Artist In Residence Program
Highlighting Northern BC's Talent
Cherie Chai May
May 2024
Links: N/A
Bio
Prince George BC based self taught artist with a Diploma in Horticulture & Landscape Design from Singapore. Deeply passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, and having 10 years of second language teaching experience under her belt, Cherie started a social enterprise called Speak Write Academy with the main intention of promoting intercultural communication and fostering intercultural trust.
Cherie has worked with various community organizations around Prince George such as the Prince George Public Library, The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre, Two Rivers Gallery, YMCA Child Care Resource & Referral, Immigrant & Multicultural Services Society (IMSS), Native Friendship Centre Aboriginal Infant Development Program, and School District 57 to roll out workshops promoting language and cultural learning.
Cherie has experience with art forms including basic puppetry, choral singing, musical instruments (guitar, piano, drums, harmonica), mixed media art and conceptual art.
Artist Statement
"After immigrating to Canada, I have personally faced racism from both individuals and the medical system which has affected my mental and physical health. Having faced substantive racism in Canada, I have decided to make it my life’s mission to advocate against racism by rolling out language and cultural workshops which are free and highly accessible to the community. As my target audience is the general public which includes families, the arts and language have always been my choice and medium to advocate, educate and promote intercultural trust and communication."