Emergence Symposium: Art & Equity Leading Social Change
WHAT IS EMERGENCE?
Led by Toronto Arts Foundation's Neighbourhood Arts Network, Emergence is a series of workshops, panels and offerings that brings people together to learn and discuss key issues facing the arts sector.
Since its inception in 2011, Emergence has convened hundreds of artists and arts workers*, community leaders, and policy makers to exchange knowledge around the theme of Arts & Equity: Leading Social Change. This large-scale multi-day platform is built on issues that Neighbourhood Arts Network and our partners have explored through our work. Centred in all of this, is equity.
*Arts workers include arts administrators, arts educators, arts facilitators, art therapists, and other people using art to strengthen community health and relationships.
Immerse yourself in a fusion of Climate Action and Creative Exploration at our two-day symposium!
This year, Emergence takes on a remarkable new format as a retreat-style event, immersing arts practitioners in an unforgettable experience designed to foster creativity, critical dialogue, and provide space for reflection. Join us and fellow artists, innovators, and change-makers for workshops and panels led by industry experts. Dive deep into your artistic practice, expand your skills, and explore new horizons. Engage in thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, practitioners, and artists. Challenge artistic norms, push boundaries, and amplify your impact.
Emergence symposium is made possible with support of Humber College (Lead Sponsor), Destination Toronto, F.K. Morrow Foundation and The City of Toronto and is presented in partnership with Clark Centre for the Arts.
Day 1: Indigenous Wisdom, Play, and Artful Connections
Our engaging sessions will delve into the profound connection between art and play that has been overshadowed by the influence of capitalism. Join us as speakers unravel our innate thirst for artful play, followed by facilitated sessions led by our dedicated team and collaborators. Dive into artmaking and explore diverse applications of play and art. Take part in mentorship hives through group drop-in sessions, fostering collaborative growth.
| 9:30-10:30 AM |
REGISTRATION AND OPENING |
| 10:45-11:45 AM |
CONVERSATION
Reclaiming Creativity: Reflecting on Our Societal Relationship with Art and its Influence on Mental Health
Facilitators: Veronica Johnny and Melissa Foster
Engage in dialogue to explore the cultural impact of art on mental well-being, addressing how hierarchical colonial perspectives have undervalued creative expression.
|
| 11:45 AM-3:00 PM |
INTERACTIVE STATIONS
Play, Make and Connect
Discover and engage with our stations to find respite, inspiration, and creative connection. |
| 12:00 AM-1:00 PM |
LUNCH |
| 1:00-1:30PM |
MEDITATION & STRETCH
|
| 1:00 -2:00 PM |
MENTORSHIP
Mentorship Hives: Connecting Art, Play, and Professional Growth
Facilitators: Julián Carvajal and Paddy Leung
Through group sessions, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and receive guidance from both peers and mentors.
WORKSHOPS
The Power of Collaboration
Facilitator: Paola Gomez, Muse Arts
Delve into and reflect upon the principles of collaboration, its defining characteristics, while also gaining insights into the existing power dynamics within groups.
Making your own Art Kit
Facilitator: Karen Harkins, Clark Centre for the Arts
Discover a fresh way to connect with people through an interactive storytelling adventure packed into a box!
Felted Journeys
Facilitator: Kat Singer
A demonstration of felting techniques, discussing history, material ethics, mindfulness, and neurodivergence.
|
| 2:15-2:45 PM |
MEDITATION & STRETCH
|
| 2:15-3:00 PM |
PRESENTATION
Legal Labs: Self Employment for Artists Receiving Income Support
Facilitator: Glamma Kimaiyo, SKETCH
Discover strategies to maximize income and asset exemptions tied to arts grants, empowering artists to earn and retain more without compromising social assistance supports.
MENTORSHIP
Mentorship Hives: Connecting Art, Play, and Professional Growth
Facilitators: Julián Carvajal and Paddy Leung
Through group sessions, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and receive guidance from both peers and mentors.
WORKSHOPS
The Power of Collaboration
Facilitator: Paola Gomez, Muse Arts
Delve into and reflect upon the principles of collaboration, its defining characteristics, while also gaining insights into the existing power dynamics within groups.
Felted Journeys
Facilitator: Kat Singer
A demonstration of felting techniques, discussing history, material ethics, mindfulness, and neurodivergence.
|
| 3:15-4:00 PM |
CLOSING AND NETWORKING |
Day 2: Art as a Catalyst for Climate Action
Embark on a profound journey as artists take centre stage to explore the pivotal role of art in addressing climate change. Delve into the arts' potential to drive sustainable transitions amidst climate challenges. While the arts' impact on climate action gains recognition, there's a need for research on its influence within the arts sector. Engage with a panel featuring artists championing climate action, showcasing their work, and leading critical dialogues. Participate in insightful think tank sessions, gaining fresh perspectives on the vital link between artistic expression and environmental advocacy.
| 9:00-9:45 AM |
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME |
| 9:45-10:15 AM |
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Julius Lindsay, David Suzuki Foundation
Gain an understanding of how art can serve as a potent instrument for conveying both the urgency of the climate crisis and the promise of sustainable solutions. |
| 10:30-11:15 AM |
PRESENTATION
Exploring Culture's Role in Climate Action: CreativePEI a case study
Presenter: Emma Bugg
Uncover the potential of arts organizations in addressing climate change through a mixed methods approach and proposing a preliminary impact framework for wider application. |
| 11:30 AM-12:30 PM |
LUNCH |
| 11:30 AM-12:00 PM |
MEDITATION & STRETCH |
| 12:30-1:30 PM |
MENTORSHIP
Mentorship Hives: Intersection of Climate Change and Art
Facilitators: Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone and Jaene Castrillon
Delve into how art can address climate challenges, discussing projects, sharing insights, and forging connections that cultivate both artistic and environmental growth.
|
| 12:45 AM-3:00 PM |
INTERACTIVE STATIONS
Play, Make and Connect
Discover and engage with our stations to find respite, inspiration, and creative connection. |
| 12:45-2:00 |
PANEL
Harmonizing Art and Climate Action: Illuminating Pathways to a Sustainable Future
Moderator: Nehal El-Hadi
Panelists: Bonnie Devine, Vladimir Kanic, Adam Quang, Cole Swanson
An engaging discussion that explores the dynamic interplay between artistic innovation and sustainability, shaping a greener future through the lens of creativity.
|
| 1:30-2:30 PM |
MENTORSHIP
Mentorship Hives: Intersection of Climate Change and Art
Facilitators: Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone and Jaene Castrillon
Delve into how art can address climate challenges, discussing projects, sharing insights, and forging connections that cultivate both artistic and environmental growth. |
| 2:15-3:00 PM |
ARTIST TALK
Exploring Science and Art with Charmaine Lurch
Delve into how art can address climate challenges, discussing projects, sharing insights, and forging connections that cultivate both artistic and environmental growth.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Unleash Action in Breakout Working Groups
Discuss and innovate creative approaches to champion climate action.
MEDITATION & STRETCH
|
| 3:15-4:00 PM |
CLOSING AND NETWORKING |
Emergence is made possible with the support of:
Lead Sponsor
