Developed in collaboration with 6ix Academy,
the Truly You! Character Creator™ set reimagines a traditional play
pattern celebrating diversity and inclusion
TORONTO, June 1, 2022
/PRNewswire/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a
leading global children's entertainment company, is putting a
diversity spin onto a traditional play pattern with the launch of
the Truly You! Character Creator™ set. Developed in
collaboration with the Toronto-based 6ix Academy, an award-winning,
inner-city business and arts program that spearheads social justice
pursuits, the all-new fashion illustration set aims to celebrate
diversity and inclusion through play.
Inspired by fashion design plates, where kids mix characters in
a variety of outfits, swapping their looks from head to toe, the
6ix Academy students approached Spin Master with an opportunity to
infuse greater representation to this once traditional play
pattern. Together, with consultation from an external diversity
agency, Truly You! Character Creator was born, featuring an
inclusive collection of six individuals, each with their own
character card that speaks to their unique identities.
Kids can learn about the character backgrounds, trace outlines
from head to toe in a variety of outfits, creating diverse
identities with different interests. Characters include:
- A young indigenous designer from the Sioux Nation who loves to
feature elements of her culture through her fashion designs. This
character was based on one of the 6ix Academy student
inventors.
- A gender fluid content creator and advocate for mental health
who lives their life as their most authentic self.
- An astronaut who chases her dreams of exploring space and
increasing representation of Black women in STEM careers.
- A Paralympic athlete and strong advocate for children
with disabilities.
- A non-binary frontline healthcare worker who provides
consistent and compassionate healthcare to all people.
- A Muslim fashion and beauty influencer who uses her modest
fashion and passion for makeup and photography to express her
identity and creativity.
"When we first met with the 6ix Academy, we were so inspired by
their fresh take on a classic activity toy we quickly joined forces
to bring Truly You! Character Creator set from concept to
consumers," said Jennifer Skewes,
Vice President and Global Brand Team Leader, Activities &
Building Sets at Spin Master. "Designed for kids by kids, we hope
that children feel included and inspired by the Truly You!
Character Creator set, mixing and matching to explore
characters that are as diverse as the communities we live in."
"Students enrolled in the 6ix Academy are a new generation of
mindful thinkers and progressive doers," said Rebecca Dileo, Creative Director at CTA's 6ix
Academy. "Student passion for social justice activism is woven into
art projects and put into action through extracurricular
programming such as AIM (ARTivism Inclusivity Movement). We
approach all projects through an "ARTivism" lens and ensure student
voice and vision are front and centre within the
curriculum."
The Truly You! Character Creator set is available
exclusively on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca beginning June 1 with a suggested retail price of
$19.99 USD / $24.99 CAN and is recommended for ages 8 and
up.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's
entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences
through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital
Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best
known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Bakugan®, Kinetic
Sand®, Air Hogs®, Hatchimals®, Rubik's Cube® and GUND®, and is the
global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master
Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform
content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside
creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol and
numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films.
The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored
by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering open-ended
and creative game and educational play in digital environments.
Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes minority
investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups. With over
30 offices in close to 20 countries, Spin Master employs more than
2,000 team members globally. For more information visit
spinmaster.com or follow-on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
@spinmaster.
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SOURCE Spin Master