Raven Davis facts for kids

Raven Davis (born 1975) is an Indigenous artist, curator, and activist. They are from the Anishinaabe (Ojibway) Nation in Manitoba, Canada. Raven Davis creates art using many different types of media. Their work often explores themes of culture, fairness, and understanding for all people.

Raven Davis lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They also work in Toronto, Ontario. Besides their art, Raven Davis is a traditional dancer, singer, and drummer.

Career in Art

Raven Davis has been involved in many art projects and organizations. In 2010, they joined the Friends United group. This group supports Indigenous artists. Raven Davis is still part of their advisory board, which helps guide the group.

In 2017, Raven Davis became a co-artistic director for the Queer Acts Theatre Festival in Halifax. This means they helped lead and plan the plays and performances for the festival.

Awards and Special Programs

Raven Davis has received several awards and been part of special art programs:

• In 2016, they were an Art and Activism Resident at NSCAD University. This means they spent time at the university creating art and exploring how art can help bring about change.
• In 2010, they were nominated for the Aboriginal Women of Distinction in Business award. This was from the Cape Breton Partnership.
• In 2009, they received the Cape Breton Industry Award from the Sydney Ports Authority.

Curating Art Shows

A curator is someone who chooses and organizes artworks for an exhibition. Raven Davis has curated several important shows:

• Nocturne in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2018). This is a popular art festival.
• Bonnie Devine | Circles and Lines: Michi Saagiig at the Art Gallery of Mississauga (2018).
• Wsitqamu | Nunak | Ktahkomiq | Land (2016). Raven Davis co-curated this show with Aidan Gillis. It was part of the PETAPAN: First Light Indigenous Arts Symposium in New Brunswick.

Films and Videos

Raven Davis has also worked on several film projects:

• "I Still Believe" (2015) – They were the director and producer for this film.
• "Spooning" (2015) – They co-produced this film with Elisha Lim.
• "Love Never Felt so Good" (2014) – This was a collaboration with Elisha Lim.

Selected Art Exhibitions

Raven Davis's art has been shown in many places. Here are some of the exhibitions:

• Friends United Art Exhibit at Halifax City Hall (2012).
• "This is My Song: Perspectives from Contemporary Native Women" in Huntsville (2012).
• Friends United at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax (2013).
• Indiginesse at the Aurora Cultural Centre in Aurora, Ontario (2014).
• Wagmatcook Arts & Culture festival in Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia (2014).
• Assembly of First Nations Conference in Halifax, N.S. (2014).
• Basquiat Idea Bar: Justice at the Art Gallery of Ontario (2015).
• Map of the New Art at the Cini Foundation in Venice (2015).
• Duality at the Kennedy Gallery in North Bay, Ontario (2017).
• The De-Celebration of Canada 150 at the Khyber Center for the Arts in Halifax (2017).
• níchiwamiskwém | nimidet | ma soeur | my sister (2018). This was part of The Biennale of Contemporary Aboriginal Art (BACA) at Art Mur in Montreal, Quebec.
• In Dialogue at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon, Manitoba (2018).

About Raven Davis

Raven Davis is a parent to three sons. Their mother is also an Anishinaabe artist. This has been a big influence on Raven Davis's life and art career.

Raven Davis was born and grew up in Toronto. They studied at Ryerson University and George Brown College.