Networking Across: How does The Creative School Foster Cross-Collaboration?
Biography
Bambi Tessia Nyembo is a soon-to-be graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University, with a Bachelor of arts in Professional Communications. Growing up in a multicultural environment has shaped her adaptability, curiosity, and sharp attention to detail which she was able to expand on in her time at TMU. Bambi holds the belief that artivism, the blend between art and activism, happens at the intersection of disciplines and a focus on community building. As a multifaceted creative with a passion for the performing and media arts, she thrives in spaces where creativity meets purpose. During her time at TMU, she served as a co-director of media for 6ixFC Football Club (previously known as Soccer World TMU) for two years, managing a creative team to bring visions to reality. She continued to expand her creative pursuits as a contributing writer and photographer for the online student publications CanCulture and New Wave Zine. This led to her working with Canadian award-winning production companies Archipelago Production and Fae Pictures as an on-call production assistant.
This research has led her to start her startup “Industree”, the ultimate networking hub for creative students looking to build their dream portfolios, designed for film, fashion, music, writing, and performing, where all arts majors to connect, collaborate, and create. She is the producer for the short film “Mother of Cards” with KalKaden Productions, which is currently in pre-development.. In the future, she hopes to continue pursuing the performing and media arts while making a lasting impact to inspire others.
With emerging technologies and the rise of social media platforms, artistic jobs have become more unpredictable than ever. The reassurance that artistic degree holders can find employment upon graduation has sparked debate and shaped the overall perception of how society values art disciplines. However, what happens when you miss the deadline for the student club you wanted to join? Or, when you get rejected from the Career Boost job you applied for? Or, when your peers and classmates around you are not interested in the same things you are? Networking and collaboration remain a key central pathway for creative students to grow as emerging professionals in the real world. This research explores how interdisciplinary collaboration is being fostered at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) for creative students. Through a curriculum and policy analysis, it examines the current structures, resources, and opportunities available to support cross-disciplinary projects while identifying the challenges students face. The study seeks to determine what needs are being met and what improvements are necessary to enhance collaboration among students from different creative fields.
In the findings, TMU has done an adequate job of making sure students are supported through their years at TMU. With several gaps between programs and access to resources, the curricula, policies and on-campus resources have been able to address these gaps with campus clubs, and programs such as Zones. But like all institutions, areas of improvement can always be applied to re-instill confidence in creative students. Students reported difficulties in finding collaborators and clear opportunities at their disposal. Addressing these challenges through institutional reforms and increased funding opportunities will better support students in developing cross-disciplinary projects and advancing their creative careers.
This research provides a foundation for future discussions on enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration at TMU, offering recommendations that could lead to meaningful improvements for creative students seeking diverse collaborative experiences.
