The I Am London campaign, now in its 11th year, celebrated immigrant artists in the city on Dec. 4, 2024. The event showcased their careers, contributions, and creativity. Organized by the London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP), this initiative aims to recognize immigrants’ valuable impact on the community through their talent and work.

This year’s honourees included artists like Camila Ariza and Diego Cortés, whose stories exemplify the transformative power of art and the strength of immigrant communities in London.

Ariza, a clown and performer originally from Bogotá, Colombia, shared her excitement about being recognized in this campaign.

“It has a super positive impact because it helps me make visible what I do, apart from my work, daily. It helps to make that impact visible to society,” Ariza said.

Since moving to Canada, Ariza has worked tirelessly to connect with the local art scene while staying true to her roots. Her work blends her Latin American heritage with her experiences as an immigrant and mom, creating performances that entertain and provoke thought.

Similarly, poet, musician, and philosopher Cortés, who performs under the stage name Descortés, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to share his voice in his adopted city. Originally from Morelos, Mexico, Cortés moved to London in 2019 to join his family. He has embraced Canada’s artistic opportunities despite missing his homeland’s tropical climate and traditional foods.

Receiving this honour, he noted, was a step toward reaching audiences outside his usual circles and a chance to inspire others navigating similar journeys. His work, deeply rooted in his Hispanic heritage, explores identity, belonging, and adaptation themes.

“I am thrilled and feel self-realized because of the work I have been doing for these five years as an artist. Still, in the context of immigration, I think it is essential because a government body recognizes it,” Cortés said.

Tristan Johnson, Communications Officer for LMLIP, oversaw the campaign’s event for the first time this year. Reflecting on the ceremony’s success, he described the experience as both exhilarating and rewarding.

“It’s like spending months putting all the pieces together and then seeing it click on the event day,” he said. Johnson also noted the collective effort in making the campaign successful, from the planning committee to the artists.

When asked about future campaigns, Johnson emphasized that the I Am London team will determine the next steps collaboratively. While the theme for next year has yet to be decided, he hopes to build on this year’s momentum.

 “This campaign was special,” he said. “We want to make the next one just as impactful.”

Beyond the individual achievements of honourees, initiatives like I Am London play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity. By highlighting immigrants’ diverse backgrounds and talents, the campaign helps dismantle stereotypes and creates a platform for meaningful cultural exchange. It also reinforces London’s reputation as a city that values and nurtures its immigrant population.

“They want to make the history of migration a little more visible and show that we are success stories or people with a positive impact within the city,” Ariza said.