How I Found Community 30 Minutes Away From Home at Studio.89’s Summer Block Party
Hey there, welcome to Studio.89!
I’m so glad you made it to our Summer Block Party!
Come take a stroll with me through the lovely vendor market on our patio. The warmth of the sun seeps into our skin as we flow from table to table, taking our time smelling the candles and admiring the jewels of the hairpins glinting in the light. As we approach the doors, they magically open (with the help of a most courteous volunteer) and we’re drawn in to the even warmer and lively fair-trade youth-run non-profit cafe of Studio.89. The chords of a guitar accompanied with singing reaches our ears over the hum of happy conversations. We turn to see passionate singers singing nostalgic and upbeat summer tunes, a gallery displaying the art of local Mississauga artists, a table set up with crafting materials galore, a henna artist spreading creativity through intricate swirls and patterns, and kind youth volunteers offering lemonade and mushroom risotto balls.
This is only a glimpse into the Summer Block Party at Studio.89 on May 30th, 2026–an afternoon of bravery, introductions, and conversation-starters. It was also an afternoon of smiles, connection-building, and friendship-making. I had the pleasure of meeting people as soon as I stepped foot on the patio–such as the hardworking photographers, cafe workers, vendors, and volunteers. Once the party began, I really had the opportunity to get to know the diverse Mississauga community–artists of wonderfully different mediums, leaders of eco-friendly workshops, and lovers of perspective-changing books (which I’ve now added to my unending “to be read” list).
This is where spaces like Studio.89 are essential. Welcoming spaces that “empower youth to engage in social impact dialogues through art and culture” connects us with others who strive to create positive change. Powerful, changemaking ideas can be daunting tasks when they’re shouldered by one person. Studio.89 provides volunteers like my wonderful team and I with a platform to highlight social impact activities. It’s very encouraging to be surrounded by dedicated and friendly people–so much so that our ideas become actionable goals.
The Power of Our Community
As mentioned by our lovely Operations Manager, Aryanna, and Program Coordinator, Christina during their speeches, our “youth-run, fair trade café and community hub” empowered youth, provided leadership opportunities, encouraged collaboration with community partners, and have always advocated for humans, animals, and the planet.”
“Back in 2006, Youth Troopers for Global Awareness — YTGA — was born right here in this city through our founder, Zehra Abbas, her younger siblings and their friends as an organic, grassroots, youth-led non-profit.”
Aryanna, Operations Manager at Studio.89
As of 2014, when Studio.89 “launched our revenue generating arm, we’ve been a free physical community space for everyone advancing community good.” For example, “tackling trauma through the arts, using neuroscience principles to build empathy and fight hate, tackling senior isolation, opening doors for neurodivergent youth, newcomers, refugees, and any young person facing a barrier : social, economic, or otherwise.”
“Before COVID, in our old location, we were running over 650 events a year, multiple events a day, because we had full access to that unit, which really speaks to the demand in our community.
Today, we are at 250 events here as this space is only available when it is not in use as a sales centre in the evenings. Imagine what an incredible full-time community hub we could build here.”
Aryanna, Operations Manager at Studio.89
Through The Daniels Corporation, Studio.89 was able to reopen in our current location.
“The challenge before us is that Daniel’s Corporation is leaving this unit in a few months. If we want to preserve this community hub and expand it into a full-time arts and culture hub, we will need our community’s help.”
Aryanna, Operations Manager at Studio.89
Our community is strong and dedicated to positive change. There’s no doubt that we can do so much more with your help. We’re happy to have you!
How Can You Join?
(Information presented by our lovely Instagram team @studiooo89)
Become a Monthly Donor!
Studio.89 became a charity as Kind World Charity is officially becoming our parent organization. Get a charitable tax receipt when you donate $15 or more every month. Start today at studio.89.org/donate/
You’re donation will go towards tackling senior isolation, training neurodivergent youth with important job skills, and empowering newcomers, refugees and marginalized youth.
Youth in Action: Hanna R. Shares Insights from our Patio Sprouts Series
‘You have a right to healthy food systems:’ Studio.89 opens its Urban garden to the City of Mississauga
Food sovereignty is just an arm’s length away as Studio.89 opens its new vegetable and herb garden to its surrounding community. The non-profit café launched this urban agricultural initiative on May 23rd under the program name Patio Sprouts.
The concept behind Patio Sprouts took root in January—the café’s first attempt to tackle rising grocery prices and boost community engagement. The Social Impact Committee (SIC) led the charge—a volunteer youth group dedicated to developing initiatives that amplify sustainability and foster community. SIC has spearheaded several Studio.89 events, such as art showcases, park cleanups, and a Family Feud Fundraiser, where contestants were tested on issues regarding animal welfare, human rights, and the environment.
“We are showing community members that, yes, we might be struggling with our economy. But if we team up together and grow these things together, then we are able to reduce that stress [of grocery prices] at least slightly,” explained Operations Manager Aryanna Alikhan, who drafted the budget proposal to the City of Mississauga.
Patio Sprouts refers to the garden of basil, spinach, rosemary, pepper, and parsley that the SIC and high school co-op volunteers built and planted on Studio.89’s patio. The café encourages its community to come in and nurture its array of goods, connect with their neighbours, and/or share agricultural knowledge—with the promise that the garden is open for foraging.
“You have to put in that effort to take care of nature in order for nature’s benefits to take care of your body and your health,” Alikhan said, referring to the single requirement needed to pick from the café’s patio.
Alikhan also helped evolve Patio Sprouts into a series of monthly workshops, set to resume on June 14 with a beginner-friendly painting and planting session. Besides promoting community engagement and offering grocery alternatives to the surrounding area, the SIC hopes to teach café-goers about food sovereignty and encourage them to cultivate their own gardens.
“You have a right to healthy food systems, and the need to produce, distribute, and consume your food should be accessible and inclusive,” she said. “Everyone should also have access to a free community space and these programs that help develop them, personally and professionally. So, it goes hand-in-hand with food sovereignty, but also just being part of a community.”
The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, in Norfolk. She lived a life of royalty and fame before tragically passing away at a young age in a car crash. During her marriage, the Princess served as president and/or patron of over 100 charities. Known as the “Giving Princess,” she was dedicated to raising awareness for causes such as homelessness, disabilities, children’s rights, and HIV/AIDS. Over her lifetime, she positively impacted millions.
Although it is believed that she began supporting these causes as a child, she faced challenges in sustaining them financially in the years leading up to her death in 1996. Nevertheless, her work continued until the end of her life.
With her passion for helping others, Princess Diana made a difference by raising awareness for people with disabilities and HIV/AIDS, advocating for better services, and promoting inclusivity and equality. This work was crucial in making the world a better place for everyone.
I honor her with a portrait because she inspired me to donate more to charities and to help save lives, just as she did.
This art piece and write up has been created by Aanya Iqbal.
