Belinda Ageda
I'm a Toronto-based artist and Arts in Health practitioner. I've spent more than thirty years as a multidisciplinary artist, the last fifteen in arts in health, and my practice comes down to a simple idea: making, drawing, or writing something, even for a few minutes, is a real and practical way to care for your wellbeing.
My work has been exhibited internationally, and I've illustrated children's books and led community mural projects around Toronto. This was art made with and for people, and it was where I first noticed the thing that's shaped everything since: the person making the art often gets as much from it as anyone looking at it.
The practice
I bring small, personal art-making techniques into workplaces and community settings — simple tools you can use any time to bring stress and anxiety down fast, no artistic experience required. I design each session around the people in the room: frontline staff facing burnout, community members navigating isolation, teams hoping to reconnect as people first, not just professionals. Each session weaves together art, talk, movement, and both small- and large-group work, so everyone can take part and leave with something they can actually use.
“A safe space to connect as people first, not just professionals.” — Community health worker, TAIBU Community Health Centre
Selected partners & clients
I've designed and led programs for, among many others:
Education
- Drawing & painting — OCAD University
- Art education — Concordia University
- Gestalt psychotherapy — The Gestalt Institute of Toronto
Training & recognition
- Board member, Toronto Art Therapy Institute
- Young Leaders for Arts and Health mentor — one of 100 selected globally
- Subject-matter expert, Make the Case
- Panelist, ArtsCare 2026
- Arts in Medicine intensive, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida
How I work
My approach is people-focused, inclusive and trauma-informed. The goal is never a polished artwork; it's the lightness and focus that come from making something. People arrive carrying a full day, and they leave with a practical tool, a moment of calm, and often a stronger sense of the people around them.
“Warm, professional, attentive and creative… she crafted an experience even beyond what I envisioned.” — Faculty member, University of Calgary
Looking to bring this to your team?
Workshops for staff wellness and community programming run through my practice, Hiveworks Arts in Health.
Visit Hiveworks Arts in Health →