What's new in
Jamii's whimsical world.
Click here to subscribe to Jamii's E-NEWS | Click here to check our EVENTS CALENDAR
Click here to REGISTER for our free workshops
Click here to read Jamii's impact on young women - 2021 LAINI REPORT
WHAT IS NEXT?
"Divine Interventions", An outdoor processional performance
Co-presented with CORPUS
“Divine Interventions” is a playful response to the challenges of 2020 and beyond. Five goddesses descend from the heavens and tour the streets of Toronto on a giant quint tandem bicycle, having received word that the world is in dire need of their help. Through a suite of new songs by Dora-winning composer Anika Johnson, they offer blessings, prayers, guidance and the occasional rebuke.
It is the intention of the work to offer a sense of magic, beauty, and the reignited hope that perhaps we are indeed being cared for by something divine.
Location: 189 The Esplanade
(The Esplanade & Princess St)
When: May 25th t0 28th at 6pm
WHAT'S UPCOMING?
Two x 30
Mark your calendars for June!
"Two x 30" is a series of thirty duet performances in summer 2022, exploring the inextricable link between our collective unconscious patterns of movement and our environment. Walking past each other on the sidewalk develops into an intricate physical conversation, highlighting the beautiful complexity of human interaction and communication.
Choreography by Michael Caldwell
Dancers: Roberto Soria and Pulga Muchochoma
This series of phenomenal performances will take place on June 9, 10, and 11 in David Crombie Park!
More details to come, stay tuned!
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
"Seeing Evergreen" New photo exhibit featuring stories of
our community's "grand-parents"
Visit Jamii's Newest Photo Exhibit in David Crombie Park
Take a look at Jamii's new photo exhibition that features the stories of 12 older adults who are local to the Esplanade. This exhibition is created by Laini youths , and facilitated by co-leaders Maysam Abu Khreibeh and Ana Higuera.
As one might imagine, this winter has been especially hard for many of the seniors in our neighbourhood. Jamii's intention is to feature the voices and stories of our local seniors and invite them to take a central seat in our community as we are sharing aspects of their journey, richness, and resilience.
Location: David Crombie Park
(The Esplanade & Frederick St)
When: From April to early Summer of 2022
2021 Jamii Season Review (click here for interactive pdf)
"The Wedding" - JAMII's MOST RECENT FILM PROJECT
Exploring the emotional roller-coaster of the wedded life.
The Wedding - a 3-part series of short videos
"The Wedding" is a three-part short-film project that invited professional artists and members of The Esplanade community to explore what a mixed-culture wedding looks like, what are the emotional triggers of wedding ceremony and what the emotional roller coaster of a wedded life looks like.
Supported by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, Government of Ontario, Canadian Stage, SHowLoveTo, City of Toronto and Rama Gaming House.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JAMII's RECENT PROGRAMMING YEARS
2021, 2020 & 2019
2021
One of Jamii's busiest year!
Our 2021 theme was “Looks Like Us” and was an invitation to explore one of the foundational values of the Esplanade neighbourhood: the concept of “mix”. We wanted to ask if, white we celebrate each other’s cultural heritage, we also celebrate intercultural mixing, and if so, how? Through a wide range of artistic experiences, we explored if we could bring our cultures together while retaining our cultural traditions, sense of identity and uniqueness. We hoped to continue engaging artists and audiences with questions around representation and belonging, and to ignite conversations. Did we succeed? Only you can say.
2020
Check full document HERE
At Jamii, we define our success by the legacy of qualitative memories we ignite for all “Esplanadians” - people of all ages who have taken part in the Jamii’s journey. By creating shared memories, we are creating stronger connections and bonds between people. In doing so, we create a sense of belonging, ownership and identity for the people engaged in the work we do in the community. This circles back to our mandate of enhancing social cohesion through the arts.
In 2020, we worked with 91 artists;
We organized 101 workshops;
We hosted 166 workshop participants;
We counted 2300 audience members;
We produced 34 public events,
And all of this, during a pandemic.
2019
Reflecting on 2019 is inspiring: it has been a beautiful year for Jamii; one of growth, enriching partnerships, exciting projects in our community, and throughout the Province. A year during which one of our dreams came true: the creation of a mobile theatre for our community, the Kisanii Hub. Last but not least, in 2019, Jamii refined its goal of both building community through multiple artistic initiatives, and nurturing young women in leadership.
In 2019, we worked with 88 Artists;
We organized 48 Workshops;
We engaged 400+ Participants;
We counted 1500+ Audience members;
We produced 22 events.
HIGHLIGHTS OF JAMII's PAST PROGRAMMING
The Wedding
A three-part series of short videos exploring wedding ceremonies through different lenses.
June - October 2021
"The Wedding" is a three-part project inviting professional artists and members of The Esplanade community to explore what a mixed-culture wedding looks like, what are the emotional triggers of wedding ceremonies and the emotional roller coaster of a wedded life.
Filmed in June, July and October, as a 20-min one shot through David Crombie Park, The Esplanade.
Supported by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada.
Wayo Festival
300 people attended our mesmerizing parkour through the Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre, to discover a series of delightful performances!
"Wayo" is a Swahili word that means ‘footprint’, symbolizing the journey to life.
On August 19th, 20th and 21st, Jamii welcomed families one-at-a-time for a physically-distanced experience where families were invited to follow a “parkour” through the famous Berkeley Castle and the Berkeley Theatre, discovering 7 live artistic installations and small-scale performances.
This event was in partnership with Canadian Stage and the Berkeley Castle.
Supported by Canada Council for the Arts and the Government of Ontario.
%20LR.jpg)
Legacy Project
Toronto's Iconic
Basketball Court Mural
In 2014, Jamii spearheaded a mural painting on David Crombie Park basketball court wall after the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment paid to resurface the court, which had been destroyed during a police chase in 2013.The mural, produced by Jamii, was created by 16 local youths under artistic guidance of Shalak Attack, Julian Periquet and Bruno Smoky. Curated by Isorine Marc.Vibrant ideas — and vibrant paint — can go a long way toward strengthening andhealing a community.If you would like to learn more email info@jamii.ca