A free visual arts workshop in Toronto led by Janice Garel. Learn silk painting techniques and create a mounted artwork. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / SILK PAINTING: COLOUR, LINE, AND FLOW VISUAL ARTS Cycles Workshops SILK PAINTING: COLOUR, LINE, AND FLOW March 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Janice Garel This visual arts workshop series is part of Jamii’s March Cycle and reflects the 2026 theme, It Feels Right . Led by artist Janice Garel, the workshops centre around silk painting as a practice of focus, patience, and expression through colour and line. Participants learn a traditional silk painting approach using the French Serti method, beginning with designing on paper before transferring imagery onto silk. Using black, silver, and gold gutta resist, participants define their compositions before applying richly coloured silk dyes. The process allows colour to move naturally within each outlined form, creating a finished piece that reflects both intention and spontaneity. Each participant completes a 12” x 15” silk painting mounted on foam core, suitable for framing or tabletop display. All materials are provided by Jamii, removing barriers and allowing participants to focus fully on the creative process. These workshops are open to participants of all experience levels. No prior painting or silk work experience is needed. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace and in a way that feels comfortable and supportive. Workshops are free for participants. Registration is required, and space is limited. Support free community arts Jamii’s workshops are offered free so that cost is never a barrier to participation. If you’re able, you can help pay it forward by donating through Jamii’s website . Your support helps keep community arts accessible and welcoming for everyone. Jamii’s March Cycle is sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Arts Council, TD Ready Commitment, Rama Gaming House, and Charitable Gaming. REGISTER NOW Photos by Afnan Yakot Photo Credit: Unknown JANICE GAREL Janice Garel is a visual artist with formal training from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica and the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. Her practice spans over two decades, with a focus on silk and oil painting. Janice has exhibited her work locally and internationally, received the Markham Mayor’s Award for Community Service, and completed mural and banner commissions for schools across the York Region. Through her long-running Art Adventure Studio, she has taught art to children and adults, and she has been a returning facilitator with Jamii through the Belonging Older Adults programs. UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Wed, Mar 04 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 04, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +2 more Wed, Mar 11 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +4 more Wed, Mar 18 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +2 more Wed, Mar 25 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +3 more

We engage community members of all ages in all kinds of creative projects such as Queens of The Esplanade, Feetprint, Patchwork Village and Forty-One. We usually start a project with one simple idea, and invite everyone to contribute and shape it. Those experiences are nothing less than transformative and memorable for all participating. COMMUNITY PROJECTS Making art, making impact Community Projects We engage community members of all ages in all kinds of creative projects such as Queens of The Esplanade, Feetprint, Patchwork Village and Forty-One. We usually start a project with one simple idea, and invite everyone to contribute and shape it. Those experiences are nothing less than transformative and memorable for all participating. Unlocked 2020 READ MORE I am Me. I am Heart 2019 READ MORE At Heart (Docu film) 2018 READ MORE Forty-One 2015 READ MORE Catwalkers 2013 READ MORE Wind Stories 2018 - 2019 - 2020 READ MORE Choir in the park 2019 READ MORE Feetprint 2017 READ MORE Queens of The Esplanade 2015 READ MORE International Arts Experience 2011 - present READ MORE Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2019 - present READ MORE I am Me 2018 - 2019 READ MORE Patchwork Village 2016 READ MORE Basketball Court Mural 2014 READ MORE

CELEBRATING CULTURES Jamii's Annual Event In light of Canadian Multiculturalism Day since 2019! WHEN JUNE 27, 2026 SHOW TIMES 6PM to 8PM WHERE DAVID CROMBIE PARK Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an annual celebration that brings together diverse communities to honor the rich cultural fabric of Canada through music, dance, art, and storytelling. Audiences on The Esplanade are invited to enjoy performances by local and international artists, including vibrant music, dance, and photographic exhibitions. Celebrating Cultures is a chance to reflect on the beauty of diversity, the strength of our communities, and the shared experiences that unite us all. Celebrated every year, this event is a true reflection of the multicultural spirit that defines Canada. CHECK OUT PREVIOUS YEARS' CELEBRATING CULTURES! 2025 MORE INFO 2021 MORE INFO 2024 MORE INFO 2020 MORE INFO 2023 MORE INFO 2019 MORE INFO 2022 MORE INFO

In 1976 The Esplanade - a downtown Toronto planned community - was created with a pioneering vision of diversity. Today it is home to a very diverse population - with Esplanadians of all ages, abilities, household incomes and cultural backgrounds living together. We come from distant horizons, and yet together we live a harmonious and friendly day-to-day life. ABOUT/ THE NEIGHBOURHOOD The Esplanade Neighbourhood In 1976 The Esplanade - a downtown Toronto planned community - was created with a pioneering vision of diversity. Today it is home to a very diverse population - with Esplanadians of all ages, abilities, household incomes and cultural backgrounds living together. We come from distant horizons, and yet together we live a harmonious and friendly day-to-day life. However, with such a wide diversity, how do we ensure that intercultural understanding prevails; that economical disparity does not build walls between families; that both people with special needs and seniors are engaged and connected; and that all young people have an opportunity to express their unique voices? We believe that part of the solution is to offer inter-generational programming that is free and accessible by all, along with an inclusive, accepting and welcoming environment where all people can connect, gather and create together. We believe that offering both access and engagement opportunities in the arts contributes to a more cohesive, united and supportive community. THE ESPLANADE The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, also referred as The Esplanade, is a high density, socially mixed community in the centre of downtown Toronto. Built to provide affordable downtown housing, it houses over 10,000 people. It is seen as one of the best municipally organized inner-city redevelopments in Canada. It is also an excellent example of how the public sector, in cooperation with the private sector, can work together to develop a successful new community. Jamii serves The Esplanade neighbourhood. What makes this area of Toronto so unique? The Esplanade is a downtown Toronto community purposefully developed in the 1970's as a new model for urban planning centred around people from socially and economically diverse backgrounds. In 2020, The Esplanade continues to be a "people" focused community that welcomes and embraces a rich mosaic of ethnic groups. This community is considered to be one of the most successful municipally organized inner-city redevelopments in Canada. The Esplanade (original site plan for the St Lawrence Neighbourhood) is home to about 15,000 people – people who represent Jamii’s primary audience and project participants. The pioneering vision of diversity this community was built on encompasses cultural, multigenerational, socio-economical diversity while also embracing universal design for accessibility. Our cultural diversity was nurtured through the specific offering of social housing residences to cultural groups that include eastern European, Francophones, East Africans, and Russians. Our community is welcoming of people of all ages with 3 daycares, 2 schools, and 3 senior homes. People of all socio-economical status mingle with one another as neighbours from co-ops, social housing, private homes and condos. It’s conceived and developed with specific architectural intent so that socio-economic status would not be evident based on where one lived. As well, a specific percentage of fully accessible units were allocated to a significant segment of the residential buildings in the community. Accessibility is a main feature of our neighbourhood thanks to its promenade: a green artery along Crombie Park, connecting our community from East to West. The promenade is also the social hub of our community: when locals walk down the promenade, they can be seen regularly waving to one another. The Esplanade, nestled between the Distillery District and the St Lawrence Market, steps away from the lake, is a gem surrounded by high-caliber artistic institutions. It feels like a village in the City. It feels like home. This inside knowledge, specifically on the design intent of the community, comes from Alan Littlewood, one of the architects of The Esplanade, who was on the board of directors of Jamii for its first few years, as well as former Mayor David Crombie, who was the first person to support the creation of Jamii. Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) "Founded in 1971, OFIFC works to support, advocate for, and build the capacity of member Friendship Centres across Ontario. Friendship Centres are dynamic hubs of economic and social convergence that create space for Indigenous communities to thrive. Friendship Centres are idea incubators for young Indigenous people attaining their education and employment goals, they are sites of cultural resurgence for Indigenous families who want to raise their children to be proud of who they are, and they are safe havens for Indigenous community members requiring supports." St. Lawrence Market “In 1803, Governor Peter Hunter issued a proclamation, following recommendations made as early as 1796, that all the land north of Front, west of Jarvis, south of King and east of Church street was to be designated officially as the "Market Block." Since 1901, the South St. Lawrence Market has been known primarily for its fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese. For many years, few people realized that Toronto's original City Hall had been incorporated into today's south market. The history of the South St. Lawrence Market also includes the north "farmer's market" and St. Lawrence Hall as well." SLNA The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is dedicated to helping the St. Lawrence neighbourhood maintain its international reputation as a model for a diverse, mixed-income, multicultural, healthy and safe living neighbourhood. Berkeley Castle Site of the former Joseph Simpson Knitting Mills, the Berkely Castle is now home for advertising agencies, garment showrooms, computer software programmers and architects. St. Michael's Catholic School St. Michael Catholic School was opened on June 9, 1982 with 103 children. The key to the success of the students of St. Michael's is the emphasis on learning goals, co-created success criteria and practical and timely descriptive feedback. Canadian Opera Company Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The company enjoys an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Market Lane Public School "We are dedicated to the nurturing of independent, life-long learners through individual academic achievement and social responsibility. We value our unique diversity and model inclusionary practices within a safe and peaceful learning environment. We foster accountability, pride, respect and responsibility." Toronto Public Library St. Lawrence Branch TPL is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems, with 100 branches across the city and over 12 million books, movies, and other items. It is the largest neighbourhood-based library system in the world. St. Lawrence BIA The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood Business Improvement Area is a non-profit organization whose membership includes every business and commercial property owner within the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood. The BIA work cooperatively to improve the public realm, promote the neighbourhood and events, and support local business. Flatiron Building The red-brick Gooderham Building (Flatiron Building) is historic landmark of Toronto. The building, completed in 1892, was built by architect David Roberts, Jr. and originally cost $18,000 to construct for distiller George Gooderham, son of Gooderham & Worts distillery founder William Gooderham. It was the office of the Gooderham & Worts distillery until 1952 and sold by the Gooderham Estate in 1957. Saved by David and Thomas Walsh, restoration took place in 1998 by owners Michael and Anne Tippin. The building was declared a historic site under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1975, and then in 1977 the Ontario Heritage Trust attained a Heritage Easement. St. Lawrence Co-Operative Daycare St Lawrence Co-Operative Day Care 3 locations: - 230 The Esplanade - 2 Princess St. - 4 Market Street The Day Care has been in operation since 1979 and believes children learn through play. Play is the cornerstone where children have the opportunity to actively explore and learn through materials and their environment. St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre offers a full range of programming for families, children, adults and older adults. The "Rec Centre" has squash courts, a small weight room, swimming pool, and meeting rooms. Canadian Stage The Canadian Stage Company was founded through the merger of CentreStage and Toronto Free Theatre. Canadian Stage officially came into existence in March of 1988 with its production of B-Movie, The Play written by Tom Wood and directed by Bob Baker. Canadian Stage’s mission is to present work that is global, sometimes blurs the line between the performing arts disciplines, and is brought to life by artists with distinctive, contemporary voices. Downtown Alternative School DAS is a supportive and nurturing community that fosters curiosity, engagement, and a lifelong love of learning to empower students with the core values, skills and knowledge they need to be confident and successful citizens. Distillery District Nearly 15 years ago a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto. They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. Their vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City's SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds get together and you feel as if anything could happen. Young People's Theatre From the very beginning, Young People’s Theatre established its dedication to professional productions of the highest quality from Canada and around the world, written just for children and the people who care about them. Now, after 50 years, YPT is bursting at the seams with highly engaged audiences, bustling drama school classes, strong community partnerships, and innovative in-school programming. Today’s YPT enjoys a reputation for deeply meaningful experiences for all.

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT - NOVEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects November 2024 TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT Oct 30 - Nov 6 - 13 - 20, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Join us in a new series of sewing workshops this November (starting on October 30th as our first session). Our theme for this month is “Return”, which is Lead Artist, Razan Samara’s vision of being away from our homeland, yet remaining steadfast to preserving one's cultures, traditions, and the longing to return to the familiar. Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Two-Tone Dress with Belt, which showcases the stark contrast between traditional (patterned fabric) and contemporary (black fabric) elements. The wearer expresses a deep desire to preserve their cultural identity and a longing to “return” to their roots. Additionally, the combination of different fabrics and colors pays homage to the traditional practice of intentional mending, historically done to extend the longevity of family heirlooms and costumes. This practice symbolizes a commitment to sustainability and the passing down of garments to future generations. The belt holds the significance of bridging both the traditional and the present together. Join in to create your own customized Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. For this sewing project, you’ll need 3 meters of fabric (1.5 meters for each side of the dress). Note about Color Harmony: Ensure the colors of the fabrics complement each other well. If the traditional fabric has patterns, the modern fabric should be solid to balance the design. For novice sewers, Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into a simple yet captivating belt. Let's stitch away our Wednesdays together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Lesson plan: 1) Wednesday October 30th – Introduction to the theme of “Return”, and how it inspired the design of this Two-Tone Dress with Belt. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric and cut their fabric. 2) Wednesday November 6th – Sew the front panels and back panels of the dress. 3) Wednesday November 13th – Sew the front to the back of the dress, hemming the neckline, armholes and length of the dress. 4) Wednesday November 20th – Sewing the belt and adding finishing touches to the outfit, and end with a Fashion Show! Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend November’s “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii, to show off their Two-Tone Dress with Belt to the rest of the Jamii community! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. Wed, Feb 11 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 18 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 25 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / WRAP SKIRT - JUNE 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects June 2024 WRAP SKIRT June 2 - 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 Artist: Mariam Ahmad In June at "Sunday Sewing" we are making together wrap skirts with the leadership of Mariam Ahmad and support from Ghader Bsmar. While you are only required to register for the June 2 session, participants are expected to join all four sessions on June 2, 9, 16, and 23. If you register for the June 2 session, you do not need to register again for the sessions on June 9, 16, and 23. We expect a high number of registrations, so please let us know immediately via email at info@jamii.ca before May 30 at 12 PM if you foresee that you will not be able to join all four sessions , so another participant from the waitlist can take your spot. We apologize if the workshop is filled before you register. The sewing workshops will take a break in July and August, and registrations for September will open on August 15 at 12 PM. Please check our website at www.jamii.ca to register for September. WRAP SKIRTS In Mariam's words, wrap skirts connect beautifully to JUNE at Jamii and Nickeshia Garrick's theme of Connectedness : "A wrap skirt serves as a powerful symbol, embodying the act of wrapping oneself in protection while honoring existing and cross-cultural elements. It becomes a tangible expression of connectedness as participants weave narratives through bold colors, patterns, and textiles. In the act of wrapping one another in adornment, the skirt becomes more than just a garment — it becomes a vessel for stories, traditions, and shared experiences, fostering a sense of unity and belonging." The workshop will offer both beginner and intermediate levels, both exploring wrap skirts in different complexities. Participants will take their own measurements, cut the fabric to patterns, sew waistband, side seams, hem, top stitching and finishing touches. You will take home your own wrap skirts you can wear during the Summer or gift away. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. Our workshop lead, Mariam Ahmad, is a BIPOC woman, who learned to sew hand peddling singer sewing machines with her grandmother as a child. Her artistry beautifully weaves together her Eastern heritage with ancestral textile traditions, resulting in romantic silhouettes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar Photo Credit: Unknown Mariam Ahmad Mariam Ahmad is a bipoc woman, who learned to sew hand peddling singer sewing machines with her grandmother as a child. Her artistry beautifully weaves together her Eastern heritage with ancestral textile traditions, resulting in romantic silhouettes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Mariam likes to explore her passion for art through photography and web design. As a mother, she finds inspiration in motherhood and her love for literature, enriching her artistic journey with depth and meaning. UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. Wed, Feb 11 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 18 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 25 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / HOODED SCARF - SEPTEMBER 2024 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects September 2024 HOODED SCARF Sept 4 - 11 - 18 - 25, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey This September, we invite you to participate in our exciting new series of sewing workshops, themed “Storybeing.” This concept, introduced by lead artist Nova Bhattacharya, reflects the idea that “art making is embodied storytelling.” Nova’s vision of “Storybeing” emphasizes that we are all living dynamic stories as the main characters in our own narratives. Our Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Hooded Scarf made from repurposed sari and wool. This elegant scarf wraps around the neck while providing protection for the head. Much like a storyteller revealing layers of a narrative, this scarf unfolds to showcase intricate details and diverse characters within its design. Create Your Own Customized Hooded Scarf Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Hooded Scarf. We will provide a selection of fabrics to choose from, and we encourage participants to bring any special fabric that holds personal meaning. For this project, participants will need 2 meters of thick, yet soft fabric (imagine a cozy scarf). For novice sewers, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistants, Shaimaa and Ghader, will guide you through the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine, starting with a simple yet captivating scarf without the hood. SHOWCASE YOUR WORK Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend the “Saturday Mingling” event at Jamii on September 28th. This will be an opportunity to showcase your Hooded Scarf to the rest of the Jamii community. Let’s stitch our Wednesdays away in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you’ll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Workshop Schedule Wednesday, September 4 Introduction to the theme of “Storybeing” and its inspiration for the Hooded Scarf design. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric, and cut their fabric. Wednesday, September 11 Sew the outer and lining of the hood. Wednesday, September 18 Sew the outer and lining of the scarf and piece together the hood and scarf. Wednesday, September 25 Add finishing touches to the Hooded Scarf. Conclude with a Storytelling Fashion Show! SEWING WORKSHOPS FOR SEPTEMBER IS NOW FULL. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST THROUGH THE BUTTON BELOW AND WE WILL GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IF ANY SPOTS BECOME AVAILABLE. REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN FOR WEDNESDAY SEWING OCTOBER WORKSHOPS ON SEPTEMBER 15 AT 12 PM. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE AND REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING MONTH. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROJECT PARTICIPANTS WORK ON IS DIFFERENT EACH MONTH. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc & Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. Wed, Feb 11 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 18 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more Wed, Feb 25 February Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Feb 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sew at your own pace and create a handmade kimono. A four-part sewing series led by Diséiye Thompson. Free with registration. +12 more

2014 Basketball Court Mural 2014 This mural was co-created by 16 local youths Since 2014, this mural has gathered international recognition and has been featured in films, commercials, music videos and more! Check all the information about this project here

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / WISDOM RIPPLES LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! WISDOM RIPPLES November & December 2021 - Ages 14-20 Led by Gillian Mapp & Isorine Marc Inspired by our 2020 theme "Water Is Memory", "WIsdoM ripples" features the work of three Toronto-based photographers: Roya DelSol, Brianna Roye and Zahra Siddiqui. This exhibit was curated by 9 young women of our community, under the leadership of Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc. "Water, like memory, has a rhythm; it ripples in water like time and music on a page. A souvenir from a trip taken long ago. The scents from childhood. The familiar sound of laughter from your loved ones. Memories from the past rushing in and out like waves, crashing and flowing like a storm of culture." Curation process: Our group of young women curated this exhibit and crafted its title and artistic statement. They were initially presented with 30 photos, 10 by each of the three photographers. Through a series of 8 workshops, under the artistic leadership of Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc, they worked together to select 10 photos only. Through the exchange of ideas, perspectives and opinions, they explore the “why” and "how" to present this exhibit to their community and to you. - Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / THE TRADITION OF ORAL POETRY - NOVEMBER 2024 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing November 2024 TRADITION OF ORAL POETRY November 19, 2024 Facilitator: Leen Amarin On Tuesday, November 19 at 7pm at the Jamii Hub, artist Leen Amarin will guide you through a unique creative writing workshop. In reclaiming our inherent right of return, and as a gesture towards a return to Palestinian ancestral practices, this poetry/spoken word workshop aims to take us back to the tradition of oral poetry. Drawing on our personal and ancestral histories, we will engage with Palestinian voices and literature in order to find and share our own. Inspired by the process that led to one of Leen’s most popular poems, Mother Language, we will each leave this workshop with a piece written as a personal interpretation of found poetry. We are looking forward to seeing you at this inspiring workshop, discover Leen's work and delve into your own poetry practice. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Shaimaa Yakout, Hadeal Karrar Leen Amarin Leen Amarin is a Jordanian, Lebanese, and Palestinian creative, writer, researcher, and human rights advocate. Now based in Tkaranto, she attempts to reconcile her identity as a migrant-settler through her creative practice and advocacy. Her work is steeped in themes of homeland, diasporic tensions, and identity reclaimed. Photo Credit: Unknown

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, We were the Recipient of the 2020 Commnity Arts Award by the Toronto Arts Foundation And all of this, during a pandemic. 2020 in Review 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 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, Jamii... worked with 91 artists organized 101 workshops hosted 166 workshop participants counted 2300 audience members produced 34 public events received the "2020 Community Arts Award by the Toronto Arts Foundation! And all of this, during a pandemic! SEE THE REVIEW By Isorine Marc Founder, Executive and Programming Director Excerpts from Acceptance Speech - 2020 Community Arts Award “Jamii is about to celebrate its 10-year anniversary (2011-2021) and this award feels like a recognition for and appreciation of the artistic quality, the depth of our social contract, and our commitment to the Esplanade community. It is also an energizing wind blowing our sails as we look ahead to the next 10 years. This award goes to the hundreds of artists who define Jamii; to the hundreds of Esplanadians who have participated in arts-making with us; to those who have worked with us through the years, paid or unpaid, including directors of our board; and to those who kept on encouraging us in their own way during our journey. 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. A “memory” doesn’t happen overnight. It lives through time – and often enough, it changes and transforms with time. My hope is that, as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, people will be sharing “Jamii memories”: things they have done with us that will connect all of us together: “Do you remember when…?”. This “thing” they’ll remember will be the social glue that keeps us united - even in challenging times. And I hope, I sincerely hope that Jamii will continue building the capacity to pursue its mandate, continue collaborating with creative people to create the qualitative memories we will share, and continue building a legacy for all Esplanadians. Oh, and on a personal note, something else I shared in my acceptance speech for the award: my hope is to inspire my daughters with the work I do. If I inspire them, chances are that Jamii will inspire countless other girls and boys. And this is the the ultimate goal - so that the work carries on to the next generation.” HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020 DURING THE FIRST WAVES OF COVID-19 In partnership with Canadian Stage Joining forces to offer artistic experiences to all Esplanadians 2020 is the year when Jamii and Canadian Stage , both based in The Esplanade & St Lawrence neighbourhood, made a powerful commitment to one another and to the community. They joined forces with the intention of growing capacity and leveraging resources, which is meant to increase the quality of the collective arts experience, for the Esplanade community. Our first year of partnership, 2020, was extremely fruitful with a series of projects and events that brought people together (physically-distanced) despite a global pandemic. We are delighted to be pursuing this partnership into 2021. Recipient of the 2020 Community Arts Award by the Toronto Arts Foundation Read acceptance speech and interview HERE Jamii is about to celebrate its 10-year anniversary (2011-2021) and this award feels like a recognition for and appreciation of the artistic quality, the depth of our social contract, and our commitment to the Esplanade community. It is also an energizing wind blowing our sails as we look ahead to the next 10 years. This award goes to the hundreds of artists who define Jamii; to the hundreds of Esplanadians who have participated in arts-making with us; to those who have worked with us through the years, paid or unpaid, including directors of our board; and to those who kept on encouraging us in their own way during our journey. By Isorine Marc: "I hope that everyone who has ever added a brick to the wall to build the Jamii house feels the butterflies. I do." May the Jamii house continue shelter creativity. Full release from Toronto Arts Foundation HERE . West African Dance performance August 4 & 5 2020 We are thrilled to welcome back to Lua Shayenne Dance Company in our community for a set of performances in Parliament Square Park on Aug 4th and 5th (back up for rain on Aug 6th), at 6pm and 7pm. Dance performances will be accompanied by a visual arts exhibit showcasing the work of local artist Andrew Patterson. Join us for a Q&A on both day, at 7:20pm, right after Lua's second performance. In partnership with Canadian Stage, supported by Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Unlocked Art video premiere Berkeley Castle July 24 & 25 2020 In the Spring of 2020, Jamii and Canadian Stage partnered to invite eleven women, residents of the Esplanade community, to express artistically their personal journey during the COVID-19 pandemic through the creation of a reflective art video. Watch the online premiere of the video here . A project in partnership with Canadian Stage and supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Toronto Arts Council. Kisanii Hub Artistic Exploration Oct-Dec 2020 In October, November and December, Jamii invited four guest artists (dancers/choreographers) to explore the potential of artistic transformation of the Kisanii Hub. Each artist was offered a one-week research period at the rehearsal hall of Canadian Stage. We are thrilled that the richness of this process will be shared with the community with live performances in our park in 2021. Guest artists: Ayelen LIberona, Lua Shayenne, Ashima Suri and Michael Caldwell. Artistic Production: Isorine Marc A project in partnership with Canadian Stage and supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. WIND STORIES LIVE in WAWA & WOLFE ISLAND September 2020 In the Fall of 2019. Jamii visited Wawa and Wolfe Island, and invited people to create visual portraits of fellow neighbours, friends or family member. In September 2020, Jamii came back to both communities to exhibit the collection of portraits. Along with this beautiful exhibit, Jamii invited amazing local artists to bring these portraits to life. Music, dance, storytelling, and drumming, a whirlwind of stories. Wawa artists: Damian Binda, Isabella Imperatori, Joanne Poisson, Joanne Wilson, Mirinda Patterson and Samatha Stewart. Artists performing in Wolfe Island: Teilhard Frost, Jason Mercer, Robert Douglas, Terri-Lynn Brennan, Sue Croweagle, Sukruti Tirupattur, Nancy Steel, and Lucas Sherwood. A project supported by the Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Unlocked: From seed to sequoia A reflection by Sharon Zarita it is a grand pleasure to share with you Zarita’s writing about her experience with "Wind Stories" and "Unlocked". Zarita has been working at Jamii since September of last year and played a major part in bringing these projects to life. She is now finishing her contract with Jamii with the premiere of “Unlocked”, then continuing her beautiful journey of life. It is a full circle, and we are full of gratitude. Itinerant performances Featuring local talented Toronto-based artists 2020 COVID-19 has shaken Jamii to its core values by greatly limiting social connection. But it is of greater importance that we practice physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus. At Jamii, we believe it is our social responsibility to care for our community during such extraordinary times. We are producing live performances in the streets, courtyards and parks of our community, encouraging people to watch from a safe distance. Live arts has healing effects we wish to share around. Inugural performances featuring Domanique Grant, Leen Hamo, Iman Abdul Razzak, Jeremiah Sparks, Sara Luey, Alessandro Montelli, Johnny Toronto, Lua Shayenne, Cécé Haba, Arlene Paculan, Cleon Wong, Ayelen Liberona, Malavika Santhosh, Ekaterina HISIA - Kisanii Hub mobile performance October 3 2020 Watch performance excerpts HERE Hisia was an invitation to 8 artists to explore the emotional roller coaster of the past six months, since lockdown was imposed. Fear, surprise, sadness, disgust, anger, anticipation, joy and trust expressed through words, movement, imagery, sound, visual and experiential arts: a delight to the senses. A series of personal statements within the frame of a common journey. Performers: Jaz Fairy J, Meryem Alaoui, Nicola Pantin, Sukruti Tirupattur and Yvonne Ng. Videographer: Ella Cooper. Spoken word artist: Paulina Anthony-O'Kieffe. Music: Evangelia Kambites. A project in partnership with Canadian Stage and supported by Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. HISIA David Crombie Park August 21 2021 - 6pm & 7pm On August 21st, you are invited for a unique pop-up performance featuring four amazing artists. Jamii is thrilled to welcome back Heidi Chan (flute, drum), Jonelle Sills (opera), Raha Javanfar (violin), and to welcome for the first time in our community Eman Hillawi (lollilop lyra artist). The performance is titled HISIA, which is a Swahili word for inner feelings, emotions and thoughts. Jamii has invited these artists to connect with one another through a structured improvisation exploring their individual whirlwind of emotions since pandemic hit us mid-March. We all lived through the same major event, but all had a different journey. HISIA is a window into our unique ways to deal with the same situation. The Jamii teams hope you will come “look through the window” with us – as usual, at a safe physical distance from one another. This event is presented in partnership with Canadian Stage and supported by the Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario. WIND Stories Craft, exhibit and live arts in the park. Join us in the park with someone from your social bubble (family, friends or neighbours), and create, through arts and craft, a portrait of one another. This creative session will then be followed by live performances with artists Ashima Suri, Jonelle Sills, Jeremiah Sparks, Michael Caldwell, Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony and Sue Croweagle, with host Ryan G. Hinds. 3pm to 6pm: your portrait creation with facilitators Gillian Mapp and Sharon Zarita. 6pm & 7pm: live performance Friday July 17th Crombie Park (Princess and The Esplanade) Saturday July 18th St. James Park (by the Playground) – in partnership with Friends of St James Park. This project is supported by the Ontario Arts Council. A special thank you to the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association for supporting local artists and to the St Lawrence Market BIA to help us with chairs and tables.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / SHE AMONG MANY SHE AMONG MANY Photo Exhibition PARTNERSHIP WITH WEBER SHANDWICK May to August 2025 Workshops Led by Sabrine S. Hakam and Isorine Marc When Jamii and Weber Shandwick’s teams first met in the fall of 2024, little did we know we were about to embark on such a rich and creative journey - one that asked each team member of the Health Department to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and come together to create a powerful and cohesive piece of art. Led by photographer Sabrine S. Hakam and Jamii’s Director, Isorine Marc, the team took part in an artistic adventure that explored the connection between a chosen deity and each individual's personal interpretation of health - often incorporating meaningful cultural references. The process asked participants to select a deity, envision how to represent them in a self-portrait, bravely step in front of the camera, curate their photos, develop a title and description for their vision, and then collaborate as a group to craft a title for the exhibit and a shared artistic statement. This was a unique opportunity to co-create a vision that sparks dialogue around health and communication, while also offering insights that can enrich the work Weber Shandwick do with their clients. Thank you to Marlo Taylor for her leadership in guiding this project, to each team member for trusting the process and fully engaging, and to the leadership at Weber Shandwick for supporting a project with the potential to create meaningful ripple effects across the company. Find out more about Weber Shandwick HERE . PHOTO EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY THE HEALTH TEAM, WEBER SHANDWICK Using photography as a form of expression, our Health Team at Weber Shandwick explored how we can apply the lens of health, womanhood and strength to both our work and our lives. What emerged from this creative process with Jamii was a powerful reflection on individuality, connection, and purpose. Each woman on our team represents a unique story - distinct in identity, experience, and perspective. Yet together, we form something greater than the sum of our parts. Our roles as women are multifaceted - caregivers, leaders, advocates, creators - and these roles shape not only who we are, but how we show up in the world. To witness the world as a woman is to embrace challenge and rise above it - and when we come together, our stories and strengths intertwine to create something unstoppable. As healthcare storytellers, we have a responsibility to integrate ourselves into the lives and experiences of others. Only then can we authentically advocate not only for women but also for everyone. Health means something different to each of us, and that diversity is what makes our work so impactful. Health isn’t linear. It’s complex, evolving, and sometimes unpredictable. But as a team, we grow stronger by embracing those complexities, supporting each other, and finding strength in the unknown. Together, our diverse interpretations of health paint a holistic, inclusive, and deeply human picture - one we carry into every story we tell. Photos by Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc Photo by Iris Unlu Sabrine S. Hakam Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. Weber Shandwick Weber Shandwick is one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing agencies, known for combining creativity, data-driven insights, and strategic storytelling to help brands, organizations, and leaders engage effectively with their audiences. With a presence in major markets across the globe, the firm specializes in areas such as corporate communications, public affairs, crisis management, brand marketing, digital strategy, and social impact. Its diverse teams of experts work collaboratively to deliver innovative campaigns that not only drive business results but also foster meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve. Find out more HERE .

2020 < Back to Events Itinerant performances CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

Summer 2023 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ CALYX CALYX Summer 2023 Summer 2023 As part of Jamii's 5th Annual Celebrating Cultures Event Exhibited at The Esplanade & Berkeley St David Crombie Park Much like the protective green layer around a flower bud, this exhibit, titled Calyx, is a testament to the power of flourishing creativity and blossoming ideas. Designed and created by 15 Esplanadians, under the artistic leadership of Sabrine S. Hakam. Unveiled on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 On display from June to November 2023 In Partnership with As part of CREDITS Created, curated and designed by community members: Maryam Alireza, Dani Gakumba, Sabrine S. Hakam, Aéla Kuria, Zélia Kuria, Sophia Leopold-Muresan, keiron, Isorine Marc, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Faith Ssempiira, Francesca Ssempiira, Ruthmarie Williams, Shaima Yacout, Afnan Yakot, Eva Zolfaghari Artistic Concept: Sabrine S. Hakam Creation Process Facilitation: Sabrine S. Hakam Photography: Sabrine S. Hakam, Dani Gakumba Project Management: Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Maryam Alireza Project Direction: Isorine Marc Graphic Designer: Iris Unlu Collective Artistic Statement: Much like the protective green layer around a flower bud, our exhibit, titled Calyx, is a testament to the power of flourishing creativity and blossoming ideas. Together, we envisioned, designed, and created an exhibit that nurtures budding talent and passion. The entire process was an opportunity to explore different aspects and expressions of our own personal identities. Through this exhibition, mostly composed of self-portraits, we explore how, both individually and as a group, we relate to society and its pressures. In juxtaposing strong images, we demonstrate how one can decide to see beauty in the world or run away from it. In sharing the intimate stories and learnings that inspired our portraits, we found many bridges to connect us. Creating this exhibit was an act of love for ourselves and our communities, and, in some cases, a lesson on choosing your perspective on life and offering words of wisdom. Artistic Statement by Sabrine S Hakam: In 2022, I started work on ‘Power in Portraits’, a creative project that uses portraiture to explore different facets of BIPOC, postcolonial, and Third Culture identities. As an art form, portraits demand we consider not only how we see ourselves but also how we wish to represent ourselves to the world. Therefore, power exists in the freedom and ability to control our own representation. The ‘Power in Portraits’ workshops, in partnership with Jamii, provided a space for participants to explore portraits as a tool for self-expression, representation and empowerment. These workshops were a unique opportunity for me, as an artist and educator, to both learn from and nurture the creativity of others and invite them to channel their imagination through my artistic method. The results are striking, shocking, beautiful and, most importantly, they represent the power of collaboration, dialogue, mutual appreciation and respect. Calyx is built around teamwork and the free exchange of ideas and while each portrait represents a unique point of view, the exhibit itself represents our work as a group, a team, a creative collective - a Jamii. Click HERE to more information about photographer Sabrine S. Hakam Photo exhibition and unveiling event (Celebrating Cultures) supported by:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Michael Caldwell Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director website Michael Caldwell (he/him) is a choreographer, performer, curator, artistic director, producer, and arts advocate, based in Tkaronto, Canada. 
 Garnering critical acclaim, his choreography has been commissioned/presented throughout Canada at major festivals, in traditional venues and in site-responsive and community-engaged contexts. Michael’s most recent choreographic work responds to the 'site' in as many ways as can be conceived, and subverts traditional modes of viewing. He recently premiered ‘Two x 30’ - a large-scale performance/sound work as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto's Year of Public Art, and is currently working on two collaborative multidisciplinary performance projects. Caldwell is a two-time K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation Artist Award finalist. 
 Michael has performed/collaborated with over 55 of Canada's esteemed performance creators/companies, working internationally and performing across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. His performances have earned him two (2) Dora Mavor Moore Awards for outstanding performance in dance. 

 Currently, Michael serves as Artistic Director at SummerWorks in Tkaronto, and as Programming Advisor for Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal, in Nova Scotia. Most recently, as Creative Director: Programming at Generator, he led the reimagination of the overall governance structure of the organization, moving towards a co-leadership framework. Previously, Michael played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Fall for Dance North, serving as Executive Producer for eight years. He has also previously guided projects with CanAsian Dance, Dusk Dances, Older & Reckless, and Kaeja d’Dance’s ‘Porch View Dances’. In addition, he acts as a consultant with various arts organizations and as a mentor to many emerging artists/curators in the Tkaronto arts community.
 With a bachelor’s degree in film/art history from Syracuse University in upstate New York, and professional dance training at Dance Arts Institute, Michael now serves as President of the Board of Directors at The CanDance Network. << BACK TO ARTISTS

Write with poet Jody Chan in a creative workshop on poetry as political and personal practice. Leave with new writing and questions to explore. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / WHAT IS POETRY FOR? - MAY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing May 2025 WHAT IS POETRY FOR? May 20, 2025 Facilitator: Jody Chan Join poet and community organizer Jody Chan for an evening of writing, reflection, and connection. Inspired by lineages of resistance poets like June Jordan, Suheir Hammad, and Aurora Levins Morales, this workshop explores poetry as both a creative and a political practice, a way of living in the world with attention, slowness, and care. Through a blend of creative prompts, readings, discussions, and writing exercises, you will be invited to explore your own relationship with poetry. No previous experience is needed. Whether you are new to writing or returning to the page, you will leave the session with a new piece of writing and deeper questions to continue your creative journey. Jody Chan brings a wealth of experience as the award-winning author of sick and impact statement , and is a passionate advocate for building community through storytelling and care. All are welcome, and sharing your writing is completely optional. For those who want to take their experience further and share their work, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on May 24, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. Spots are limited, so be sure to register today! This Tuesday Discovering - Creative Writing: Poetry as Practice workshop is part of Jamii's May cycle, guided by lead artist Heidi Chan, and centred around the theme of Small & Mighty. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing, singing, and creative writing, we will reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of Small & Mighty, finding the joy and value in doing one thing, but doing it well by slowing down and zooming in.” - Heidi Chan. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Jody Chan Jody Chan (they/them) is a poet, care worker, and community organizer. They are the author of three books of poetry: sick (Black Lawrence Press 2020), winner of the 2021 Trillium Award for Poetry; impact statement (Brick Books 2024); and madness belongs to the people (Brick Books 2026). They are also a member of the Daybreak Poets Collective, and co-host of the podcast Poet Talk with Sanna Wani. Photo Credit: Unknown

Since 2011, Jamii has curated and screened over 15 movie nights throughout David Crombie park during the summer months. Each of these nights, about 150 community members enjoy a diverse range of all-ages animated movies. Outdoor Movie Nights Since 2011 Since 2011, Jamii has curated and screened over 15 movie nights throughout David Crombie park during the summer months. Each of these nights, about 150 community members enjoy a diverse range of all-ages animated movies such as Triplets of Belleville, Coraline, Corpse Bride, Spirited Away, Song of the Sea, Boy and the World, and The Illusionist. Esplanadians are always welcome to bring a blanket and chairs to share with someone of new acquaintance. Neighbours are invited to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy our communal park space. Since the beginning, the welcoming environment of Jamii’s movie nights has been a way to offer Esplanadians an opportunity for social interaction within their neighbourhood. These events provide a platform to connect with the familiar faces, network within the community, enjoy quality time with the family, and meet new neighbours. Our movies nights are supported by: St. Lawrence BIA, St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, St. Lawrence Market, and St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Asociation

LAINI - Photographic Content and Release Form I hereby grant permission to Jamii to photograph and/or video record my child during LAINI workshops and events. I understand that these photographs and video recordings may be used by Jamii for non-commercial purposes, including but not limited to promotion of the program on Jamii’s website, online platforms, and social media accounts. I acknowledge that Jamii will ensure that no identifying facial images of my child will be shown on Jamii's social media platforms. I further agree that Jamii shall have the right to use, publish, and reproduce such photographs and video recordings solely for the purposes outlined above, without requiring any additional consent from me. By checking this box, I confirm that I understand and agree to the terms outlined in this release of photographic consent form.

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / MIRROR BAG - FEBRUARY 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects February 2025 MIRROR BAG Jan 29 - Feb 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey In February at "Wednesday Sewing" we are making together Mirror Bag with the leadership of Anita Boey and support from Ghader Bsmar. The capacity for this workshop series is 16 people without a machine, and we can accommodate 4 more people if they bring their own sewing machines. While you are only required to register for the January 29 session, participants are expected to join all four sessions on February 5, 12, and 19 . If you register for the January 29 session, you do not need to register again for the sessions on February 5, 12, and 19. New registrations will not be accepted throughout the month. We expect a high number of registrations, so please let us know immediately via email at info@jamii.ca before Monday, January 27 at 12 PM if you foresee that you will not be able to join all four sessions , so another participant from the waitlist can take your spot. We apologize if the workshop is filled before you register. Mirror Bag Join us for our new series of sewing workshops! Guided by Sewing Facilitator Anita Boey, you’ll create a Circular Lay-Flat Cosmetics Bag—perfect for holding your essentials, including your mirror. This February, as part of our theme “Mirrors,” led by Lead Artist Jonelle Sills, we’ll explore the deeper significance of mirrors both literally and metaphorically. Mirrors offer us a space for reflection and a chance to appreciate ourselves and our communities. The “Mirror Bag” we’ll make represents a special space to hold these reflections, ensuring we’re always ready to pause, see ourselves, and take a moment to reflect. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, but you are also welcome to bring your own fabric. Each bag would need ½ yard of fabric, interfacing, bias tape, and ribbons (or draw strings). Shaimaa and Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistants, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into this simple yet captivating project. Let's stitch away our Wednesday evenings together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a Mirror Bag to treasure and use, but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills and friends! Workshop plan: 1) January 29, 2025 – Introduction to the theme of “Mirrors”, and how it inspired the design of this Mirror Bag. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric, cut their fabric and iron on the interfacing. 2) February 5 – Sew the closure flap, learn about bias tape and how to sew the bias tape to the bag. 3) February 12 – Sew the main fabric and lining of the bag. 4) February 19 – Insert draw strings, final top stich and add finishing touches. Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend “ Saturday Mingling ” event at Jamii, to show off their sewing project to the rest of the Jamii community! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) - OCTOBER 2024 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing October 2024 TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) October 22, 2024 Facilitator: Patrick de Belen In the “TEKA LANG: Creative Writing Workshop”, poet, storyteller and lead curator Patrick de Belen will be guiding participants as they explore and practice different poetic styles originating from the Philippines. From the “Tanaga”, to the “Balagtasan” and epic poems, poets and writers of all levels will be invited to create their own pieces, and learn about how these styles of poetry have been used as a form of reflection, revolution and rest. Come and join us for a beautiful creative writing workshop on Tuesday, October 22nd at 7pm at the Jamii Hub with Patrick. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Shaimaa Yakout Patrick de Belen Patrick is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, educator, and storyteller across many mediums. His work often explores themes such as mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, social justice, youth empowerment, advocacy, grief, and healing. He is best known for his poetic collaborations with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, CBC, as well as his two spoken word EPs and numerous cine-poems and independent films that he has written and directed. When he isn’t on stage or writing, Patrick serves as an educator and youth mentor, working with institutions such as addiction centers, mental health organizations, libraries, schools, and even jails—advocating for storytelling opportunities and platforms in as many spaces as possible. Photo Credit: Unknown

2020 Unlocked 2020 A Flow of Colourful Connections in Lockdown An art video project created in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic Click here to find all the information.

Winter 2024 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ THE PACT THE PACT Winter 2024 Winter 2024 Exhibited at The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) Since 2022, a group of about 15 girls and young women from The Esplanade has traveled to Farming Futures Coop near Madoc, ON, where they are led by both Jamii and the Becoming Praxis teams for five days of artistic adventures on the land. During this immersive week, the participants, guided by a professional artist, harvest food from the garden, swim in the river, walk through the forest, share stories around the fire, and engage in arts projects. In 2024, the group embraced the challenge of creating a photo exhibition exploring the meaning of friendship. Participants chose the theme, took the photographs, curated the collection, and crafted their own artistic statement, which includes the exhibit’s powerful title:  The Pact.  This project reflects what friendship means to them. Unveiled on Thursday, November 28, 2024 On display from November 2024 to February 2025 CREDITS Producer: Jamii and Becoming Praxis Lead Artist: Nilaya Sabnis Artistic Advisors: Ayelen Liberona, Isorine Marc Photographers: Chloé, Aéla, Santana, Jacqueline, Trinity, Kandi, Ruby, Mila, Garesah, Zélia, Maryam, Lisa, Sanaa and Ariya. Youth support: Karen Lam Coordination & Hearth Care: Lindy Zucker, Angell Owens ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST NILAYA SABNIS: In our week together, I learned a lot about friendship watching the way these incredible girls looked out for each other, tried new things in a new land, played together, and shared an experience that none of us will soon forget. They showed me that friendship is indeed a pact, a decision, a promise, sometimes unspoken, but always shown. Friendship is making sure that everyone gets a cookie before anyone takes seconds. It’s walking the youngest across the field to the outhouse so she doesn’t feel alone and scared. Friendship is noticing when someone is struggling and offering your help. It’s braiding bracelets in the dome, and each other’s hair by the river. Friendship is encouraging someone when they’re trying something new. It’s holding hands on slippery rocks and making sure no one is left behind. Friendship can be quiet, or it can be rowdy. It lasts through laughter and through tears. Friendship is the comfort of knowing you are not going through anything alone. And this is exactly the story these girls have so beautifully told through this series of images, each one unique and true to the vision of artist who made it. It was a privilege to show them basic photography techniques and watch them take it on as their own. I am so proud of them for learning a new language in such a short time and using it to tell this story. But above all, I'm so grateful to them for reminding us all what friendship truly is.  ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS: Friendship is like juice boxes. I give you one now because you’re thirsty, and when I’m thirsty, you’ll have one for me too. We share, we care, and we’re here for each other. There are some basics about friendship: trusting each other and creating a space to share our true feelings. You tell each other things you wouldn’t tell anyone else. Respect, care, and support are key. Friends can laugh with each other in a genuine way, tease each other for fun, and know how everyone is feeling. We make sure everyone is included and having a good time. Friendship is also about finding compromises that work for everyone when we don’t agree. Friendship can be complicated. Sometimes, things don’t go right the first time, and you mess things up. But friendship can be wonderful if you work hard at it. One of the most important things about friendship is believing in one another—when we encourage each other, we can do great things that make us feel stronger. Friendship is precious: it’s joyful, warm, and priceless. You’re never alone, with friends who check in on you every day to make sure you’re okay. Older friends show me respect and care, which makes me feel great. We care for each other, and we make sure it’s safe for everyone. Friendship is something you can’t take away. You’re there for your friends, not just in joyful times but also when they’re down, sad, or angry, or feeling anything else. You support them and encourage them to look on the bright side. Friendship brings happiness all around. In the end, friendship is life. Friendship is love. Friendship is happiness for all. And really, making new friends is easy—kindness is the way to go. Be kind to the people you meet because they could become friends who share some of the most wonderful experiences that might transform your life.

Culture Cloths MIRRORS - FEBRUARY 2025 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / CULTURE CLOTHS / DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Culture Cloths MIRRORS February 2025 February 11, 2025 Lead Artist: Jonelle Sills Mirrors can symbolize the tension between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us, a theme central to cultural identity and representation. Like a mirror reflecting what’s in front of it while holding a sense of depth, this edition of Culture Cloths uses the idea of mirrors to connect contemporary identities with ancestral legacies. Join us for an engaging conversation with Jonelle Sills, moderated by Sabrine S Hakam. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Jae Yang Jonelle Sills | Instagram Jonelle Sills is one of the most exciting young sopranos of her generation. Named one of CBC Music’s 30 hot classical musicians under 30, Jonelle made her company debut at the Canadian Opera Company as Mimi in La bohème, a performance that was lauded as being a “beautifully sensitive Mimi with careful control and colour” (The Globe and Mail). Her 2023/24 season also saw role debuts with Edmonton Opera as Donna Anna (Don Giovanni), Vancouver Opera as Micaëla (Carmen), Toronto Operetta Theatre as Anna Glawari (The Merry Widow), and, in recital for the Prince Edward County Chamber Festival with the Viano Quartet. Ms. Sills past highlights include being a recital soloist with Ottawa Chamberfest, and her company debut with Toronto’s Against The Grain Theatre in Vivier Kopernikus, which earned her a 2019 Dora Award as a member of the ensemble. Jonelle has been an integral collaborator with Jamii since 2020, beginning with a performance alongside Jeremiah Sparks in Wind Stories . Over the years, her creative contributions have spanned various projects, including performing in Wayo (2021), starring in the short film series The Wedding , producing Stolen (2023) and Butterfly Ballet (2023), and most recently, performing in An Evening with David Crombie (2024). Sabrine S. Hakam | Instagram Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

In 2020, Jamii and Canadian Stage, both based in the The Esplanade & St Lawrence neighbourhoods, made a powerful commitment to one another and to the local community.  They joined forces with the intention of growing capacity and leveraging resources, which is meant to increase the quality of the collective arts experience, forThe Esplanade community. Partnering with our local theatre: Canadian Stage In 2020, Jamii and Canadian Stage , both based in the The Esplanade & St Lawrence neighbourhoods, made a powerful commitment to one another and to the local community. By joining forces around capacity and leveraging resources, they collaborated to increase the quality of the collective arts experience forThe Esplanade community. This partnership has flourished through the years and we are very proud of this pioneering way for two institutions to come together to make such a different. Here are some of the projects and events Jamii and Canadian Stage continue partnering through the years. Check out Canadian Stage website to find out more about what they do! Wayo August Annual - Children's Festival MORE INFO Flamenco Sept 2023 Outdoor Event MORE INFO LuminUs Nov 2022 Outdoor Event MORE INFO The Wedding 2021 Film Project MORE INFO Unlocked 2020 Short film MORE INFO Indigenous Day June 21 Annual - Outdoor Event MORE INFO Mudlark Dec 2023 Outdoor Event MORE INFO Kuné Oct 2022 Outdoor Event MORE INFO Écoute pour voir June 2021 Outdoor Event MORE INFO Kisanii Hub Exploration 2020 Artistic Exploration MORE INFO Celebrate Cultures June 27 Annual - Outdoor Event MORE INFO To my Past, Present, Future July 2023 Outdoor Event MORE INFO ApHeart May 2022 Outdoor Event MORE INFO Duets May 2021 Film Project MORE INFO Itinerant Performances 2020 Kisanii Hub - Outdoor Event MORE INFO

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Cute Finds, Great Prices, Big Community Vibes! JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET July 12, 2025 - 1pm to 5pm Hey parents, young professionals, and deal hunters! Come check out a fantastic selection of high-quality and like-new cloths, accessories, and household must-haves at very affordable suggested donation amounts for a good treasure hunt! Free coffee in one hand, and fun chats with your neighbours in the other. Come for the deals, stay for the vibes (and maybe snag that like-new suit)! We were donated like-new items and we're opening our doors to offer them with a suggested donation to support Jamii’s free arts workshops! Who doesn’t like an afternoon of bargain hunting and community fun!? From cloths to accessories, games, and more, we've got treasures waiting for you! Why should you swing by? Epic deals: Snag high-quality, like-new, trendy items. Community vibes: Hang out, sip free coffee or tea, and chit chat with people. Feel-good shopping: Every dollar you spend supports Jamii's free arts workshops for the community. Sweet Treats for a Cause: Some of our wonderful community members will be selling baked goods, with all proceeds going directly to support Jamii’s free programs. Treat yourself while giving back! So bring your best shopping buddy, your wallet (cash, credit, and debit accepted), and your love for a great find. First come, first served. Don’t miss out on the cutest, most stylish, and most useful steals of the season! We will not be providing any shopping bags, please bring your own! We take cash, credit, and debit, so no excuses. See you there for a fun, feel-good shopping spree! SEE EVENT Photos by Akram Yacout

About 100 people joined us in the park on July 24th 2019 to discover and continue learning about Indian Classical Dance with dancer & choreographer Neena Jayarajan, a trained artist in Bharatanatyam.  The event was in partnership with Meridian Hall, as part of the Discover Dance series that feature some of Toronto’s incredible dance artists, curated by Nova Bhattacharya. Live at the Kisanii Hub Discover Dance featuring Nova Dance July 15 and July 16, 2022 David Crombie Park Co-presented with Video by Recro Digital Marketing Video by Recro Digital Marketing This special edition of Discover Dance featured award-winning artist Nova Bhattacharya. Discover Dance is a free, all-ages series that highlights many of Toronto’s incredible dance artists and is co-presented by TO Live and Nova Dance. With Nova, we discussed the personal and dynamic elements of dance and the process of artistic creation, with a focus on Nova Dance new piece; "Svāhā!". Together, we explored the themes of intersection, identity and hybridity. Audiences were invited for a deep dive into South Asian culture with music by Gurtej Hunjan, Carson Freeman, and Davison Elie, dance workshops with Neena Jayarajan and Sukruti Tirupattur, talks led by host Dainty Smith, and henna with Sonia's Henna Art A series of beautiful afternoon in the park, dancing together, listening, discovering, growing and sharing. We are grateful Credits Discover Dance Host: Dainty Smith Performers & Facilitators: Nova Bhattacharya, Sukruti Tirupattur, Neena Jayarajan Kisanii Hub Music: Gurtej Hunjan Henna Artist: Sonia Sumaira Event Photographer: Jae Yang Event Videographer: Recro Digital Marketing Jamii Team: Hadeal Karrar, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Maysam Ghani, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Yusra Yacout With the support of Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, City of Toronto ArtworxTO "Live at The Kisanii Hub: Discover Dance featuring Nova Dance" on Media "Live at The Kisanii Hub: Discover Dance featuring Nova Dance" was highlighted on the August 2022 issue of a local newspaper, The Bridge , with an article written by Raji Kaur Aujla. Reframing grief through moments of dance Author: Raji Kaur Aujla It was Frida Kahlo who once wrote, “I do not think that the banks of a river suffer because they let the river flow.” There are dozens of quotes pulled from different essays that are scribbled on post-its around my office. I often look at this one and contemplate why we aren’t more like river banks. It feels rare for human bodies to flow in such a state, allowing experiences to happen without imprinting our bodies with the weight of memories and emotions, mostly grief. I find myself thinking about this a lot. Majority of our waking hours consist of doing the things that we may not actually enjoy. Writing emails, sitting in unproductive meetings, small talk, contemplating memes, etc. Years can go by without us taking a moment to reflect on our state of being. An active pursuit to resist this has been to learn how to live in my body rather than my mind. So when Isorine Marc programmed Discover Dance last week, a collaborative experience between TOLive, Nova Dance, and Jamii, it influenced an uncharacteristic instinctual response from me. I took a break from my desk during lunch and rode my Nishiki down to David Crombie park. By the time I found an umbrella to sit under, Nova Bhattacharya was in namaskaram. She bowed and asked the Earth Mother for permission and forgiveness before beginning to dance atop Her soil. It was a beautiful introduction to a journey the dancers and audience embarked upon together. Nova humanizes Earth through relational connectedness seldom considered. She co-exists in a state of oneness that I’ve been silently working towards, embodying humans and nonhumans, especially the mythological beings ranging from Brahma to Sarasvati, that allow her to transcend the human form. “As a racialized person moving through the world, I carry all of myself in performance, holding both pain and pleasure in my body. The act of dancing makes me feel better.” Sukruti Tirupattur and Neena Jayarajan joined her in a Bharatanatyam dance. They floated with one another when the drums sounded. The way they gracefully moved each muscle of their hands, as if slowly untethering all of the grief from our bodies. I no longer thought about the heaviness of the work I do in reforming colonial movements as a brown woman. I felt the bliss of silence in my body. “All art is political but our human presence transcends that.” Nova speaks about making the personal universal by being steeped in oneness despite walking through life as a woman of colour herself. She is one with the universe and puts her human costume on only when required. The truth is we experience the beauty of rivers without acknowledging the erosion that created the banks to begin with. Frida’s quote doesn’t reflect this phase of that natural creation. Destruction and creation happen in natural flow with one another. My writing would have traditionally remarked the dispositions of my own body and soul more than that of the dancer’s movement in front of me. But that afternoon, I flowed downriver and consciously oscillated between giving less significance to my gaze and more presence to the collective energies of the community at the park. Less in my thoughts and more in my body, I felt each movement of the dancers’ bodies, earnestly detangling before shapeshifting grief to beauty. It was beautiful. Photos by Jae Yang July 24th, 2019 1st edition of Discover Dance in David Crombie Park: About 100 people joined us in the park on July 24th 2019 to discover and continue learning about Indian Classical Dance with dancer & choreographer Neena Jayarajan, a trained artist in Bharatanatyam. The event was in partnership with TO Live (Sony Center in 2019), as part of the Discover Dance series that feature some of Toronto’s incredible dance artists, curated by Nova Bhattacharya. Find our more about Discover Dance programming here . Photos: Isorine Marc

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Andrew Patterson Visual Artist website Andrew Patterson is a Toronto-based artist and designer working to challenge myths and ideas regarding identity. In particular, his work focuses on the subject of mixed-race identity and the spaces where it overlaps; culturally, ethnically, and socially. What similarities and differences do we emphasize, and why? And what bridges might be discovered and formed by those who occupy those spaces in between? These are the questions he hopes to explore and answer, often through portraiture, abstraction, and decorative/geometric symbolism. We need new fiction. << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / CORDEL LITERATURE - FEBRUARY 2024 LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club CORDEL LITERATURE February 2024 February 6, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James Embark on a literary exploration of Cordel literature with us—an intricate blend of oral and written traditions from 19th-century northeastern Brazil. Discover how this dynamic form supports and empowers marginalized folk cultures of the region. Cordel spread through the nation as these groups searched for economic opportunities in the big cities, and is now both an officially recognized Brazilian cultural heritage product and a developing genre in contemporary Brazilian culture. We'll delve into the works of Salete Maria, a Cordelista, Feminista e Libertária, challenging traditional norms in this historically male-dominated endeavor. Join us for a concise yet captivating evening at the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary expression. You don’t have to know Portuguese to enjoy this session. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc Eshe Mercer-James Eshe Mercer-James has taught literature courses at both York and Trent Universities, and also works with the Canadian Language Museum. Her PhD dissertation, Framing Standard and Dialect in Black Women’s Novels (2021), was nominated for the Mary McEwan Memorial Award, a prize for feminist scholarship. She also has a longstanding interest in Brazilian culture, and spent a month in the northeast part of the country to experience the Festa de São João festival (also known as Festa Junina). She is excited to experience some of that energy in Toronto. Photo Credit: Unknown

2021, 2022 < Back to Events LuminUs CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

OUTDOOR EVENTS / BECOMING GARDEN - 2021 Becoming Garden July 2021 Honouring Indigenous knowledge through story, song and ritual. Date: July 15, 16 &17, 2021 Jamii, in partnership with Canadian Stage, presented "Becoming Garden" - Woven by Ayelen Liberona & Becoming Praxis. Cultivating Gratitude. Composting Grief. Harvesting Joy. An intimate sonic sensory experience that honoured Indigenous ways of knowing in an outdoor garden filled with songs, stories and joyful art-making. Guided by Indigenous teachings that elevated senses, excited imagination and invited people to re-story their relations. CREDITS: Weaver : Ayelen Liberona Sonic Guides (in order of appearance): Anishinaabe Kwe Vivian Recollet - Natasha Myers - Carolynne Crawley - Joce TwoCrows "Laini" Youth : Trinity-Ursula Nzau, Ruthmarie Williams, Zhenmei Wong-Ward, Daniella Gakumba, Huda Mourad, Ruby Fowler, Francesca Ssempiira, Emma Pio, Aela Kuria and Mila Liberona-Cami Firekeeper : Josh Recollet Sound design : Ian Newton Wendat Healing Song : Joce TwoCrows Circle Song : Trinity-Ursula Nzau, Ruthmarie Williams, Zhenmei Wong-Ward, Daniella Gakumba, Huda Mourad, Fifi Mourad, Ruby Fowler, Francesca Ssempiira, Emma Pio, Aela Kuria and Mila Liberona-Cami Circle Song Creatio n: Rosina Kazi, Nicholas Murray & "Laini" Youth PRODUCTION TEAM: Isorine Marc & Ayelen Liberona Program Manager: Jasmin Linton Production Manager: Ariane Burtin Stage Manager: Amye Sagar Recording Engineer: Nicholas Murray Production Assistant: Cynthia Ruso Headphone Equipment: Airmoves Wireless Audio BECOMING PRAXIS: Artistic Director & Producer: Ayelen Liberona Artistic Director: Joseph Johnson-Camí Company Manager: Ariane Burtin JAMII: Executive & Programming Director: Isorine Marc Program Manager: Jasmin Linton Philanthropy Manager: DeeAnn Sagar Community-Arts Coordinator: Cynthia Ruso In Partnership with Supported by PHOTO CREDITS

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / ANCESTRAL VISIONS - NOVEMBER 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm ANCESTRAL VISIONS November 2024 November 7, 2024 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Ibrahim Abusitta In this workshop, under the guidance of artist Ibrahim Abusitta, participants will be guided through basic acrylic painting techniques to create a family portrait. Using personal photographs of relatives and ancestors as source material, participants will have opportunities to share and paint their personal stories and memories. Join us for this reflective painting workshop – and bring photos of your relatives and ancestors to explore family portrait techniques with acrylic. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot, Ghader Bsmar, Hadeal Karrar Photo Credit: Unknown Ibrahim Abusitta Ibrahim Abusitta is a Palestinian-Canadian visual artist who lives and works in Toronto. He graduated from the Fine Art Photography program at OCAD U. After graduating, his practice shifted from photography as he evolved into a self-taught painter. UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Wed, Mar 04 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 04, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +2 more Wed, Mar 11 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +4 more Wed, Mar 18 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +2 more Wed, Mar 25 March Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Mar 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Paint on silk using vibrant dyes and traditional techniques. A four-part visual arts workshop led by Janice Garel. Free with registration. +3 more

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / SEW & BARK SPECIAL EVENTS for Dog Lovers BEGINNER LEVEL SEW N BARK February 8, 2025 - 1:30pm Sew & Bark February 8 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM | The Jamii Hub Calling all beginner sewists and dog lovers! Celebrate your love for your pup this February at The Jamii Hub and join us for a unique hands-on sewing workshop where you’ll learn the basics of sewing with a machine while creating a custom two-colour, over-the-collar snap-on bandana for your furry friend. Choose from a range of fabrics to design an accessory that’s as unique as your pup! Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day experience, a thoughtful gift idea, or a fun afternoon to share with your pup, this workshop is perfect for you. Here’s what’s included: • Expert guidance from a skilled sewing instructor, Anita Boey. No experience required! • All sewing supplies provided. • Trusted dog walkers to care for your pup at an indoor space and also walking outside while you focus on sewing. • A printed photo of you and your dog showcasing their stylish, handmade bandana. By the end of the workshop, we will have a dog socialization party, and you’ll leave with: • A handmade bandana, valued at $25, you’ll be proud of. • New connections with fellow dog lovers. • A printed photo keepsake to treasure. Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today and treat yourself (and your pup) to an unforgettable experience! Supporting Jamii: All proceeds from this event directly fund Jamii’s free art programs, for older adults, youth, and more, which aim to provide accessible, creative experiences for the community. By joining this workshop, you’re not only learning how to sew with a sewing machine but also supporting the arts in our neighbourhood. Feel free to check out our free workshops at www.jamii.ca/indooractivities Dog Behaviour & Vaccines: For the comfort and safety of all participants, dogs attending the workshop must be social and comfortable around other dogs. Unfortunately, this event is not suitable for reactive/confrontational dogs, intact dogs, or dogs that are not potty trained. By ordering tickets, you confirm that your dog's vaccines are up to date. Let’s ensure a fun and relaxed experience for everyone—pups and humans alike! Ticket Information: Each ticket includes admission for one person and one dog. Please refrain from bringing more than one dog per ticket. Get in touch with us if you have any questions: info@jamii.ca OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER

2019 I am Me. I am Heart 2019 Nuit Blanche in Crombie Park - Oct 5th 2019 While the city celebrated the annual Toronto Nuit Blanche event, Jamii invited audiences to participate in a sensory experience inspired by our award-winning documentary “At Heart”. 24 Esplanadians took the audience on a unique and interactive journey through David Crombie Park in our own version of Nuit Blanche. The hour-long shows lasted till midnight with a screening of "At Heart" at the end of each show. More than 130 community members participated in this unforgettable experience between the rehearsal and event night. CREDITS: "I am me. I am heart" Co-directed by Ayelen Liberona and Isorine Marc. Featuring: Aela Kuria, Asmita Pal, Ben Marshal, Callum Barringer, Charlotte Hervy, Clarke Graham, Delano Brown, Evan Wargon, Gemma Files, Georgia Reynolds, Kai Muyoboke, Karen Lam, Kerryn Graham, Mila Camí, Nadia Ibrahim, Nadifa Dau Mohamed, Noshin Hussain, Odunayo Mary, Paulina Speltz, Scarlett Graham, Sharon McMillan, and William McMillan. Stage Management and Community Outreach: Raecheal Goddard and Zarita Adhiambo

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Diséiye Thompson Fashion Design + Sewing website Born and raised in Nigeria, Diséiye from an early age was drawn to the craftsmanship of tailoring, learning from her mother’s tailor to repurpose scraps of fabrics into garments for their siblings. Moving to Toronto at 15, Diséiye studied Contemporary Arts at Ryerson University and classically trained in design at The Toronto Academy of Design, graduating in 2016 showcasing her graduate collection at Toronto Fashion Week as well as Fly Beyond Cancer Benefit raising funds for survivors. << BACK TO ARTISTS

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. 2019 in Review 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 Ontario 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. 2019 highlights: In 2019, Jamii... worked with 88 artists organized 48 workshops joined by 400+ Participants organized 22 events attended by 1500+ audience members SEE THE REVIEW By Isorine Marc - Jamii’s Founder, Executive & Artistic Director: 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 continued collaborating with our key community partners: the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, the Toronto Public Library (St Lawrence Branch), the St Lawrence Market BIA, and our local schools: Market Lane P.S., Downtown Alternative School, and St Michael’s Catholic School. We also developed partnerships with artistic institutions local to The Esplanade: Soulpepper Theatre Company; Canadian Stage; Meridian Hall; Young People’s Theatre; Théâtre Français de Toronto; and Canadian Opera Company. We met regularly throughout the year and organized together, in Crombie Park, projects such as “Discover Dance”, a community choir and Indigenous Day celebration. These partnerships will continue flourishing in 2020 with the common goal of igniting more artistic experiences for all Esplanadians. Jamii increased the number of projects and events in Crombie Park, especially through programming with the Kisanii Hub; and by creating an outdoor stage for our community. With “The Stories The Wind Carries”, we shared our expertise of community engagement through the arts with other communities - Wolfe Island, Wawa, Michipicoten First Nation and Pikangikum First Nation – sharing our multiple stories through the process. It is yet another project that will continue expanding in 2020. Taking Jamii beyond the borders of the Esplanade, as far as 1000kms away, is a big deal and we are extremely proud. Jamii’s commitment to young women in our community is not new. However, in 2019, we took it a step further by asking 20 young women how Jamii had impacted their lives and the community. We acted on their feedback to develop a Women in Leadership initiative named LAINI, which will be launched in 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated women who have made a huge impact to Jamii in 2019, including Mio Miyake Muyoboke and Yusra Yacout (Summer Project Coordinators), Angel Narick and Zarita Adhiambo (Community Outreach and Project Coordinators), Kerryn Graham (Ambassador to Wolfe Island), Sharon McMillan our new co-President (along with Jim Adams), and a special dedication to Georgia Reynolds our past President, who has been on Jamii’s Board of Directors since its very first year in 2011. Jamii continues to bring a lot of personal growth for me. I am grateful to have such a meaningful job in which I can pour all my passion. A job that I feel makes a difference in people’s lives and impacts positively on our community. I am looking forward to both celebrating Jamii’s 10th Season with all of you, and seeing the organization continue to thrive in our blooming and dynamic community. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 Winner: 2019 Public History Award - Heritage Toronto This award recognizes work that celebrates our city's rich heritage and diverse stories of its people and places. What an honour this is for our Esplanade community, especially the 157 people who took part in creating "At Heart, Citizens of The Esplanade", a short film that shines a light on our neighbourhood, and invites people to reflect on the values that drive community development. To the amazing team: Ayelen Liberona & Joseph Johnson Camí who directed the film and Jamii's producer, Isorine Marc. With the support of Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. WATCH "At Heart" HERE I am me. I am beauty. A self-reflective workshop that celebrated our inner beauty and natural qualities, led by Empathy Facilitator Georgia Reynolds Throughout August, a group of 11 young women were engaged in a workshop exploring inner values and a deeper understanding of self. With this confidence in their abilities, participants created a one-year vision board as a template for goal setting. Drag Queen Story Time Jamii and the St. Lawrence Library co-presented a fabulous event for children of all ages! A very special story time with drag queens Atmos Fierce and Lucinda Miu; Face painting with our local artist Linda Epp; live music with amazing Aline Morales; stilt walking by Blake; and last but not least, craft! Sat, Aug 10th Crombie Park I am me. I am mighty. Jamii and St. Lawrence Library present Culture Days TPL - St Lawrence Branch September 28 2019 This event was a showcase of mighty women who inspire us to be who we are and highlighted the beauty of cultural diversity in our community. Story times were led by Sharon McMilland, Parent Resources EarlyON CFC and St. Lawrence Library. Participants enjoyed live music by Aline Morales and Arlene Paculan, crafted with May Massijeh, had a drawing workshop with Connie Wang and took their live portraits home by Alison Garwood. Toronto Public Library - St. Lawrence Library 2019 At Heart, Citizens of The Esplanade A docu-film co-created by more than 150 Esplanadians AWARDS: Best Editing, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019 Best Cinematography, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019 Award of Merit - IndieFest Film Awards (USA) 2019 OFFICIAL SELECTION: Alternative Film Festival (Canada) Docs Without Borders Film Festival (USA) Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) IndieFEST Film Awards (USA) Diversity Feedback Film Festivals (Canada) I am me. I am heart. A sensory experience inspired by our award-winning documentary “At Heart”, during Toronto Nuit Blanche evening. 25 Esplanadians took the audience on a unique and interactive journey through David Crombie Park in our own version of Nuit Blanche (Oct, 5th 2019). The hour-long shows lasted till midnight with a screening of "At Heart" at the end of each show. More than 100 community members participated in this unforgettable experience. "I am me. I am heart" was co-directed by Ayelen Liberona and Isorine Marc and featured 25 Esplanadians. READ MORE & PHOTOS I am me. I am home. A one-of-a-kind event which explored the meaning of "home" through discussions, a photo exhibition, Indigenous drumming and spoken word performances. On August 24th, "I am me. I am home. " featured a cast of amazing artists: OPENING CEREMONY by Leonard Bernard. PHOTO EXHIBITION by Gillian Mapp. DRUMMING by Swift Current Singers. PANEL CONVERSATION with Sara Luey & Dynasti Williams. and moderated by Joel Zola. SPOKEN WORD by Ilham Suleman, Jennifer Alicia, Karizma, Maysam Ghani. Host: Britta b. More than 100 people attended the event. READ MORE & PHOTOS Tour of our local theatres 17 youth were invited to visit our local theatres July 2019 In partnership with Soulpepper, Sony Centre, CanStage, Young People's Theatre and Canadian Opera Company. Choir in the park Jamii and Soulpepper presents Waleed Abdulhamid FREE David Crombie Park Aug 14, 21 & 28 2019 Amazing multi-instrumentalist Waleed Abdulhamid, known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion, invited Esplanadians of all ages and all artistic backgrounds to be part of our choir for three sessions in August. More than 60 people participated in this project. READ MORE & PHOTOS The Stories The Wind Carries An intra-provincial project that connects people in Wolfe Island, Wawa, Michipicoten First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation and The Esplanade neighbourhood in Toronto. This project invites people from each community to create the portrait of a fellow community member through creative writing, visual arts, and photography. "The Stories The Wind Carries" takes place in both 2019 and 2020. This project is supported by Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, Ontario Arts Council- Conseil des arts de l'Ontario, and Toronto Arts Council. St Lawrence Cheering Section On Oct 20th, Jamii won the First Prize for Best Cheering Section of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Jamii also organized the Family Fun Run, an annual 1km-run that starts from Berkeley St and The Esplanade, and takes participants all the way to Berczy Park. About 60 people of all ages participated. Sun, Oct 20th Family Fun Run Cheering Section Berczy Park Discover Dance More than 100 people joined us in the park to meet dancer Neena Jarayajan July 24 2019 Performances and discussion were hosted by award-winning dance artist Nova Bhattacharya. Discover Dance is a monthly event at the Sony Center that features some of Toronto’s incredible dance artists - this time, in our local park! PHOTO EXHIBIT I am me (Girl, I got you) By 10 talented young women This exhibit invites viewers to push beyond the confines of society’s image of women. Created by 10 young women under the artistic leadership of Brianna Roye and Isorine Marc, this exhibit is displayed in Crombie Park in May 2019 as part of CONTACT, Photography Festival. WHERE: David Crombie Park (The Esplanade & Jarvis St) READ MORE & PHOTOS

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program AMBERLEE KING, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII In June 2024, Jamii, with the support of the RBC Emerging Artist program, proudly welcomed Amberlee King to Toronto for a week-long residency on The Esplanade. Amberlee, an exceptional painter from the Pikangikum community in Northern Ontario, first connected with us in 2023 during a video portrait project, thanks to the insight of dedicated art teacher Vanessa Hazel, who recognized Amberlee’s remarkable talent. During her residency, Amberlee was mentored by talented local artists, including Mariana Hernandez, Tugce Alemdar, Kseniya Tsoy, Ana Higuera, and Sabrine S. Hakam. The experience offered meaningful artistic exchanges and fostered personal connections: “Amberlee and I explored gel plate printing and image transfer techniques together. It was refreshing to create in a relaxed setting and get to know each other. Amberlee’s talent, humility, and tenderness shone through her art and presence. It was truly a special moment of connection.” – Ana Higuera. “I appreciated connecting with Amberlee as an artist and a mother. Hearing her thoughts on her artistic journey and learning about her community was inspiring. These interactions enrich us by facilitating cultural and creative exchanges that transcend location and language.” – Kseniya Tsoy. “Meeting Amberlee was transformative. As an Alevi woman artist from Turkey who has experienced state oppression, I found common ground with Amberlee through discussions on loss, grief, generational trauma, and the healing power of art. By the end of our session, we were more than collaborators—we were friends. It was a therapeutic and empowering experience, and I hope to work with her again.” – Tugce Alemdar. Amberlee’s residency also featured public engagements, including showcasing her work at Jamii’s National Indigenous Day celebration and Canada Multiculturalism Day. Her art resonated with the community, leading to the sale of several pieces and memorable interactions with notable figures such as MPPs Chris Glover and Krystin Wong-Tam. Amberlee’s visit was a deeply enriching experience, not only for her but for everyone she touched during her time in Toronto. We are excited to continue this creative journey with Amberlee and the Pikangikum community. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE AMBERLEE KING: Amberlee King is a rising visual artist from Pikangikum First Nation in Northern Ontario. A graduate of Eenchokay Birchstick School, Amberlee creates vibrant landscapes and portraits that celebrate the beauty of her community and people while reflecting on themes of healing and loss. Through her art, she finds solace and fosters connection, using painting as a powerful tool for expression and unity. Her work was recently showcased at The Esplanade in Toronto in collaboration with Jamii in June 2024, marking an important milestone in her artistic journey. FUNDERS:

In the context of the 40th Anniversary of the site-plan approval of The Esplanade (St. Lawrence),  we wanted to celebrate this shared common place we all call home. We decide to share the inspiring and moving stories of 40 fellow Esplanadians. Each of these stories is a component of an ensemble - a vital piece of a patchwork that composes the intangible cultural heritage of our Esplanadian community. Patchwork Village 2016 THE FORTY STORIES

Welcome to The Jamii Hub where we enhance togetherness through arts! Check out our workshops and activities, and enjoy the richness of our community, The Esplanade! Crafting moments, creating memories: Join us at workshops & activities! Join us at The Jamii Hub, our vibrant art space nestled in the heart of The Esplanade, where creativity knows no bounds. Designed for diverse individuals and families who live and work within our community, our indoor activities offer an oasis for Esplanadians to explore, create, and connect. Discover a world of artistic expression through our two distinctive categories of indoor activities. Dive into our Monthly Themed Activities and Workshops, where each month brings a fresh theme curated by a lead artist. From Monday's captivating dance sessions to Sunday's soul-stirring poetry workshops, immerse yourself in a three-week journey of self-discovery and creativity. Explore diverse art forms, from painting nights to community sing-alongs, and celebrate your creations with our monthly Saturday Mingling gatherings. In addition to our themed activities, our Regular Programs offer a variety of workshops catering to different age groups and interests. Whether it's the Belonging movement and visual art workshops for older adults or the LAINI Youth sessions empowering young women, there's something for everyone at The Jamii Hub. Best of all, all our activities and workshops are led by experienced artists and are completely free of charge. Don't miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and connect with your community. Register now to secure your spot in our upcoming events! Jamii's workshops and activities take place at The Esplanade's community arts space: THE J AMII HUB | 264 The Esplanade CYCLES - ALL AGES MORE INFO LAINI - YOUTH MORE INFO BELONGING - OLDER ADULTS MORE INFO MINI MAKING MORE INFO THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Suzette Vidale Musician website With roots from Trinidad, the home of the steelpan, Suzette has incorporated the rich and vibrant cultures of Toronto into her diverse repertoire. Her love of working with children has allowed her to merge her craft with education and teach with a focus on cooperation and team building through the use of the steelpan. Performance highlights include the annual Mayor's Art Luncheon, the Toronto Pan Am Games, the Congress of Black Women of Canada Annual Brunch, the Art Gallery of Ontario and most recently the 2022 Royal Common Wealth Society's Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Her greatest moments are using the steelpan as a wellness tool for youth and the city's most vulnerable women experiencing mental health challenges and homelessness. Suzette will continue sharing her craft with people from all walks of life and welcomes everyone to join her on her journey of "educating, entertaining, and inspiring". << BACK TO ARTISTS

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program KAREN LAM ACTING, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII “As an emerging artist who has been working with Jamii, I can proudly say that it has opened doors to new learning and working experiences for me. I work as an actor and visual artist; Jamii has connected me with artistic mural projects and acting experiences in the community of The Esplanade these past few months. I have been supported as an actor as they have given me a space to shoot my own self-tape auditions, as well as supporting me with the camera, angles, and extra person reading the script. It helps me because it results in my self-tapes to look more professional and well done. Through Jamii, I had the opportunity to work on 2 large-scale murals in the neighbourhood. The first was the mural working with the main artist Darwin, who is from Pikangikum, Ontario. Following his indigenous artistic style and working together with him and the other artists was a beautiful experience. I had a sense of contentment, knowing how happy the kids and their parents were, after seeing our beautiful work on the wall beside their school. This experience opened me to connecting with the other visual artists and the community, and the smiles of our neighbours. The second mural opportunity I had through Jamii was mentoring and supporting a group of young women in their process of painting the mural. I gained some more leadership skills and was able to put my visual art skills into practice, as I also helped them paint the wall of the hydro box. I learned a lot being in the leadership support role. It provided a sense of belonging, support, and a good feeling after creating a more positive and colourful space in the area. I had the chance to paint a sea creature, an Axelotl, which is my 8 year-old niece’s favourite sea animal. She was thrilled and I was happy to see her smile! The Wayo festival was another eye-opening project I got to work on with Jamii. The show had many different elements (literally), and such amazing and diverse artists showcasing their art through each element. It was a fantastic show to support, as I helped to print beautiful photos for families to take home after the show. I was in awe of the elemental show, and emotional too. The airy opera, the fire dances, the water instruments, the earthly music, and the powerful drums of love; all were fantastically woven together and it was an honour to both witness and help the show. It has opened my eyes to many other mediums of art, and how they can all connect together to make something great for the community. Lastly, as an emerging artist who is helping both behind the scenes and planning to also perform for the new Jamii Shadow Puppet Theatre project in December 2023 titled Mudlark. I was very excited, nervous, and continuously learning new things through this experience. We presented the show, which we created with community, to 400 people and I had the chance to perform alongside professional artists under the artistic direction of Isorine Marc. I get to see the process of how projects start from brainstorming to becoming the real thing before my eyes. It’s interesting, busy, complicated, and also rewarding.” SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE KAREN LAM: Karen Lam was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She has starred in the short film "SOLITUDE" (2021) that was nominated in the NYC Film Festival, and a finalist in Beyond the Curve International Film Festival. She was also one of the actors of Jamii's Unlocked (2020). In 2023, Karen performed in Mudlark, presented to 400 spectators in David Crombie Park, produced by Jamii. FUNDERS:

MULTICULTURAL DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2020 MULTICULTURAL DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2020 - 2nd Year! June 27, 2020 David Crombie Park | The Esplanade & Princess St On June 27th 2020, the community of The Esplanade came together to celebrate Canada's Muliculturalism Day, funded by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts, and in partnership with Canadian Stage. We treated the audience with a beautiful performance bringing to life a series of eight visual portraits that were created as part of Wind Stories . A unique way to share and celebrate each other stories. FEATURED ARTISTS: Ashima Suri, Jonelle Sills, Jeremiah Sparks, Michael Caldwell, Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony, Sue Croweagle, Heidi Chan, Raha Javanfar, with hosts Ryan G. Hinds & Indrit Kasapi. Photos and videos: Laura Dittmann Photos by Laura Dittmann

Page Title REGISTERED CHARITIES Available for registered charities hosting community events. WEEKDAY & WEEKEND Rate (4 hrs): $250 Per Extra Hr: +$50 PERSONAL USE For events like baby showers, birthdays, or gatherings (excl. weddings) WEEKDAY & WEEKEND Rate (4 hrs): $500 Per Extra Hr: +$100 COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES For events generating profit beyond costs (e.g., ticketed or business events) WEEKDAY (MONDAY TO THURSDAY) Rate (4 hrs): $500 Per Extra Hr: +$100 WEEKEND (FRIDAY TO SUNDAY) Rate (4 hrs): $750 Per Extra Hr: +$150 WEDDINGS Applies to all weddings, with weekday and weekend rates. WEEKDAY (MONDAY TO THURSDAY) Rate (4 hrs): $500 Per Extra Hr: +$100 WEEKEND (FRIDAY TO SUNDAY) Rate (4 hrs): $750 Per Extra Hr: +$150 EQUITY-DESERVING GROUPS Reduced rates available; see the Booking Form for eligibility criteria. WEEKDAY & WEEKEND Rate (4 hrs): $250 Per Extra Hr: +$50 PUBLIC HOLIDAY RATES Holiday rates apply on: New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve WEEKDAY & WEEKEND Rate (4 hrs): $750 Per Extra Hr: +$150

2023/09 < Back to Events Flamenco on The Esplanade Live Event - Dance Sept 29 & 30, 2023 David Crombie Park (The Esplanade & Berkeley St) On Sept 29th and 30th, Jamii, in collaboration with FabCollab and artistic director Tamar Ilana, transformed David Crombie Park as a stage for a powerful flamenco experience. The show showcased a brilliant cast of 8 performers (singers, dancers and musicians), who transported the audience in the Flamenco world: Tamar Ilana , Shirlita La Pili, Alison McDonald, Nicolás Hernández, Chendy León, Ana Lía and Lia Grainger gave us their best and we were energized by their passion on stage and captivating performances. A memorable evening on The Esplanade. During the few weeks leading up to the event, brave Esplanadians took flamenco classes (both singing “Cante” and dancing) with artists Alison Macdonald and Shirlita Pili, who are part of the FabCollab collective, with the intent to perform at the show, alongside professional artists. Trust us, this was not an easy thing to do - and they did more than amazing!!! Flamenco looks like a difficult practice: well, it’s more difficult than what it looks like.The rhythm is different than standards ways of counting, coordination is central, so is character and determination. We are very proud for this group who jumped on the train and didn’t give up. The classes led to a public performance, and they displayed, with grace, their hard work to an audience of 500 (total over 4 performances!). It takes bravery and strength to go on stage like this, and geez, they did amazing. CREDITS: CREDITS: Featuring FabCollab Artistic Director: Tamar Ilana Flamenco Guitar: Nicolás Hernández Singer: Ana Lía Dancer: Rocío Conde Dancer: Lia Grainger Percussion: Chendy León Singer and workshop teacher: Shirlita La Pili Dancer and workshop teacher: Alison McDonald WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program DARWIN PETERS, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII I really enjoyed the people, the scenery and the neighborhood of The Esplanade as I made this community my second home, and now, every day I miss Toronto. The Mashkiki mural was special to everyone around the community as they walked by and witness the creative process or attended the unveiling event. The mural had brought everyone in awe and has been an unforgettable experience for me. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE DARWIN PETERS: Darwin Peters is a talented painter and muralist based in Pikangikum First Nation. His paintings are sold around the world and one of his biggest murals, aside the ones he has made at the Eenchokay Birchstick School in Pikangikum, is located in downtown Toronto, on the south wall of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre at the heart of The Esplanade for hundreds to enjoy every day. FUNDERS:

DRUMMING AND FILMING LOCAL STORIES BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation Jamii's 7th Visit to Pikangikum 2025 DRUMMING AND VIDEO PORTRAITS III From Toronto to Pikangikum First Nation In October 2025, Jamii embarked on its seventh visit to Pikangikum First Nation since the beginning of this relationship in 2018. Located in Northern Ontario, Pikangikum is a remote fly-in community of about 4,000 people. Rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strong family bonds, Pikangikum also faces challenges related to infrastructure, access to basic needs, and youth well-being. Each visit to Pikangikum is part of Jamii’s long-term commitment to building bridges through art - creating space for connection, cultural exchange, and shared creativity between communities. This year’s project brought together three Toronto-based artists Isorine Marc, Jamii’s Alchemist and project lead, Aline Morales, musician and singer, and Ana Maria Higuera, photographer and videographer. Together, they traveled from Toronto - through Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout - to Pikangikum, where they spent 9 days at the Eeenchokay Birchstick School, working closely with students, teachers, and community members. Part 1: Music Workshops and Community Performance Under the guidance of musician Aline Morales, Grades 6, 7 and 8 students participated in daily drumming workshops. These sessions introduced them to Brazilian rhythms. Approximately 235 students participated in music initiation workshops - 11 of them all together! The week culminated in a community performance, where the students proudly shared their music with their families and peers. It was such a successful engagement that the school has reinvited Jamii to continue this project in February 2026 and dive further in the learning, focusing intensively on 5 classrooms who will do daily sessions and a performance for the entire school! Part 2: Video Portrait Series In 2022, community members shared that recordings of Elders’ stories were tragically lost in a fire. Jamii’s video portraits series have become a way to rebuild that archive - capturing the voices, languages, and histories of Pikangikum Elders for current and future generations. As such, alongside the music workshops, videographer Ana Maria Higuera and Jamii's Alchemist Isorine Marc continued Jamii’s ongoing Video Portrait Series. The portraits feature Elders, community leaders, and artists, allowing them to share their voices and experiences. This year, the 5 new portraits are capturing beautiful stories: Lloyd Quill shares his experience of residential school and the teachings of the land. Michaela Peters-Turtle tells us about the joy she finds in life in Pikangikum and the support her school provides as she navigates health challenges as a high schooler. Eddie Quill, an Elder, speaks passionately about the importance of keeping the language alive for the younger generation. Valerie Strang, the first graduate in Pikangikum of the Personal Support Worker program, shares her experience working at the Elders’ Home. And McDonald Turtle, from the Pikangikum Education Authority, reflects on the community’s progress over the years and the ongoing need for more housing for the next generation. A work-in-progress screening took place at the end of our visit, and final videos will be released online later in the year. Since the project’s inception, these portraits have collectively reached over 20,000 views on Facebook - the community’s main communication platform - reflecting their deep local impact. Impact and Reflections For students in Pikangikum, the workshops offered opportunities to express themselves through rhythm, movement, and teamwork - building self-esteem and joy through creative collaboration. For Toronto-based artists, the experience provided a transformative exchange - deepening their understanding of Indigenous realities and reinforcing the importance of respectful, long-term relationships between communities. This project continues to demonstrate how art can bridge distances - geographically, culturally, and emotionally - and create shared spaces for storytelling, learning, and connection. Acknowledgements This project is made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council, the JP Bickell Foundation, and Jamii’s private donors. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Eeenchokay Birchstick School and PIkangikum Education Authority for their partnership, hospitality, and trust, and to the Pikangikum community for welcoming us into their homes once again. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / AROUND THE WORLD LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! AROUND THE WORLD May to August 2021 - Ages: 16-25 yrs old Led by Paulina O'Kieffe Anthony In partnership with Soulpepper Theatre, young women were able to meet weekly over the Summer to listen together to a series of audio plays with lead artist Paulina O'Kieffe-Anthony facilitating conversations around the themes of each of the audio plays. To learn more about their project, visit: jamii.ca/illuminatedperspectives Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony is an award winning writer, performer, producer, arts educator and community advocate.  She is a 2x SLAM Poetry Nationals finalist, Tedx speaker and is regularly featured at When Sister's Speak.

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Aline Morales Singer, Musician website Aline Morales is a passionate promoter of the traditional rhythms of northeastern Brazil, continuing to perform with her percussion troupe, Baque de Bamba, at countless festivals and events. Now drawing upon a wider range of influences, Morales finds herself in a stage of musical exploration. Gone is the heavy wall of percussion, replaced instead by lush, eclectic arrangements, seamlessly blending traditional and modern instrument. << BACK TO ARTISTS

2023/05 < Back to Events Svaha Live Event - Dance May 26. 27 , 28. 2023 David Crombie Park "Svāhā!", a celebration of dance as a revitalizing ritual that brings us closer together. Created by award-winning Nova Bhattacharya , Svāhā! was an offering of movement, music, colours and sensations. It embodied the transformative power of dance, expressing the uniqueness of the individual and the value of community. Bringing together dancers from a varying dance forms and cultural backgrounds, Svāhā! asked how can we be better together? “I am inspired by the eloquence of the human body and the intelligence of the senses. The potential for dance to stimulate people emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually drives my commitment to creating dances that exalt the human spirit and express ideas that words cannot.” ~ Nova Bhattacharya This dance performance included a warm-up with the professional dancers, and a series of dance workshops (cypher) led by Mel Hart so that everyone could join the dance with us. As a perk, our little ones were treated to facepainting with local artist Linda Epp. Founded by Nova Bhattacharya in 2008, dance company Nova Dance brings new ideas to dance, re-inventing the possibilities of the art. The company breaks down conventions and encourages new talent with the best and most exciting in performance the world over. Nova Dance works with artists from many art forms and a multitude of backgrounds to create a community that celebrates the life-force of dance in our lives. Nova Dance exists to bring contemporary Canadian dance towards a new future. Embracing diversity as creative inspiration for a body of work that has garnered awards, national and international recognition, and most importantly made connections with audiences and communities. Find more on their website: https://www.novadance.ca/company-biography CREDITS: Director: Nova Bhattacharya Dancers: Mellisa Hart, Candace Kumar, Neena Jayarajan, Rajvi Dedhia, Nova Bhattacharya Facepainting: Linda Epp Sewing: Diséiye Thompson Organized by the Jamii Team Produced by Jamii WITH THE SUPPORT OF: