The Evolution of Freedom 25
Freedom 25 is a landmark annual event dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity, wellness, and community engagement. Originally launched in 2019 under New Horizon Media Arts (NHMA), Freedom 25 has grown into a widely recognized festival fostering inclusivity through art, music, dance, and literature. The event serves as a platform to showcase emerging and established artists while addressing social issues relevant to youth, seniors, and marginalized communities.
In 2025, Freedom 25 will be hosted under the Canadian Reel and Art Foundation (CRAAF), continuing its mission of uniting communities through creative expression. The 2024 edition of Freedom was a multicultural event centered around health and wellness, featuring interactive workshops, performances, and activities for youth, engaging over 300 attendees.
New Horizon Media Arts: A Foundation for Change
NHMA was established with a vision to create accessible opportunities for seniors, artists, and diverse communities. Through NHMA, over 32 online and offline workshops were conducted, empowering seniors with digital literacy, creative skills, and personal development.
The initiative received recognition and funding through the New Horizon Seniors Grant, allowing NHMA to offer specialized workshops on cybersecurity, art therapy, mental health, dance, nutrition, and more. The program emphasized the active participation of seniors, with many taking leadership roles in organizing, conducting, and providing feedback on the workshops.
NHMA’s success laid the groundwork for expanding community engagement initiatives, ultimately transitioning its efforts under CRAAF to ensure sustainability and broader outreach.
The Role of the Canadian Reel and Art Foundation (CRAAF)
CRAAF was founded with a mission to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity through art, film, music, dance, and literature. As a not-for-profit organization, CRAAF serves seniors, women, and youth by offering workshops, exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives.
Key initiatives under CRAAF include:
- Senior Workshop Series (March 2025 – March 2026): A continuation of NHMA’s efforts, offering both in-person and online sessions on relevant topics.
- Monster Art (July 2024): A public art workshop at Celebration Square with approximately 100 participants.
- Networking Events (July 2024): Focused on small businesses and entrepreneurship, attracting around 50 attendees.
- Art Competition for Children (May 2024): Hosted at the Freedom event, engaging 50 young artists with prizes and art materials.
- Holiday Market (November 2024): A community-driven marketplace at Vic Johnson Community Center.
- Youth Speech Competition (April 2025): Providing a platform for young voices to share their perspectives and ideas.
- Special Needs Adults Gift Baskets (November 2024): A community initiative aimed at supporting individuals with special needs through curated gifts and handmade cards.
CRAAF also continues NHMA’s mission by fostering senior volunteerism, promoting financial security, and raising awareness about elder abuse.
Looking Forward
As Freedom 25 transitions to CRAAF, it will remain a cornerstone event that unites generations and cultures through meaningful engagement. With a strong foundation laid by NHMA, CRAAF will continue to expand outreach efforts, create more inclusive programs, and empower communities through arts and education.
With each passing year, these initiatives evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and growing audience, ensuring that art and culture remain accessible, impactful, and deeply connected to the community.
The Evolution of Freedom 25
Freedom 25 is a landmark annual event dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity, wellness, and community engagement. Originally launched in 2019 under New Horizon Media Arts (NHMA), Freedom 25 has grown into a widely recognized festival fostering inclusivity through art, music, dance, and literature. The event serves as a platform to showcase emerging and established artists while addressing social issues relevant to youth, seniors, and marginalized communities.
In 2025, Freedom 25 will be hosted under the Canadian Reel and Art Foundation (CRAAF), continuing its mission of uniting communities through creative expression. The 2024 edition of Freedom was a multicultural event centered around health and wellness, featuring interactive workshops, performances, and activities for youth, engaging over 300 attendees.
New Horizon Media Arts: A Foundation for Change
NHMA was established with a vision to create accessible opportunities for seniors, artists, and diverse communities. Through NHMA, over 32 online and offline workshops were conducted, empowering seniors with digital literacy, creative skills, and personal development.
The initiative received recognition and funding through the New Horizon Seniors Grant, allowing NHMA to offer specialized workshops on cybersecurity, art therapy, mental health, dance, nutrition, and more. The program emphasized the active participation of seniors, with many taking leadership roles in organizing, conducting, and providing feedback on the workshops.
NHMA’s success laid the groundwork for expanding community engagement initiatives, ultimately transitioning its efforts under CRAAF to ensure sustainability and broader outreach.
The Role of the Canadian Reel and Art Foundation (CRAAF)
CRAAF was founded with a mission to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity through art, film, music, dance, and literature. As a not-for-profit organization, CRAAF serves seniors, women, and youth by offering workshops, exhibitions, performances, and educational initiatives.
Key initiatives under CRAAF include:
- Senior Workshop Series (March 2025 – March 2026): A continuation of NHMA’s efforts, offering both in-person and online sessions on relevant topics.
- Monster Art (July 2024): A public art workshop at Celebration Square with approximately 100 participants.
- Networking Events (July 2024): Focused on small businesses and entrepreneurship, attracting around 50 attendees.
- Art Competition for Children (May 2024): Hosted at the Freedom event, engaging 50 young artists with prizes and art materials.
- Holiday Market (November 2024): A community-driven marketplace at Vic Johnson Community Center.
- Youth Speech Competition (April 2025): Providing a platform for young voices to share their perspectives and ideas.
- Special Needs Adults Gift Baskets (November 2024): A community initiative aimed at supporting individuals with special needs through curated gifts and handmade cards.
CRAAF also continues NHMA’s mission by fostering senior volunteerism, promoting financial security, and raising awareness about elder abuse.
Looking Forward
As Freedom 25 transitions to CRAAF, it will remain a cornerstone event that unites generations and cultures through meaningful engagement. With a strong foundation laid by NHMA, CRAAF will continue to expand outreach efforts, create more inclusive programs, and empower communities through arts and education.
With each passing year, these initiatives evolve to meet the needs of a diverse and growing audience, ensuring that art and culture remain accessible, impactful, and deeply connected to the community.
