communities + COLLABORATION + CULTURE

I work as a transdisciplinary artist, facilitator and educator. With a passion for communities, collaboration and culture, my work aims to move us towards life affirming change.

Working across industries with social impact leaders, community organizers, governments, affinity groups and schools, my commitment is to elevate the art of community building, change making and people power.

With 30+ years of experience in performance, music, poetry and celebration arts, I invite you into embodied ways of fathoming history, futures and inquiries.

I bring my love of people and collaborative instincts to lift ideas – and transform pragmatics into poetics.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Community Engagement & Civic Imagination
Built Environment & Public Space
Diversity & Inclusion
Social Justice
Black History/Futurity & Diasporas
Social Enterprise
Youth Empowerment

Areas of practice

Gathering

Capacity Building

Speaking & Commentary

Creating

LET'S COLLABORATE.

I take pleasure in working across sectors with social impact leaders, organizers, governments, affinity groups, schools and other artists. Let’s find a time to explore what’s possible together.

Testimonials

Yesterday was one of the best things that ever happened.

Vanessa Richards is a generous, kind-hearted dynamo and force of nature who lives, eats, breathes new ways of thinking about community as a matter of everyday practice. Her extensive arts-based approach to community leadership comes from decades of experience and study, and provides unique methodologies and new pathways to bring together different voices - she's one-of-a-kind.

Vanessa Richards is a unique and extraordinary guide, facilitator, activator and magician, in bringing forth depth, meaning, purpose and respect in people, organizations and movement building. She is a joy to work with, dedicated to bringing forth the highest potential in whatever she touches.

Vanessa is a powerful force for good in the world. She is a sharp analyst of social and design challenges. And she is a wise teacher.

Vanessa brought us into a 1.5-hour experience of the tapestry of emancipation in the past, present and future leaving participants emboldened, brightened, educated and empowered.

Her work is amazing and necessary. Humbly and vitally, Vanessa is a highly skilled practitioner and orchestrator of transformation.

Vanessa Richards keynote presentation exceeded our wildest expectations! She worked with the themes of our colloquium to lead us in song and reflection and helped create the most welcoming and inclusive environment I have ever experienced in an academic conference. We were all in awe of the transformation that took place in the room!

Vanessa is a visionary who saw opportunity for community engagement and outreach in all areas of our artistic and social practice during our 50th anniversary season. She developed partnerships that not only provided opportunity for diversifying our audience, she also engaged in accessibility initiatives that invited new audiences into our venues.

As host of our Emerge event, Vanessa animated and brought everyone together in a way seldom felt at online – or even offline – events.

I have seen countless times how she has moved and motivated groups to access shockingly deep levels of connection, creativity and, simply put, joy. Vanessa possesses a singular mix of creative gifts, deft skill and intuitive wisdom to bring out the best in people.

Vanessa brings vivacity, intelligence, humour and compassion to every setting. Her curiosity is powerful. Her imagination is capacious and inviting.

You intuitively invoked the creative side of my soul to collaborate with the room. You lead with such sincere and authentic harmony. You are a mother of energy.

Vanessa is a kind and powerful person who thinks carefully but fiercely. She is someone you want on your side and someone you will be proud to have worked with.

In the days since your workshop, I've paused to reflect on a number of points you raised and the way in which you introduced them, in layers, gently but directly.

All of my students were blown away. I honestly haven’t seen them that inspired by a speaker. Vanessa rocked ’em!

Vanessa was extremely engaging and created a very safe and empowering environment for the youth.

When I think of undertaking projects that I hope will be deeply intellectual and yet very practical and grounded locally, Vanessa Richards is one of the first, if not the first person I turn to - always.