Newcomers will be grooving to the music and stepping to the beat in Mississauga this month through Beats2Borders, a new cultural residency program the City of Mississauga is launching in partnership with the U.S. Consulate and Meridian International Center.

From August 20-24, 2018, young people aged 12 to 17 who are new to Canada (within the last five years) will have the opportunity to explore hip hop culture by participating in master classes delivered by internationally-renowned American hip hop artists. Classes will focus on dance, beat making and emceeing.

The program will end with a Block Party at Mississauga Celebration Square on the evening of Friday, August 24, where participants will showcase their new skills. Participants will also take a trip to McMichael Canadian Art Collection Gallery in Kleinburg to view a special exhibit on Canadian Hip Hop Culture.

To make this opportunity accessible, the program is free to participate in and includes lunch and transportation. Registration is open until August 7.

Beats2Borders will be hosted in the City’s newly opened Small Arms Inspection Building. This space further supports Mississauga’s vibrant culture and is available for rent to accommodate a variety of programs and functions.