Mobility Aid n More For Trinnipeg Live Mixtape
Donation protected
"Less barriers and helping me be where i need to be" -
This is for assisting the ongoing dream of Trinnipeg founder and Artistic Director Elliott Walsh w/ a scooter, some equipment and operational financial help.
Hi,
How are you? I'm Elliott Walsh (Artist name Nestor Wynrush). I am a Winnipeg based Black Disabled hip hop artist/poet/ consultant and workshop facilitator. I am the founder and artistic director of Trinnipeg Live Mixtape. For 25 years, I've pioneered and championed Hip Hop based education programs in Winnipeg and greater Manitoba by working with multiple community-based organizations, art institutions and schools. Hip Hop music and poetry have the power to meet youth where they are - emotionally and creatively. We learn the modern histories of place through the lens of the music founded by the American Black experience meeting the influence of immigrant Caribbean culture in 1970s New York City, and how it spread to places like Treaty 1, Winnipeg. Through songwriting, poetry, storytelling, art and performance we explore equity, equality, regional histories, community, emotion, connection and finding our true voice.
What Does Trinnipeg Live Mixtape Consist of:
Collaborative Performance
Education/ Workshops
Art Exhibition & Tours
Music Mentorship
Film showings w/ Q&A
Goals for the fundraising:
1. Investment in a motorized wheelchair or scooter to improve my mobility when dealing with weather, terrain, distance, carrying things and fatigue. This will improve my ability to be working in schools, community spaces, art institutions and improve my overall quality of life with my family and friends. I am a bilateral above knee amputee that uses a very basic manual wheelchair that is ineffective for slightly challenging terrains and longer use. $1.5K - 8k
2. Buying time ( aka living expenses and meds) for more research, planning, creativity, applying for grants, meetings, putting together a team and seeking proper financial partners. This is the admin work side of things. I'm also in the process of finishing a book. It's Neurodivergent-Amputee sci-fi with short stories, poetry and Winnipeg as its reluctant star. I have a few lists of current Canadian publishers that I'll start submitting to in the next 3 - 6 months . I'm excited to learning the submission process then spread the knowledge to other emerging writers. This news may only be relevant to those close to me.
3. Purchasing equipment to make sure that Trinnipeg is as self sufficient as possible. For example; 4x DJ Midi Controllers (weight matters) for DJing workshops, 2x Bluetooth speakers (weight matters), bags for carrying equipment, headphones, and audio interfaces (for recording). These things can be accumulated over time and with the help of specific funding partners in the future. That's the main reason why this is number 3. $1.5k - 10k+
4. Mixing Engineer for any future live recordings of Live Mixtape performances.
Elliott Walsh co-host a book talk w/ author / Polaris Prize winning rapper Cadence Weapon
2023 @Remai Modern, Saskatoon. Photo by Carey Shaw
Background:
Trinnipeg Live Mixtape started in 2018 when Elliott was working with another organization. A celebration of Hip Hop / R&B / Spoken Word and community. Over 1 month, artist that were somewhat strangers met and collaborated in a youth arts space. In July of 2018 they presented their multigenerational ephemeral work to a full diner venue. The theme was "home", the audience and artists heard 20 emcees, singers and poets of various backgrounds melodically and in rhythm discuss the city we lived. A sweaty & joyful triumph. Our first year partner was Synonym Art Consultation. They've helped with every incarnation of Live Mixtape since 2018 with logistics and production.
In 2022, we brought it back. An objective of this Black owned (BIPOC vocal vehicle) venture, is to ensure that barriers are lowered, we help to decolonize spaces as we collectively advocate for institutions to broaden , welcome and reflect the greater population they serve. This, In addition to discussions on accessibility are had with administrators, decision makers, students, teachers and audiences.
Our centrepiece is the Live Mixtape performance where we bring together 12 -15 emcees & singers, spoken word artists and producers from the Prairies and other regions to create a show of original songs based around a theme. Thee artists don't only perform but also do workshops and panel discussions with the community. Since 2022 we've worked with Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, Remai Modern (Treaty 6, Saskatoon) , and The West End Cultural Centre. Live Mixtape workshops have consisted of book talks with author & Polaris Prize winner Cadence Weapon. In 2024 we will chat with Winnipeg Poet Laureate and first time author, Chimwemwe Undi. We've worked with musician Odario Williams of CBC Radio's AfterDark, legends of the Prairies like Eekwol and great producers such as, 2oolman of the award winning Halluci Nation. These are only a fraction of folk that we have worked with.
Trinnipeg has also worked with schools & the general public in tours of Black artists art gallery exhibits such as, Denyse Thomasos, Esmaa Mohamoud and Stan Douglas. This is in addition to workshops on beatmaking, djing, songwriting and storytelling led by professional Djs, producers, writers, emcees and singers that have performed with the Live Mixtape. These are artists eager to give back to the next generation while the next generation gives them their fresh perspectives, it's circular. The program is another way to help students increase their creative & emotional communication toolkit through the arts and Hip Hop.
Ultimately, I, Elliott, am very passionate about this work. I believe in music & art being able to open up endless conversations, and catalyst for change. The goal is to do an annual collaborative mixtape performance with adjacent workshops and programming through out the school year. You are investing in the increased mobility of Elliott (Nestor) and the current version of Trinnipeg with the promise that an even more refined version continues for years to come. This is a place for artists, students, community, compassion, learning, communication and you.
I wrote this primarily for friends and family that had expressed wanting to support the vision financially in the past. You are the ones that kept me living, inspired and determined for so so long. I love you all and would appreciate the help. If you are an acquaintance or stranger, thanks for reading, contemplating giving or giving. If you can not give, please feel free to spread the word or discuss these ideas with funding organizations, a philanthropist or potential sponsor that can afford to give. Also, please discuss the idea of societal change, accessibility, equity and empathy within the worlds you travel.
For any bookings or consultant work please email [email redacted].
Wishing you all warm hugs and a receptive ear.
Take care,
Elliott
Trinnipeg
Manitoba Music Board Member
Jazz Winnipeg Board Member
Emcee/ Workshop Facilitator / Poet/ Consultant
For a small glimpse into the history of the project:
Organizer
Elliott Walsh
Organizer
Winnipeg, MB