When Jesse Brady was in his late teens, he became involved with what was then a brand-new organization, Myths and Mirrors Community Arts.
Now in its 20th year, Myths and Mirrors is known for helping build community and give people a voice through collaborative art-making, story-sharing and infusing art into our everyday lives.
You might, for example, have seen its murals or watched its stilt-walking troupe, Kazaam, at local festivals.
Brady — who went on to become a writer and journalist, and recently took the reins as Myths and Mirrors' new artistic director — said the group had a huge impact on him as a young person.
“I saw community, and I saw people working together,” said Brady.
“I saw the possibilities of that — growing up and seeing what is possible, rather than seeing what isn't possible. Too often we're told what we can't do. I think what Myths and Mirrors kept showing is what we can actually do.”
Brady attended Sudbury Secondary School and then Laurentian University, where he earned a BA in English Literature.
He worked as a journalist and arts reporter in Toronto and Montreal before returning to school and earning a MA in English Literature from Concordia University.
“Being employed was not as much fun as getting more student debt,” Brady jokes.
He and his wife — both originally from Sudbury — have two young kids, and they decided to move back to their hometown three years ago.
“We knew this city, and how to raise children here,” Brady said. “We wanted them to have the same general experiences we had. In Ottawa, we didn't have that same connection to the location.”
Since getting back to Sudbury, Brady has participated in Playwrights' Junction — STC's training program for aspiring playwrights — and has several plays he's currently perfecting.
Brady is replacing local visual artist Sarah King Gold as Myths and Mirrors' artistic director. King Gold remains with the organization as lead artist for several projects.
Having started his new job just a few weeks ago, Brady said he's excited to see what he can bring to the role.
“The work that the previous artistic directors have done has been amazing, and trying to live up to the expectations that this organization has in this community is big,” he said. “I'm excited because of the possibilities.”
Myths and Mirrors' board chair, Max Merrifield, said he's glad to welcome Brady to the team.
“He brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and creativity to Myths and Mirrors,” he said in a press release.
As for specific ideas, Brady said he has a few things “percolating,” but nothing too in depth just yet. He'd like Myths and Mirrors to reach out to the community more, though.
“I think Myths and Mirrors is at its strongest when we're working with communities that don't always have a voice and we don't always see and hear from,” he said.
“I think reaching out and working with those communities that's what I'm excited about.”
