The creative force of Natalie “Rare” Chattargoon
Empowering marginalized voices through the arts
Rare Chattargoon in the studio
Natalie, who goes by the first name “Rare,” is an Arts and Mental Health Facilitator and Event Coordinator for several non-profit organizations around the Greater Toronto Area.
When we interviewed Rare, we got the sense that nothing holds her back. She’s confident in her talents and has big dreams. Rare grew up in the East Mall area of Toronto, and experienced some tough times with bullying, making ends meet financially, and surviving a devastating car accident. It’s this second chance at life that drives her ambition. “Every day I wake up, I’m grateful for life. I’ve got to go hard regardless of how I feel,” she said.
As a writer, photographer and social worker, Rare is passionate about incorporating social themes around poverty, resilience, and empowerment into her work. You may have already seen some of her pieces in various areas of Toronto. Last year, Rare designed a collage of photos that was displayed at Spadina subway station, and created an art display that has been installed at two terminals at Pearson International Airport. She owes a lot to Vibe Arts, an organization that provided funding for those projects and gave her some valuable mentorship with established artists. “Vibe Arts really supported my development as a creative exploring Toronto” she said.
Rare reading her poetry onstage
Rare created a newcomer creative writing workshop to help recent immigrants settle in. But Rare’s current love is the pop-up open mic sessions she’s been organizing across the city. “I love being a host and engaging and communicating with people,” she said. “These sessions give people an opportunity to be heard. I’m setting the stage and creating a safe place for anyone to share anything they want.”
As for upcoming projects, Rare has an impressive number on the go. She wants to publish a children’s book, host more open mic nights, and record reggae, R&B, and jazz songs. She also wants to open a women’s shelter or foster home. Her personal motto, and one that she wants to inspire others with is “Never make your circumstances determine what your future looks like–you’re capable of everything.
