Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Mita. I’m a singer-songwriter. I moved to Calgary in 2014. I’ve always loved and dabbled in music, but I started performing more regularly around a year after I moved.
How did you get started?
I started writing songs as a child, just little jingles and choruses. It’s one of my earliest memories actually. I also grew up singing pretty much everywhere, in church, at school, wherever I was allowed. It’s grown very gradually from there, and I’ve always tried to have music be a part of my life in some way.
What is Calgary’s art scene like for women?
I mostly just dabble in the Calgary art scene so I consider myself to be on the fringes, but I have found it to be very welcoming. I was very nervous when I started out, but with each show I’ve played, I’ve been connected to new opportunities. I think people are open to whatever art they feel is good, and are even willing to go the extra mile of making space for that art to be shared.
What can our city do better to support women in the arts?
I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy art by so many talented women in Calgary. I think having so many spaces where that can happen is a testament to our community’s passion for the arts. Calgary doesn’t have the same reputation as a creative hub that other cities do, but it would be nice to see us get to a place where artists can thrive and reach their full potential here in the city, without having to leave.
What are you most excited about for your residency at the Women’s Centre?
I’m really excited to meet women who have found the Women’s Centre to be a place of community and support. It’s a blessing to have a place like this in Calgary for any woman who needs it, and I just feel honoured to play a small part in the greater mission of the Women’s Centre.
Who is/was an influential woman in your life?
The most influential woman in my life is my sister. She’s extremely encouraging and she understands me, so she pushes me to be better in every part of my life. I also think she’s fierce and brave, and having her in my life definitely nudges me to be more like that.
What does feminism mean to you?
I wouldn’t have the life I have today without progress that is a result of women’s rights advocacy. Feminism is all about equality of the sexes, and the world can never be fair if women don’t have equal opportunity to fulfill their potential.
Listen to some of Mita’s music here!