Sima Naseem is a South-Asian multidisciplinary artist, and filmmaker, her artistic approach encompasses animation, illustration and public art. She is the recipient of the Emerging Visual Arts-Multimedia award at the Mississauga Arts Awards 2024. Her work has been featured on numerous large-scale murals across the GTA including the Paramount Fine Foods Center, Mississauga's Celebration Square, Burnhamthorpe Community Centre, Old Fairgrounds Park and has been a focal point for events such as the 2022 Ontario Summer Games, Light up the Square 2024, and Window Wonderland 2024. Her narratives use elements of character, nature and movement to empower young minds. She has previously worked with StreetARTToronto, STEPS Public Art, City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, City of Pickering and the Mississauga Arts Council.
As an Honours Bachelor of Animation graduate from Sheridan College (2023), Sima's animated films have garnered recognition at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, Seoul Indie-Anifest and Stop Motion Montreal. Her graduate film, My Friend in the Jingle Truck was featured in the CBC Series, Absolutely Canadian - Toronto Reel Shorts episode. It was also awarded Best Animation at the Muslim International Film Festival, Mosaic International Film Festival of Arts and Culture, and CILECT North America. Her dedication to sharing cultural and personal expressions drives her ongoing quest to innovate across artistic mediums, evident in her contributions to film, murals, and mixed media projects.
Saphera Peters is a South-Asian illustrator and public artist from Brampton whose vibrant, joyful work spans murals, illustration, and product design. Her bold use of colour, flowing compositions, and nature-inspired motifs aim to uplift and inspire. Saphera is the recipient of the 2023 Brampton Arts Acclaim Award, and her work has been featured in public art projects across Ontario, including Main St. N window murals, Fire Station 207, and Downtown Brampton's BIA accessibility ramps. She has collaborated with prominent brands such as Sephora, Scotiabank, HGTV, and Truly Hard Seltzer, for which she was one of three Canadian artists selected for their inaugural artist merch launch.
What sets Saphera apart is her ability to bridge the gap between art and storytelling through engaging video content. Sharing her creative journey on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, she invites her audience into her world, creating a deeper, more personal connection. Her compelling videos combine vibrant visuals, thoughtful narratives, and practical advice for aspiring artists, allowing her audience to see not just her art but the person and passion behind it.
In addition to her public art, Saphera is a licensed artist with a growing line of products. Through her work, she continues to champion individuality, cultural pride, and the transformative power of art and storytelling.
