration and settlement, grief and healing, or any personal journey they wish to share. The process combines artistic exploration with storytelling, offering a safe and supportive space for self-expression. The workshop series will culminate in a community parade held in a public park, where participants can wear their masks, dance, and share their stories. This final celebration not only honors individual resilience but also creates a collective moment of joy, visibility, and connection.