Natalie Baird and Toby Gillies

Screen Dance Mentorship Residency

MENTORING FILMMAKERS

Natalie Baird and Toby Gillies are a visual art duo based in Winnipeg. Since 2014 they have shared collaborative practices rooted in drawing, photography, filmmaking, and animation. They have worked with community groups and in health care settings to collaborate with fellow creatives and unlikely artists to imagine, make, and share small and large-scale art productions. Their community-engaged work has taken many avenues, including art facilitation and immersive art experience – resulting in animations, video works, ceramic murals, photo-printed canvas tents, publications, vinyl window installations, and public exhibitions. Since 2014 they have been artists in residence at Misericordia Health Centre, making art with adults and seniors living in long-term and transitional care. Currently Toby and Natalie are co-directing a short animation, featuring elder Edith Almadi as she shares her imagination and the power it has to bring her to the stars, in development with the National Film Board.

Over the years Natalie and Toby have had the opportunity to collaborate with dance and movement artists to inspire and co-create new works. They are excited to mentor and learn from the six participating artists.