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Join Jamii’s monthly Cycle Programs: community arts workshops, artist residencies, and collaborative events at The Jamii Hub in Toronto. CYCLES Jamii's In 2026, Jamii marks 15 years of artistic practice rooted in care, community, and shared experience. This milestone is not framed as a celebration alone, but as a moment of attention. A pause to recognize what has been built together, what has been carried forward, and what is beginning to take shape. Our artistic direction for the year is guided by a simple and resonant feeling. It feels right. We understand this feeling not as certainty, but as recognition. It is the quiet clarity that surfaces when an action, idea, or gesture aligns with values, intuition, and responsibility to others. It often arrives before language. It is guided by care, conviction, and attentiveness, and rooted in purpose, contribution, and necessity. It appears when something is meant to be done. Throughout 2026, Jamii’s Cycles offer artistic experiences that hold space for reflection and memory. They acknowledge transformation, lineage, and change, while also creating moments of gathering, celebration, and joy. These workshops centre practices that speak to intuition and values, and that invite participants to consider futures that feel grounded, hopeful, and necessary. This guiding line shapes all of our 2026 Cycles workshops. To support this vision, lead artists were invited to work with three shared prompts: Recall a moment when you acted before you could fully explain why. Create from what has been carried and what is beginning to emerge. Consider a future that feels right, not perfect. The artists facilitating these workshops are people we know and trust. Each has been part of Jamii’s story in different ways, returning with care, generosity, and a deep understanding of community-based practice. These Cycles are an invitation to take part, to be present, and to create together. We hope you’ll find something here that feels right. DANCING MORE INFO SINGING MORE INFO SEWING MORE INFO THE JAMII COFFEE MORE INFO VISUAL ARTS MORE INFO Cycle Workshops Reminders 🔔 Want a heads-up? Sign up to receive a monthly email reminder when Cycle workshop registrations open. First name* Last name* Email* REMIND ME

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

Partner with Jamii for custom arts-based team building and workshops. Support your team’s growth while funding free arts programs for all ages. COMMUNITY PROJECTS / Partnerships PARTNERSHIPS Projects with other organizations Making change in our communities - at workplaces, in schools, older-adult homes, or in our neighbourhoods - takes partnership and collaboration. Since its inception, Jamii has always valued partnering with local groups, arts organizations, businesses, philanthropists, schools, and many others to design a wide range of arts-based creative workshops that bring people together in meaningful ways. These creative partnerships are built collaboratively, with each program shaped around shared goals - whether that’s sparking fresh ideas, igniting creativity within, building trust, deepening connections, supporting individuals' well-being, encouraging meaningful conversations, or bringing life to your workplace, collective, school, older-adult home, or neighbourhood. Funds raised through these partnerships go directly toward our free arts workshops and events for all ages, staying true to Jamii's mission of keeping creativity accessible to everyone. Partner with us to build something meaningful for your community. Contact us HERE to discuss ideas and collaborations. CLOTHING REPAIR DAY Community Event PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SLNA WASTE REDUCTION GROUP AND REPAIR CAFÉ TORONTO CHECK OUT HEARTISTRY Visual Arts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH BRUSSAUX ART GROUP, AND SISTERS CIRCLE CHECK OUT TECH SUPPORT SESSION Older Adults Specific PARTNERSHIP WITH REPRISK CHECK OUT DUMP TO DOUGH Arts & Crafts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH SLNA REMARKET CHECK OUT DRAWINGTO Visual Arts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTISTS CHECK OUT SHE AMONG MANY Photographic Exhibition PARTNERSHIP WITH WEBER SHANDWICK CHECK OUT calendar UPCOMING DATES No events at the moment

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

On Tuesday, The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is dedicated to immersive learning experiences through discussions, inspiring talks, and niche artistic practices! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / Tuesday Discovering DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club, "Culture Cloths" Talks, Creative Writing WHEN | Tuesdays from 7pm to 8:30 pm (Check the dates by clicking "more info" below) WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 16+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED At Jamii, Tuesdays are dedicated to immersive learning experiences through dynamic discussions, inspiring talks, and engaging artistic practices. Join our thought-provoking Book Club discussions, attend captivating Culture Cloths talks, or delve into Creative Writing. Whether you prefer committing to every Tuesday for a year-long journey, selecting specific monthly series that resonate with you, or focusing solely on the Book Club, Culture Cloths talks, or Creative Writing, there is something for you: dive into diverse learning experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals. BOOK CLUB MORE INFO & REGISTER CULTURE CLOTHS MORE INFO & REGISTER CREATIVE WRITING MORE INFO & REGISTER

We initiate and produce programming for young women, live events, photo exhibits, murals, short films, community-engaged projects, and an annual children festival. About Jamii OUR MISSION READ MORE OUR PEOPLE READ MORE OUR WHY READ MORE OUR MEMORIES READ MORE OUR WHAT READ MORE OUR SUPPORTERS READ MORE OUR HOW READ MORE OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD READ MORE

Jamii is pleased to welcome Kuné, a music band of ten immigrant musicians from all over the world, to The Esplanade, Toronto! Live at the Kisanii Hub Featuring "Kuné" In Partnership with October 27 and October 28, 2022 David Crombie Park | The Esplanade & Berkeley St In October 2022, Jamii presented KUNÉ ("together" in Esperanto), an eleven-piece collective made up of ten immigrant musicians from all over the world and one Metis-Canadian. KUNE’s artistic practice captures and recreates the experience of living in Toronto, one of the world's most diverse cities. Along with the performances by Kuné, Esplanadian percussionists from our community joined Kuné! These community members were participants in a series of percussion workshops led by Aline Morales, Matias Recharte, and Tara Moneka for 3 weeks. Credits Kuné: Aline Morales, Alyssa Delbare-Sawchuk, Demetri Petsalakis, Matias Recharte, Paco Luviano, Padideh Ahrarnejad, Selcuk Suna, Tara Moneka Stilt Walker: Miss Coco Murray and community members of The Esplanade to join Kuné with their drums! Organized by Jamii Team: Afnan Yakot, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Jonelle Sills, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Yusra Yacout Event Videographer: Eray Guler Event Photographer: Laura Dittman Photos by Laura Dittman Kuné, Music Band KUNÉ is an eleven-piece collective made up of ten immigrant musicians from all over the world and one metis-Canadian. KUNE’s artistic practice captures and recreates the experience of living in Toronto, one of the world's most diverse cities. The musicians are from places like Iraq, Cuba, Peru, Burkina-Faso and China. The instruments they play are not often played together on stage; like the Tar, the Dizi, the Cajon and the Ngoni. It is a space in which to remember where we came from and learn from each other’s differences. Together KUNE members compose, arrange and perform music that honors their cultural roots and creates connections with others through curiosity, experimentation and dialogue. Check out Kuné on Instagram Miss Coco Murray, Stilt Walker Miss Coco Murray is an award-winning social entrepreneur, cultural arts programmer, arts educator, mentor, instructor, and writer in the dance sector. Murray's work in education and community settings centers on cultural education, the African diaspora and culturally-responsive arts programming under this mobile, dance education business. Check out Miss Coco on Instagram

Jamii presents "Twox30" in Toronto's David Crombie Park! Join us at this outdoor contemporary dance/live art work by Michael Caldwell! Featuring Two x 30 Live at the Kisanii Hub In Partnership with From June 9th to 11th, Jamii presented "Two x 30", a series of duet performances that explore the inextricable link between our collective unconscious patterns of movement and our environment. Along with this series of movement-based performances, Aline Morales, Arlene Paculan and Michael Clarke offered audiences a musical treat. To explore further how we respond to our environment, including waterways, Linda Epp offered body painting that symbolizes water, while Sara Abusarar shared tales connected to water, and Cathy Thorne wrote poems that was delivered and gifted to audience members. Video and Edit by Recro Digital Marketing Photos by Jae Yang Credits Two x 30 Direction, Choreography and Concept: Michael Caldwell Sound Design and Original Composition: Robbie Grunwald Costume Design: Valerie Calam Performance and Choreographic Collaborators: Alana Elmer, Karen Kaeja, Benjamin Landsberg, David Norsworthy, Atri Nundy, Takako Segawa, Roberto Soria, Heidi Strauss, Irma Villafuerte Production Collaborators: Laura Cournoyea, Helin Gungoren Producer: Mateo Galindo Torres Kisanii Hub Organized by Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Iris Unlu, Afnan Yakot, Yusra Yacout, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Maysam Ghani Host: Monica Garrido Live Performer: Arlene Paculan & Zaynab Wilson Live Performer: Michael Clarke Live Performer: Aline Morales Typewriter Poet: Cathy Thorne from Everyday People Typewriter Poems Storytellers: Djennie Laguerre and Sarah Abusarar Face Painter: Linda Epp Event Photographer: Jae Yang Event Videographer: Recro Digital Marketing Stage Manager: Julia Beaulieu Michael Caldwell, Twox30 Michael Caldwell is a Toronto-based choreographer, performer, curator, director, producer, and arts advocate. He has performed/collaborated with over 50 of Canada's esteemed performance creators/companies, performing across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, earning two (2) Dora Mavor Moore Awards for outstanding performance in dance. Read more Mateo Galindo Torres, Twox30 Mateo Galindo Torres (GUETCHA GUARITCHA) is a Colombian-Canadian multidisciplinary dance artist, producer, actor and performer based in Toronto. Read more Zaynab Wilson, Musician Anchored in rhythm, melody, and matters of the psyche, Zaynab plays with her dynamic range of musicality and transmutes stories into songs that “quietens your spirit.” The Montréal-born artist sculpts a soundscape that binds the intrinsic Afro-Caribbean rhythms developed in her childhood performance years and the heart-driven, improvisational song styles of Jazz and Soul music. @zaynabwilsonmusic Djennie Laguerre, Storyteller Actor, Author, and Storyteller is a graduate of the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory (New York) and the University of Ottawa (BAC in Art; Theatre and Literature). She has been acclaimed as the performer and author of Manman la mer at Théâtre la Catapulte. She is the author and performer of Rendez-Vous with Home/Lakay at the SummerWorks Festival, 2008, and at the Théâtre français de Toronto, 2010 also presented in several storytelling festivals such as Les contes nomades (NAC) and Le Festival du loup de Lafontaine et Festival Les vieux m'ont conté. She as won the best Actress Prix Rideau Award for her performance in Manman la mer. She received the Spotlight Award at the SummerWorks Festival in 2008 for Rendez-Vous with Home. She is a Dora Awards nominee for "Outstanding Performance - Individual" Rendez-Vous with Home 2020, for "Outstanding Performance - Individual" for Les Zinspirés, and "Outstanding Performance - Ensemble”. Also, nomination for "Best Actress" at the METAs Awards 2018 for Rendez-vous Home/ Lakay. Your children know her as the storyteller and dancer Madame Bonheur at MiniTFO/CBC. Robbie Grunwald, Twox30 Robbie Grunwald is an independent producer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. Based in Toronto, he has performed across the globe with artists including Donovan Woods, Jill Barber, Rose Cousins, Doug Paisley, and the Good Lovelies. Robbie has contributed original compositions for contemporary dance by choreographers Tina Fushell, Mairead Filgate, and Meredith Thompson, original scores for films by Mike Vass, and scored the feature documentary Open Shadow - The story of Teal Swan by film maker Paola Marina. Read more Monica Garrido, Host Monica Garrido (she/her) is a Mexican born Toronto based Queer Artist. Her short films have premiered at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival. Her first solo show “The Cunning Linguist” won the 2016 Queer Acts Audience Award and was recently adapted as an Audio Show for Aluna Theatre’s Studio Series. She’s part of the ensemble of the Canadian Comedy Award winning show Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza. Winner of the 2018 Queer Emerging Artist Award at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. She is one of the writers of a new sketch show for OMNI TV "Abroad". She is one third of a Latinx Drag King “Boyband the Boyband", currently she Co-hosts/Co- Produces Aluna Theatre’s “Radio Aluna Theatre”. She is also a Taurus and wishes you the best. @monicagarridoh Michael Clarke, Musician Michael grew up and started his performance career in Toronto doing theatre, film & television and live music. He's spent the last 5 years on Vancouver Island developing two solo theatre shows ('Soul King Solo, A Concert Tribute to Sam Cooke' & 'The Journey' a biographic piece featuring his life experiences and the original music they inspired him to create). While on Vancouver Island his live music performance went through an evolution into a one man band which he calls 'The Michael Clarke Experience' where he showcases his multi instrumental talents. With the aid of his looper he lays down rhythm guitar, bass and drums of popular songs creating a musical floor where he can dance over with his saxophone, solo guitar and voice. Cathy Thorne, Typewriter Poet Cathy Thorne loves poetry, people and old-school typewriters - and she has found the perfect way to combine all three! She writes on-the-spot personalized poems at in-person and virtual events, creating wonderful keepsakes for your guests. She also hosts engaging poetry-writing workshops, passing along her best tips and tricks so that everyone leaves workshops with a poem they’ve created themselves. She is a cartoonist with a background in improvisational theatre, creative writing and visual arts, and she is able to quickly connect with guests at your event to write heartfelt, spirit-boosting (and sometimes cheeky) poems for them. @everydaypeopletypewriterpoems Valerie Calam, Twox30 Valerie Calam is a Toronto-based artist interested in finding pathways to refresh and support herself. She works with sound, movement, fabric, patterns, the nervous system, and the body. Read more Arlene Paculan, Musician Arlene is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Mississauga. She has enchanted crowds across Canada, UK, Europe and the US since 2010. Arlene is also Executive Producer of Let's Make Good Productions, which is an artist and event promotion company with a goal to spread empowerment through original art. She is the host of her own TV show, Striving Artist, which is aired on Filipino TV. Past performances include: Rock the Coliseum, JUNO Fest (London), Aeolian Hall, Living Arts Centre, The Rose Theatre, tedX Mississauga, Meadowvale Theatre, Sound of Music Club Series, Paisley Arts Festival (Scotland). @arleneofficialmusic Sarah Abusarar, Storyteller Sarah comes from a long line of storytellers on her paternal side. She tells stories to both adults and children. Sarah has told stories both nationally and internationally at festivals in Canada, United Arab Emirates, Bosnia and Croatia. Because, Sarah, grew up in several countries she tells stories from all over the world with the focus on Palestinian and Croatian stories where her roots lie. Her favorite stories are ones that promote social change. She teaches a course through the Storytelling School of Toronto called "Storytelling as a Tool for Social Transformation using Kalila wa Dimna fables". Sarah has also used stories in a therapeutic way with children in refugee camps and refugee children in Toronto, as part of their therapy. She works at the Parent Child Mother Goose Program using traditional storytelling to encourage parent child bonding. Sarah, tells stories so that she may go deep inside of the tales and find herself in far away magical places, that she remembers, from long, long ago. @sarahabusarar Linda Epp, Face Painter Linda is a face painter for approximately 10 years. Her story with face painting began with her two children went out for Halloween one year when they were quite young. She went and bought some terrible (non FDA approved) paint at the dollar store and thought she could magically transform them. She later figured out that it didn’t quite work out that way, but she fell in love with the art of face painting. She has since honed her skills with workshops and many hours of practice. Linda has worked with many organizations such as the St. Lawrence BIA, Jamii, long term care facilities, local festivals and private birthday parties. She states that she loves what she does and there is nothing better than putting a huge smile on a child’s face!

Learn how Belonging participants help shape Jamii programs through monthly Programming Committee meetings for older adults in downtown Toronto. Get involved. Potlucks INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING / BELONGING Programming Committee AGE GROUP | 55+ FREE ADMISSION Monthly conversations about Belonging programs, ideas, and community needs Belonging is shaped with the people who take part in it. Through the Belonging Programming Committee, older adults in the program have a regular place to share ideas, talk about what is working, suggest activities, and help guide what Belonging can offer next. The committee includes ten regular Belonging participants and two Jamii staff members, but monthly Programming Committee meetings are open to any Belonging participant who would like to attend. You do not need to be one of the regular committee members to join the conversation. Meetings are informal and collaborative. Participants might talk about workshops they would like to see, ideas for outings or social gatherings, feedback from recent activities, or needs they are noticing within the community. Some conversations may lead to new programming, while others help Jamii understand how existing activities could better respond to participants' interests and experiences. The committee is an important part of how Belonging approaches programming. Rather than Jamii deciding everything on behalf of participants, older adults have an ongoing opportunity to contribute to the decisions that affect the program they take part in. It creates space for participant leadership, shared responsibility, and ideas that come directly from the community. For older adults interested in community involvement, participatory programming, or having a greater voice in local activities in downtown Toronto, the Programming Committee offers a practical way to get involved. You can attend regularly or join a meeting when you have something you would like to contribute. Meetings take place at The Jamii Hub at 264 The Esplanade, in Toronto's St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and are usually held just after a Belonging Potluck. If you already participate in Belonging, you are welcome at the table. Bring an idea, a question, some feedback, or simply come listen to what others are thinking. Jamii's Belonging Older Adults programs are sponsored by Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Metcalf Foundation - Booster Fund, St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, Rama Gaming House, and Charitable Gaming. Calendar Mon, Nov 16 Belonging Older Adults - Programming Committee Meeting / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Nov 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Share ideas, feedback, and community needs at Belonging's monthly Programming Committee meetings. Open to all Belonging participants. Mon, Dec 21 Belonging Older Adults - Programming Committee Meeting / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Dec 21, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Share ideas, feedback, and community needs at Belonging's monthly Programming Committee meetings. Open to all Belonging participants. UPCOMING DATES

Wayo is a children’s festival produced and presented by Jamii. It is the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. The three day festival gives attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a journey of performances at Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. WAYO CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL A festival for children and children at heart since 2020! In partnership with Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage Each year, Jamii invites families and young adventurers to embark on an artistic journey filled with wonder and imagination. Held in the heart of the vibrant Esplanade neighbourhood, WAYO has been a resounding success, with hundreds of attendees joining us for an unforgettable experience every year. What sets WAYO Children's Festival apart is its unique concept. It's a parkour-like adventure through the world of art, where groups of audience members explore captivating live installations within two heritage buildings at 2 Berkeley St (Berkeley Castle), 26 Berkeley St (Canadian Stage/Berkeley Theatre). These historic venues provide the perfect backdrop for our creative performances. CHECK OUT PREVIOUS YEARS' WAYO! 2026 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2022 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2025 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2021 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2024 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2020 PHOTOS & VIDEOS 2023 PHOTOS & VIDEOS FAQ WAYO Children's Festival Where is 7th Annual WAYO Children's Festival located? WAYO Children's Festival starts in David Crombie Park across Market Lane Public School at 235 The Esplanade. The festival is designed as a maze and takes place within Berkeley Castle, The Jamii Hub, and Berkeley Theatre (Canadian Stage). What are the festival hours and what is the duration of the performance? Performance duration is approximately 60 to 90 minutes with a start time at 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm, and 6pm on Wednesday August 12, Thursday August 13, Friday August 14, and at 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, and 4:30pm on Saturday August 15 and Sunday August 16. 7th Annual WAYO Children's Festival runs from August 12 to 16, 2026. What is the age group for the festival? This event is designed for children age 2 to 12. All children must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver. Should I get tickes for my kids? Please, get a ticket for each person in your party/family, INCLUDING CHILDREN - if you do not get tickets for everyone, we might not be able to accommodate everyone as spots are limited. Can I bring my child in a stroller? Yes! The full parkour is wheel accessible and your child can enjoy the festival from their stroller! When should we line up? We suggest you line up 15 minutes prior to the start of your show at the entrance in David Crombie Park at 235 The Esplanade, across Market Lane Public School. What if we are late? If your start time is 4:30pm, 5pm or 5:30pm on Wednesday August 12, Thursday August 13, and Friday August 14 or 3pm, 3:30pm or 4pm on Saturday August 15 and Sunday August 16, you might be able to join the following group, however, this is not guaranteed as the next group might be sold out. Can I get tickets at the entrance? All shows have limited spots and tickets might be sold out before event day. We suggest to get your tickets as soon as possible. How can we get to the festival via TTC? Option 1: The closest subway station is King station. From there, take a short streetcar ride on #504 or #503: Get off at Ontario St and walk south to The Esplanade Option 2: Bus #121: Get off at Princess St & The Esplanade, the venue is just around the block Option 3: Bus #75: Get off at Sherbourne and The Esplanade, then walk one block east Option 4: Bus #65: Get off at Mill St and The Esplanade, then walk one block west How can we get to the festival by biking? Bike Rakes: On the north side of The Esplanade around Berkeley Cafe at 262 The Esplanade. BikeShare: There are several BikeShare stations closeby: Princess & Front, Scadding & Sherbourne, Parliament & Mill. Is there any parking available at the festival area? You may find paid street parking on Berkeley Street, Front Street, or Scadding Ave. The closest Green P parking lot is located in the Distillery District just one block east on Parliament. We recommend you take the transit, bike, walk or take rideshare/cab to save time finding parking! Is there reserved seating? This event is designed as a parkour-like journey and people will be moving along the path to see different arts performances. No designated seats. Can we eat or drink during the show? Please bring your own water. No eating and drinking is allowed throughout the parkour. Can we take photos and videos during performances? You are encouraged to take photos and videos during performances! If you share them on social media, don't forget to tag @jamiiesplanade :) Is the festival wheelchair accessible? The WAYO Children’s Festival is designed to be 90% wheelchair accessible. Please note that one of our performance stops takes place inside the upstairs theatre at Canadian Stage (Berkeley Theatre), which is currently only accessible by stairs. The rest of the festival route is fully navigable, and the program is designed in a way that attendees can enjoy the full experience, with the exception of this one 10-minute performance stop. After this short segment, the audience continues to the next location as part of the festival’s journey. We warmly encourage everyone to attend the festival. Our team is committed to providing intentional and thoughtful support to accommodate the needs of all participants to the best of our capacity. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance so we can ensure the most welcoming experience possible. I need accessibility accommodation. What do I do? If you need any accessibility accommodation (interpreter etc.) please get your tickets and email info@jamii.ca to describe your need(s). Use "Wayo Accessibility" in your subject so we don't miss your email! Are there washrooms at the festival area? There are no washrooms onsite, however, the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade) has public washrooms. What if it rains? This is a rain or shine event. Please bring your umbrella if it rains. In case of heavy rain, we may move outdoor performances to a nearby covered area; if this happens, please follow the instructions of Jamii staff onsite. I registered for the event but I can't come. What should I do? We are sorry that we cannot provide refunds for your tickets. You can consider gifting the tickets to your friends or family. I would like to reach out to Jamii with any questions, concerns, feedback. How can I get in contact? Please send us an email at info@jamii.ca I would like to learn more about Jamii. Where do I go? Please visit www.jamii.ca to learn more about us. I would like to sign up for Jamii's e-newsletter to learn more about their upcoming events. Please visit www.jamii.ca/subscribe

"Divine Intervensions" is coming to David Crombie Park between May 24 and May 28! Join us at this outdoor processional performance co-presented with CORPUS. Featuring CORPUS' Divine Interventions Live at the Kisanii Hub Co-presented with In Partnership with From May 25 to May 28, 2022 David Crombie Park | The Esplanade and Princess Street There comes a time in every story when it feels like hope is lost. Everything is going wrong, all options have been exhausted, and the only thing left to do is pray for Divine Interventions. Developed in confinement, this outdoor processional performance is a playful response to the challenges of 2020 and beyond. Five goddesses descend from the heavens and tour the streets of the Esplanade on a giant quint bicycle, having received word that the world is in dire need of their help. Through a suite of new songs by Dora-winning composer Anika Johnson, and with ornamented costumes designed by German artist Carolin Lindner, the goddesses offer blessings, prayers, guidance, and the occasional rebuke. Choreographer Bonnie Kim and Matt O’Connor create a movement language that evokes divine wisdom and timeless ritual, while CORPUS’ co-founder and artistic director David Danzon injects the performance with the company’s trademark humour. Featuring a diverse cast of powerhouse female performers, Divine Interventions is a sincere offering for these chaotic times. Audiences may encounter the piece unexpectedly as the goddesses pass by on their giant bicycle or witness a transformative ritual when the women disembark to sing and bless an urban street corner or a public park. Regardless, it is the intention of the work to offer a sense of magic, beauty, and the reignited hope that perhaps we are indeed being cared for by something divine. Divine Interventions is nominated for the Dora Awards 2022 by Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts in the categories of "Outstanding New Musical" (Anika Johnson), "Outstanding Original Choreography" (Matthes O'Connor and Bonnie Kim), and "Outstanding Musical Direction" (Anika Johnson). Video and Edit by Dawar Naim Photos by Jae Yang & Isorine Marc Credits Divine Interventions Created by: David Danzon, Anika Johnson, Matthew O’Connor Choreographers: Bonnie Kim, Matthew O’Connor Composer and Musical Director: Anika Johnson Costume Design: Carolin Lindner Photo: Jae Yang Performers: Barbara Fulton, TrudyLee Gayle, Barbara Johnston, Tracy Michailidis, Michelle Yu, and special guest Raya Danzon Kisanii Hub Organized by Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Iris Unlu, Afnan Yakot, Yusra Yacout, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Maysam Ghani Host: Monica Garrido Live Performer: Kazdoura Music Live Performer: Jerusa Le ào, May Akanuma Live Performer: Tara Moneka, Sabine Ndalamba, Jessica Deutsch Face Painter: Linda Epp Event Photographer: Jae Yang Event Videographer: Dawar Naim Stage Manager: Julia Beaulieu Kazdoura Music Kazdoura is a Toronto-based band that serves up Arabic fusion with a modern twist. Equal parts nostalgia and reinvention, their style is a cross-cultural blend of Eastern and Western music that blends old-world Arabic classics with jazz, funk, electro-pop, and disco. This project was founded in the summer of 2020, quickly finding success online, where their videos have collected more than 3 million views on Tik Tok. Singer Leen is a newcomer from Syria whose passion for classical Arabic music led her to collaborate with jazz musician Johnny who has a Lebanese background in order introduce this fusion music to a Canadian audience. In October 2021, Kazdoura released their debut single "Wain", song of their Ep, set to be released June 2022. Kazdoura has been performing extensively in Toronto and Montreal and festivals such as the Toronto Palestine Film Festival and the Taste of the Middle East. @kazdouramusic BACK TO PROJECTS May Akanuma May Akanuma started playing saxophone when she was 12 years old and played throughout high school. After, she studied jazz at Shobi music college in Tokyo and continued to teach ensemble lessons and musical direction in Japan after graduation. Since moving to Toronto in 2016, she has played more than 400 gigs and performed on more than 30 recordings. Her current jazz trio “Redmarsh” performs at private parties, festivals and various music venues in the GTA and she also continues to perform with world artists from many different cultures, from Brazilian to Nigerian. In 2021, she released the first single for her personal project “Maysaxophone”. @maysaxophone BACK TO PROJECTS Tara Moneka Tara Moneka is a singer from Iraq sings in different types of music and different languages , (Arabic,English, Indian, Latino, Moroccan , African, Turkish, and more)‪.‬ She has a female band consisted of professional multicultural players‪.‬ She is also an advocate for women's rights‪.‬ Tara is from Iraq Baghdad, she became well known singer in early age 12 years old after she participated in The Voice Kids and she did many festivals in Iraq ‪.‬ She studied music for 7 years , she has collaborated with different institutions , organizations and collectives including : Aga Khan Museum, the Koerner Hall , Fabcollab (Women in a song) , Umanotaculture , Moskittobar, Mixto, Moneka Arabic Jazz, Lula Launch, The Opera House of Toronto, SOFAR Music, Drom Taberna, The Oud and The Fuzz, Lemon Bucket, Kune)‪. ‬ Tara's goal is to share different music types with people‪ and to be multilingual that represents the diversity of the world‪. @tarasmoneka BACK TO PROJECTS Linda Epp Linda is a face painter for approximately 10 years. Her story with face painting began with her two children went out for Halloween one year when they were quite young. She went and bought some terrible (non FDA approved) paint at the dollar store and thought she could magically transform them. She later figured out that it didn’t quite work out that way, but she fell in love with the art of face painting. She has since honed her skills with workshops and many hours of practice. Linda has worked with many organizations such as the St. Lawrence BIA, Jamii, long term care facilities, local festivals and private birthday parties. She states that she loves what she does and there is nothing better than putting a huge smile on a child’s face! BACK TO PROJECTS Jerusa Leao Jerusa Leão is a Brazilian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto, Canada. Over the course of a decade Jerusa has cultivated several impressive musical projects that span different continents. These musical projects showcase Brazilian music and culture. One such project is the half-Canadian, half-Brazilian band Maria and The Band (www.mariaband.com ). Jerusa holds the position of the artistic director, singer, songwriter and percussionist of the band. Her world ethnic music style and collection of electronic music has been enjoyed in cultural events and festivals throughout Brazil, Canada, France and USA. @jlmusicca BACK TO PROJECTS Corpus Co-founded in 1997 by Sylvie Bouchard and artistic director David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour that combines movement with theatrical imagery. CORPUS’ unique and engaging performances are presented in both traditional and unusual locations for large and diverse audiences. www.corpus.ca BACK TO PROJECTS

Host the best kids' birthday party in downtown Toronto with arts and crafts at The Jamii Hub. Enjoy custom activities, fun, and creativity for a unique celebration! at The Jamii Hub Art Birthday Parties Address: 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON, M5A 4J6 Contact: info@jamii.ca With our exciting Art Birthday Parties, we offer unforgettable memories centered around creativity and fun, tailored to what both your child and you want and need. Customized to your child’s interests and age group, whether they enjoy painting, crafting, dancing, singing, or other artistic mediums and even a karaoke or movie night with popcorn, each Art Birthday Party promises the best fun for your child and their friends!  FILL OUT THE BOOKING FORM Birthday Package Included: Art activity of your choice with supplies and facilitator included  Dedicated staff   Optional 1-hour set-up (for decoration you choose) pre-party.   2-hour private session with children, including one hour for guided art activity and one hour for food, cake and free play.  Jamii set up and clean up (not including your personal decorations)  Photo booth with one printed photo for each participating child.  Not Included: We do not provide food and drinks. You are welcome to bring your own at no additional cost. We have a microwave, fridge, kettle, and coffee machine.   Art Activities Choose one: Guided or freestyle painting fun  Guided or freestyle dancing fun  Guided or freestyle collaging fun  Guided or freestyle crafting fun  Karaoke fun  If your child has another art interest, please share with us! Additional Fun Options: Photo booth with one printed photo for each child – free! Movie screening with popcorn- 2 hours of extra fun for an additional $200 Price Your child's fun is priceless! $450 for up to 8 children Additional child: $35/each Extended time: $100/hour FILL OUT THE BOOKING FORM As a mother of three, I love working with kids and helping them to have the most fun birthday party they ever wanted! I will be here to ensure your party goes smoothly and every kid leaves The Jamii Hub happily. Ghader Bsmar, Birthday Party Staff Member FILL OUT THE BOOKING FORM ART BIRTHDAY PARTY POLICY A $250 deposit plus the full booking amount is required to secure your reservation. Party participants must be 3 years or older. Cancellations made up to 5 business days before the event will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this time. Parents are responsible for cleaning up any food, beverages, and additional decor they bring to the party. Booking Form Booking Form First Name Last Name Email Phone Date of your party (1st option) * required Back up date - 2nd option (in case the space is not available on the first date) * required Do you have a preferred 2-hour time window for your party? If your preference varies based on the date, please provide two different time windows and specify the dates Art activity choice Choose an option Any extra fun options? Photo booth with one printed photo for each child (Free!) Movie screening with popcorn (2 hours of extra fun for $200) Number of kids Number of adults Age range of children Are you bringing outiside catering? * Yes No Please include food details below Will you have any extras at the party such as performers? * Yes No Please include extras below If you have any accessibility needs that you want us to be aware of in order to use The Jamii Hub for your party, please answer the question above. Any information given regarding personal access requirements will be used to ensure accessibility. While we strive to accommodate all accessibility needs, we cannot guarantee that every request will be fulfilled. However, we are committed to doing our utmost to meet your requirements and make the necessary arrangements. In the event that we are unable to accommodate your accessibility needs, we will contact you via email to discuss alternative options or solutions. All information will be kept confidential. Please feel free to email info@jamii.ca if you have any questions. Do you have any access requirements or allergies you would like us to be aware of? Submit I was so happy to celebrate my birthday with my friends! We painted and all of us enjoyed their paintings at the end. Zelia, 8 years old FAQ Birthday Parties Where is The Jamii Hub located? The Jamii Hub is located at 264 The Esplanade. The closest intersection is Parliament & Front St. Is the space wheelchair accessible? The space is wheelchair accessible. Is there parking? You may find paid street parking on Berkeley Street, Front Street, or Scadding Ave. The closest Green P parking lot is located in the Distillery District just one block east on Parliament. How can we get to The Jamii Hub via TTC? Option 1: The closest subway station is King station. From there, take a short streetcar ride on #504 or #503: Get off at Ontario St and walk south to The Esplanade Option 2: Bus #121: Get off at Princess St & The Esplanade, the venue is just around the block Option 3: Bus #75: Get off at Sherbourne and The Esplanade, then walk one block east As a parent, do I stay or do I go? Option for parents to accompany or drop off/pick up their kids. Are there washrooms? There are two gender-specific, multi-stall washrooms available in the building. Can we get to The Jamii Hub by biking? Bike Rakes: On the north side of The Esplanade around Berkeley Cafe at 262 The Esplanade. BikeShare: There are several BikeShare stations closeby: Princess & Front, Scadding & Sherbourne, Parliament & Mill. I would like to learn more about Jamii. Where do I go? Please visit www.jamii.ca to learn more about us. I would like to contact Jamii. How do I reach out? Please send us an email at info@jamii.ca I would like to subscribe to Jamii's e-newsletter to get updates about The Jamii Hub and the community. Where do I go? Please visit www.jamii.ca/subscribe to subscribe our e-newsletter. "The Jamii Hub" is a creative space where Esplanadians share agency over the multidisciplinary artistic interventions and our collective storytelling. Gratitude to the Canada Council for the Arts for making this endeavor possible.

Event venue in downtown Toronto for workshops, meetings, weddings, and celebrations. A 1,870 sq ft furnished venue with kitchen, sound system, and flexible layout. Book The Jamii Hub. A Creative Event Space A warm, 1,870 sq ft heritage venue in Downtown Toronto for workshops, celebrations, meetings, and community events. Address: 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 • Contact: info@jamii.ca HOW BOOKING WORKS PRICING OPTIONS BOOK A TOUR PHOTO GALLERY VENUE REQUEST FORM SIZE & CAPACITY SURFACE SIZE | 1870 sq ft CAPACITY STANDING | 100 people AUDOTORIUM | 50-60 people CLASSROOM STYLE | 40 people AMENITIES Fridge, freezer, dishwasher, toaster oven, microwave, kettle, and coffee maker A red couch set, five folding tables (6-ft long by 36-in wide), five folding tables (71-in long by 30-in wide), 2 wooden folding tables (6-ft long by 30-in wide), one folding table (4-ft long by 26-in wide), one kitchen table (6-ft long by 36-in wide), one wooden table (8-ft long by 24-in wide), 91 chairs, coat hangers, red metal bistro set with five 25.5" round tables and 10 chairs High-speed internet Projector and 75" 4K QLED Smart TV A sound system An executive stage (add-on) PRICING Choose from pricing options for commercial use, personal events, weddings, and public holidays. Scroll down to see full rates. SEE FLOOR PLAN 11 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK THE JAMII HUB NOW: The Jamii Hub is more than an event venue – it's where creativity meets community. Whether you're looking for the best party venue in Downtown Toronto for workshops, meetings, celebrations, a birthday party, wedding, photoshoot, or artistic events, our space is designed to inspire. All in the heart of the vibrant St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and only a few steps away from the Distillery Historic District of Toronto. The Jamii Hub is surrounded by cafés, parks, and cultural landmarks, making it one of Toronto’s most accessible venues. Located steps from the Distillery District and David Crombie Park, within a CommunAuto Flex Zone , and just 1.7 km from Union Station , it’s easy to reach by TTC, GO Transit, bike, or car with the parking lots nearby. 1 UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE Exposed brick, wood beams, and an open-concept layout in the historic Berkeley Castle, part of Old Town Toronto's St Lawrence Neighbourhood Swipe or tap the arrows to navigate. Most dates book 1–3 months in advance. Submit a request early to secure yours. We’ll confirm availability, pricing, and next steps within 1–2 business days. SUBMIT A BOOKING REQUEST Swipe or tap the arrows to navigate. BOOK A 15-MIN VENUE TOUR RENTAL OPTIONS & PRICING COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES For corporate, ticketed, or profit-generating events. Weekday Rate (Mon – Thu, 4hrs*): $500**  Extra hour: +$100** Weekend Rate (Fri – Sun, 4 hrs*): $750   Extra hour: +$150 Professional space in a heritage building — ideal for launches, team gatherings, meetings, team bounding activities, and holiday celebrations. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for statutory holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. PERSONAL USE Perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and private gatherings (excluding weddings). Rate (4 hrs*): $500**  Extra hour: +$100** A welcoming venue to celebrate life’s special moments with friends and family. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Same rate applies for weekdays and weekends, except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. WEDDINGS For wedding ceremonies or receptions, with weekday and weekend options. Weekday Rate (Mon – Thu, 4hrs*): $500** Extra hour: +$100** Weekend Rate (Fri – Sun, 4 hrs*): $750   Extra hour: +$150 A charming downtown venue with rustic beams and warm atmosphere. Ideal for intimate weddings. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. PUBLIC HOLIDAY RATES Holiday rates apply on statutory holidays (New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve). Rate (4 hrs*): $750  Extra hour: +$150 Public Holiday Rates apply for all rental types. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. BOOK YOUR VENUE NOW Space Rental Tour Book a 15-Min Venue Tour Check out to see if The Jamii Hub is a good fit for your event. Calendar opens 1 week in advance. This calendar is only for 15-minute venue tours and doesn’t reflect rental availability. Calendar opens 1 week in advance. If you can’t find a time that works for you, email info@jamii.ca and we’ll do our best to help. WHAT PEOPLE SAY The moment we walked in, it felt like home. The Hub has this calm, welcoming vibe that makes people instantly comfortable. Our community gathering turned into something really special because of how thoughtful the space feels. - Neighbourhood Member We hosted our team retreat at The Jamii Hub, and it was the perfect setting to think, collaborate, and recharge. The layout encouraged conversation, the tech setup worked flawlessly, and everyone appreciated being in a space that supports creativity and community instead of feeling corporate. - Social Committee Team We used the Hub for an arts workshop, and it was perfect. The space is bright, flexible, and fully equipped, from sound and lighting to tables and kitchen access. Everything worked smoothly, and the team was a joy to collaborate with. - Art Facilitator SUBMIT A BOOKING REQUEST HOW BOOKING WORKS STEP 8: We return your deposit STEP 1: You fill out the form Start by completing the venue request form. If you’d like to see the space, you can book a 15-minute venue tour before or after submitting the request form. STEP 2: We follow up We’ll confirm availability within 1 to 2 business days and send the booking form plus all important policy information, such as cancellations, cleaning, access, overtime, noise, decorations, alcohol licence, and insurance. STEP 3: You c onfirm STEP 4: We send contract and invoice Once you’ve reviewed the information, you will fill out the booking form. We’ll send a rental contract and invoice for you to review and sign. STEP 5: You make the payment Your booking is confirmed once payment is received. STEP 6: You submit documents One week before your event, please send proof of insurance and, if applicable, your alcohol licence (SOP) and smart serve. STEP 7: Your event day! A Jamii site representative will be on site throughout your rental to open and lock the space, welcome your group, and assist with any questions. Access is through the main entrance at 264 The Esplanade, and all guests are required to enter and exit through the same doors. After your rental, the space will be inspected to make sure everything is in good condition. Your $300 security deposit will be returned by e-transfer within five business days. BOOK YOUR VENUE NOW VENUE REQUEST FORM Most dates book 1–3 months in advance. Submit the booking form early to secure yours. We’ll confirm availability, pricing, and next steps within 1–2 business days. First Name Last Name Email PURPOSE: What is the intended use of the space? For personal use, registered charity, nonprofit For commercial, business Wedding What type of business is this event for? Please choose one of the options EVENT TYPE DATE * required START TIME: Including prep time 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM END TIME: Including cleaning time 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM Are you flexible with your event date depending on the venue availability? Choose an option What is your back up date? NUMBER OF ATTENDEES Will you serve alcoholic drinks at the event? Choose an option ALCOHOL LICENCE (SPECIAL OCCASION PERMIT) If you plan to serve alcohol, you’ll need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP ). The permit costs $50 if alcohol is not being sold, and $150 if alcohol is being sold. EVENT INSURANCE Event insurance is required for all rentals. The policy must include third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage of at least $2,000,000, and must list Jamii Esplanade as an additional insured. You’ll need to provide us with a certificate of insurance showing this coverage. You’re welcome to use any insurance provider you like. If helpful, our partner Duuo Event Insurance offers policies that typically range from $7 to $150, depending on your event and whether alcohol is served. POST-EVENT CLEANING Please leave the space, including the washrooms, as you found it and clean up after your event. If you’d prefer to leave the cleaning to us, you can add post-event cleaning for $250. If you’ll clean the rest of the space but would like us to take care of the floors, floor cleaning is available for $50. Please speak with our staff about either option before booking. Please confirm by checking the box that you will provide Jamii with your certificate of insurance and Special Occasion Permit (only required for events where alcohol is served) not less than 1 week prior to the rental date. SUBMIT Looking for a birthday party place for your kids? We have something for you! CHECK ART BIRTHDAY PARTIES Address: 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 • Contact: info@jamii.ca "The Jamii Hub" is a creative space where Esplanadians share agency over the multidisciplinary artistic interventions and our collective storytelling. Gratitude to the Canada Council for the Arts for making this endeavor possible. SUBMIT A VENUE REQUEST

Jamii relies on the support of the community to bring enriching programming to all Esplanadians. $15 for 15 years! Raising $15,000 by December 15, 2026 to carry the next 15 years of joy together. For 15 years, Jamii created a place where neighbours gather to make, move, listen, learn, and spend time together. We keep our programs free so there are no financial barriers to joining in. $15 for 15 Years is our campaign to raise $15,000 by December 15 to support Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. When you donate, you move the goal forward, pushing the progress closer with each gift. Whether it's $15, $150, or $1,500, your donation is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Choose $15, $150, or $1,500, and donate one time or monthly. Thank you for being part of what comes next. $7,908.08 raised Fundraising goal: $15,000 $15,000 100 donations 57 days left! 53% Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $15 $15 $150 $150 $1,500 $1,500 Other Other 0/1000 Comment (optional) Donate $15.43 Monthly I'd like to add $0.43 to cover transaction fees. Since 2011, Jamii has been fostering connections among Esplanadians, a diverse community of individuals spanning all ages who reside, work, study, and walk on The Esplanade. Through immersive artistic experiences, we breathe life into public spaces within The Esplanade neighbourhood and our home, The Jamii Hub, crafting whimsical environments that not only cultivate shared memories among our community members but also strengthen the social bonds woven throughout our neighbourhood's fabric. Jamii, a charitable organization, is the proud recipient of the 2020 Community Arts Award, awarded by the Toronto Arts Foundation. Charitable Registration Number: 803873207RR0001

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:

PASI is a large-scale community photo exhibition along The Esplanade in Toronto. Apply to take part in a public artwork celebrating global communities in 2026. COMMUNITY PROJECTS / VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER for the community! Be part of the team that helps free arts, community gatherings, and neighbourhood celebrations come to life on The Esplanade. At Jamii, volunteers help create the kind of moments people remember. A warm welcome at the door. A helping hand during a workshop. A friendly face at an outdoor event. A little support behind the scenes that makes the whole day feel smoother. If you care about community, creativity, and bringing people together, we’d love to meet you. PICK YOUR SHIFT APPLY NOW SEE HOW IT WORKS WHY VOLUNTEER WITH JAMII? Volunteering with Jamii is a chance to get involved in local arts, meet people in the neighbourhood, and be part of events that bring joy, connection, and creativity to public spaces. 1 CONNECT Meet neighbours, artists, families, older adults, and community members Swipe or tap the arrows to navigate. APPLY NOW volunteer how it works HOW IT WORKS? Becoming a Jamii volunteer happens in three steps. We ask all new volunteers to complete an application form and attend an in-person volunteer mingling before signing up for shifts. This helps us get to know you, share how volunteering works at Jamii, and make sure the experience feels like a good fit for everyone. STEP 1 Fill out the volunteer application form Start by telling us a bit about yourself, your availability, and what kinds of volunteer roles interest you. Once we receive your application, we’ll invite you to register for an upcoming in-person volunteer mingling. APPLY NOW The application form takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. STEP 2 Attend an in-person volunteer mingling All new volunteers are asked to attend one in-person volunteer mingling at The Jamii Hub. This is a casual gathering where you’ll meet the Jamii team, learn about the kinds of volunteer roles available, ask questions, and get a better feel for how we work together. It also gives us a chance to get to know you before approving volunteer access. After the mingling, approved volunteers will receive an email with the password to access the volunteer shifts page. Important note: Attending a volunteer mingling is required before signing up for shifts. Upcoming Volunteer Mingling Dates Sun, December 6, 2026 10:30 am to 11:30 am RSVP NOW STEP 3 Pick your volunteer shifts After you complete the application form and attend a volunteer mingling, Jamii will email approved volunteers with the password to access the volunteer shifts page. From there, you’ll be able to view current opportunities and choose the shifts that work for you. Volunteer shifts may include: Welcoming guests at events Supporting workshops at The Jamii Hub Helping with setup and takedown Supporting outdoor concerts and community celebrations Helping with family-friendly activities Assisting with special projects, markets, and exhibitions CURRENT VOLUNTEER SHIFTS This page is password-protected. Approved volunteers will receive the password by email after attending a volunteer mingling. APPLY NOW APPLY NOW

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII'S BINGO NIGHT SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Play hard, FUN'draise harder! JAMII'S BINGO NIGHT January 17, 2026 - 6pm Ready for our now-traditional Bingo Night? This time, it’s the French Edition – oui oui! 🇫🇷 WHEN | Saturday, January 17 from 6pm to 8pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) Jamii's Alchemist Isorine is thrilled to host her second bingo night, and this one is especially close to her heart. With a French theme, she’ll feel at home - and we hope you will too! We’ve lined up four très français prizes that will let you smell, taste, and feel France. Pourquoi pas? Think wine in all its forms (red, rosé, and white), lavender-scented soaps, and delicious confits (duck, onion, and olive). Full details below! The evening promises fun, laughter, community vibes, and maybe even a mini French lesson - just because. You won’t want to miss this one! Bring your friends, neighbours, and family, even more so since our bingo nights are fundraisers supporting Jamii’s free community programming. And as if that weren’t enough, catered food will be available for $10 per plate. Are you in? We’re counting on you and can’t wait to play. Get your “tickets,” choose how many bingo cards you’d like, book your spot, bring your lucky charm, and let the games begin! 🎉 Players must be over 18 years old. * Every ticket sold helps fund Jamii’s free arts programs , so while you play, you’re also giving back to your neighbours and our shared community. IMPORTANT: Everyone attending must have their own ticket. Each ticket includes one Bingo card, and you can buy more cards online or at the event using cash, debit, or credit. *Players and winners must be 18 or older due to City of Toronto by-law. Youth and children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. PRIZE 1: Bouteille de vin rouge de Chevalier de Fauvert des Pays d’Oc – Merlot 2023 (Red wine Chevalier de Fauvert from Pays d’Oc – Merlot 2023) Boîte de 380g de Gésiers de Canard Confits Entiers, Gastonomie Auguste Fontanié (380 g can of Whole Confit Duck Gizzards, Gastronomy Auguste Fontanié) Assortiment de Fleurs de Lavande et Lavandin ; Créme mains avec huiles essentielles Lavande de Provence, huile essentielle de lavande et savon de lavande, le tout de chez Esprit Provence. (Assortment of Lavender and Lavandin Flowers; hand cream with Provence lavender essential oils, lavender essential oil, and lavender soap, all from Esprit Provence.) PRIZE 2: Bouteille de vin blanc de Chebalier de Fauvert des Pays d’Oc – Comté Tolosan 2024 (Bottle of white wine Chevalier de Fauvert from Pays d’Oc – Comté Tolosan 2024) Pot de 90g de confit d’oignon aux olives noires des Baronnies, de chez Oliverie des Baronnies (90 g jar of onion confit with black olives from the Baronnies, by Oliverie des Baronnies) Pot de 200g de confit d’olive au gingembre, de chez Oliverie des Baronnies (200 g jar of olive confit with ginger, by Oliverie des Baronnies) Savon de Marseille à l’huyile d’olive de chez Marius Fabre savonnier depuis 1900 (Marseille soap with olive oil, by Marius Fabre, soap maker since 1900) PRIZE 3 : Bouteille de vin rouge de Chevalier de Fauvert des Pays d’Oc – Merlot 2023 (Red wine Chevalier de Fauvert from Pays d’Oc – Merlot 2023) Pot de 310g de tapenade aux olives noires de L’Oli d’Oc (310 g jar of black olive tapenade from L’Oli d’Oc) Savon végétal à la Lavande et à l’huile d’olive de chez Moulin des Senteurs (Vegetable soap with lavender and olive oil from Moulin des Senteurs) Savon végétal à l’huile d’olive de chez Moulin des Senteurs (Vegetable soap with olive oil from Moulin des Senteurs) PRIZE 4: Bouteille de vin rosé de Chevalier de Fauvert des Pays d’Oc – Ginsault-Grenache Rosé 2024 (Rosé wine Chevalier de Fauvert from Pays d’Oc – Cinsault–Grenache Rosé 2024) Bouteille d’huile d’olive vierge extra de 250ml de chez Huilerie Confiserie (250 ml bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Huilerie Confiserie) Assortiment de 3 savons parfumés à la lavande, rose et fleurs d’olivier de chez Esprit de Provence (Assortment of 3 scented soaps with lavender, rose, and olive blossom from Esprit de Provence) Refund and Cancellation Policy All admission tickets and bingo cards are non-refundable. If you can’t make it, feel free to pass your ticket on to a friend or family member—or consider it a donation to Jamii. If you purchased more than one ticket and choose not to attend, we’re happy to provide a charitable tax receipt for your donation. Please contact us at info@jamii.ca by January 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do admission tickets come with Bingo cards? Yes. Each admission ticket comes with 1 Bingo card. Can I buy more Bingo cards? Absolutely! You can purchase more Bingo cards online and at the event. We accept cash, debit cards and credit cards at the event. Can I buy my admission ticket and bingo cards in person in advance of the event? Yes! Please visit The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) during office hours (10am to 4pm). We accept cash, debit cards and credit cards in person. Can I bring my child along? Can they play Bingo? Children are welcome! Please note winners and players must be over 18 years old due to Toronto by-law. How many games and prizes during the event? There are four games. For each game, there is a prize, which is composed of multiple items. Each prize has a total value of $100 or more. Are there food and beverage available at the event? Yes, we have food and drinks available for purchase at the event. For a fun community night, we aim to sell food and drinks at an affordable price. I bought tickets but I won't be able to make it. Can I request a refund? All admission tickets and bingo cards are non-refundable. If you can’t make it, feel free to pass your ticket on to a friend or family member—or consider it a donation to Jamii. If you purchased more than one ticket and choose not to attend, we’re happy to provide a charitable tax receipt for your donation. Please contact us at info@jamii.ca by January 10. OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Iris Unlu and Collean Chau

2018 - 2019 - 2020 Wind Stories 2018 - 2019 - 2020 In September & October 2018, with the intent to build new bridges between 5 communities in Ontario through the arts and community engagement, the Jamii team visited Pikangikum First Nation, Wawa, Michicipoten First Nation and Wolfe Island. We visited each community with an open mind to allow organic conversations. Our intent was to listen and share our journey with local community arts organizations, meet people, artists and community activists and potentially create something wonderful together in a near future. Why these communities? Because three Esplanadians have strong ties in each of them: Darren Marshall is from Wawa, Asmita Pal taught in Pikangikum and Kerryn Graham lived with her family in Wolfe Island. All three are our ambassadors on this project and act as connectors between all our people to create genuine dialogue. Indigenous spoken word artist Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw has been accompanying Isorine Marc, Executive and Artistic Director of Jamii, along with the ambassadors on each of the visits to these 4 communities. Click here to find more information about Wind Stories series

Monthly potluck lunches for older adults at The Jamii Hub in downtown Toronto. Share food, stories, and connection with Jamii’s Belonging community. Potlucks INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING / BELONGING Potlucks AGE GROUP | 55+ FREE ADMISSION Belonging Potlucks are a monthly way for older adults to slow down, share a meal, and spend time with people who are becoming familiar faces. These gatherings are simple on purpose. We bring food, we sit together, and we catch up. Over time, the potlucks have become one of the warmest parts of Belonging, because sharing lunch has a way of turning a group into a community. A Belonging Potluck feels like a room full of stories. Participants often bring dishes connected to their cultures, their families, or a favourite recipe they’ve made for years. The food is always special, but what stays with people is the feeling in the room: laughter, easy conversation, and that quiet comfort of being welcomed as you are. Some potlucks also include singing, a little dancing, or a moment of celebration. It depends on the day and the group, and that’s part of what makes it feel real. Dates are announced regularly, and details are shared with Belonging participants. If you’re already part of Belonging, you’ll hear about the next potluck through our monthly program email. If you’re new, potlucks are one of the many ways Belonging supports connection alongside our Movement, Visual Arts, and Sing-Along workshops. What to expect A shared meal. People bring a dish or snack to contribute if they’re able. A welcoming table. Come for the full lunch or drop in for a shorter visit. Conversation and connection. The potluck is social, relaxed, and community-focused. A little celebration. Some gatherings include singing or movement, depending on the day. Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults programs are sponsored by Government of Canada, New Horizons for Seniors Program, and Canada Council for the Arts. Support free community arts Jamii keeps workshops free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now. Calendar Mon, Nov 16 Belonging Older Adults - Potluck / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Nov 16, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Share lunch, stories, and good company with Belonging Older Adults at The Jamii Hub. Mon, Dec 21 Belonging Older Adults - Potluck / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Dec 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Share lunch, stories, and good company with Belonging Older Adults at The Jamii Hub. UPCOMING DATES

Culture Conversations IN ONE CHAWAN & TEA RITUAL - MAY 2025 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / CULTURE CLOTHS / DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Culture Conversations IN ONE CHAWAN & TEA RITUAL May 2025 May 13, 2025 Lead Artist: Heidi Chan Slow down and savour the moment at Culture Cloths: In One Chawan, a tea gathering and conversation space led by tea practitioner and ceramic artist Helen Kong, with guest artist Heidi Chan and moderator Sabrine S. Hakam. Rooted in the theme "Small & Mighty," this workshop invites you to experience the simple yet profound act of making and drinking tea as a gateway to deeper reflection, connection, and presence. In this hands-on gathering, you will participate in a traditional "grandfather" style tea ritual, selecting your own chawan (tea bowl), choosing tea leaves, and steeping tea at your own pace. As you watch the leaves unfurl and savour each sip, you will explore the rich history of the vessels, the origin of the teas, and your own reflections. Participants will have the chance to write and share thoughts, connecting the personal and communal experience of tea. Helen Kong, founder of Secret Teatime in Scarborough, brings years of experience as a ceramic artist and tea practitioner, blending artistry, mindfulness, and tradition into every cup. All are welcome, and no prior experience with tea ceremonies is needed. Non-caffeinated options will be available. For those who want to take their experience further and share reflections, 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 - Culture Cloths: In One Chawan 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 Helen Kong Helen Kong is an ongoing tea student/practitioner, ceramic artist, facilitator, and organizer of collaborative projects. She owns and facilitates Secret Teatime, a clay maker studio hidden in Scarborough where she and members play with clay and sip tea. She specializes in making tea vessels for ritual, daily life, and to enhance the multi sensory experience of tea. Tea (it’s philosophy, history, and daily practice) has helped Helen cope with her ongoing challenges with depression and anxiety. The practice of deep connection and reflection helps ground her and brings a sense of inner peace into her world. Photo Credit: Unknown

3 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / MOTHERLAND - APRIL 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! MOTHERLAND April 2024 May 2, 2024 Lead Artist: Waleed Abdulhamid Calling one and all to Jamii for a fun filled Saturday night! This 'Saturday Mingling’ will celebrate all the artistic creations and experiences from the month of April and give community members an opportunity to join artists for a night of music and dance! The evening will open up with a musical set by Maryem Tollar’s group Al Qahwa, joined by Ernie Tollar and Naghmeh Farahmand. Maryem is the vocalist for the group and will also be playing the qanun (Arabic table harp) and riqq (Arabic tambourine).  Ernie plays various wind instruments including the nay (Arabic flute), and saxophone.  Naghmeh Farahmand plays the daff (Persian frame drum) and the dumbek (Arabic hand drum). You will have a chance to hear the Egyptian songs participants have been learning, as well as other songs from the Middle East and some of Al Qahwa's original compositions. Share food, dancing, music and arts with us. A free event for community to come together and celebrate the theme of the month: Motherland! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Waleed Abdulhamid Waleed Abdulhamid is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist; Composer; Vocalist; Music and Film Producer, known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion. He has been an active member of the Toronto music scene since his arrival, in 1991 from Sudan, where he began to perform as early as six years old. He is the recipient of the Canadian New Pioneer Award; African Tama Award; Reel World Film Festival Award and Canadian Film Board of Excellence Award. In addition, he has not only received other international awards, but was also twice honoured with a DORA Award. In turn, he is frequently invited to serve on juries in Music and Theatre, and has acquired a distinctive profile in the media. This educator-artist of demonstrated versatility plays 20 instruments including the guitar; bass; drums; flute; harmonica; kirin; bass kirin; darabhuka; marimba; balimbo; congas; bongos; djembe; dumbek; aghera; tambour; cajun; denger; ekaa and tama. Waleed is not only a band leader, a conductor and insightful arranger of popular compositions, but also a Director of Choral and Orchestral Music. He frequently conducts workshops designed for both new or advanced learners, and works collaboratively with choreographers to produce innovative creations. Waleed Abdulhamid has recorded, performed and toured with celebrated artists including David Clayton Thomas of the Grammy Award winning band Blood, Sweat & Tears and Motown legends, The Drifters. He has also toured both nationally and internationally. However, he is most proud of his role as a mentor to acclaimed younger artists such as D’bi Young, Ngozi Paul, and Zaki Ibrahim. Waleed has been the subject of study for researchers and PhD candidates seeking to understand the workings of the virtuoso mind, and is currently a faculty member in the music department of the University of Toronto. Formerly, he worked for twenty years as a professor in the Music Degree Program at Humber College. When not teaching, performing and producing, Waleed can be found in front of the camera, acting in short and feature films, most recently for CBC, CANN Film Festival France, and TIFF. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

Celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day on The Esplanade in Toronto with music, dance, art, storytelling, and performances by diverse artists. CELEBRATING CULTURES Jamii's Annual Event In light of Canadian Multiculturalism Day since 2019! WHEN JUNE 27, 2027 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! 2026 MORE INFO 2022 MORE INFO 2025 MORE INFO 2021 MORE INFO 2024 MORE INFO 2020 MORE INFO 2023 MORE INFO 2019 MORE INFO

With our series of Live Events, our intent is to activate our public space and create opportunities for our community not only to discover and enjoy amazing artistic performances, but also to connect and spend quality time together, in our local park. Joy in the Park Concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, and more! Through our array of live events, we aspire to activate both our community space, The Jamii Hub, and our public space, David Crombie Park with The Kisanii Hub, in order to provide our community members with opportunities to not only experience outstanding artistic performances but also to foster connections and cherish quality time together. 2026 EVENTS JOY IN THE PARK October 9, 2026 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: PASI May 8, 2026 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK July 25, 2026 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: CELEBRATING CULTURES June 26-27, 2026 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY June 21, 2026 David Crombie Park MORE INFO PAST EVENTS October 2025 JOY IN THE PARK: RODA DE SAMBA & HERCINIA MORE INFO May 2025 JOY IN THE PARK: MELTEMI ORCHESTRA MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: National Indigenous Peoples Day MORE INFO July 2023 To My Past Present and Future MORE INFO July 2021 Becoming Garden MORE INFO July 2021 Celebrating Community MORE INFO 2020 Itinerant performances MORE INFO July 2019 Drag Queen Story Time MORE INFO July 2025 JOY AT THE MARKET: CORPUS & MELAT MENGESHA MORE INFO October 2024 Joy in the Park: Moskitto Bar MORE INFO May 2024 Joy in the Park: Fórro MORE INFO May 2023 Svaha MORE INFO June 2021 Écoute pour voir MORE INFO March 2021 Giizhig MORE INFO Summer 2020 Wind Stories MORE INFO June 2025 JOY IN THE PARK: CELEBRATING CULTURES MORE INFO August 2024 Joy in the Park: SummerWorks MORE INFO December 2023 Mudlark MORE INFO 2021 and 2022 LuminUs MORE INFO Mar - Apr 2021 Allegra MORE INFO Aug and Oct 2020 Hisia MORE INFO October 2019 I am me. I am heart MORE INFO June 2025 JOY IN THE PARK: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: Celebrating Cultures MORE INFO September 2023 Flamenco on The Esplanade MORE INFO Aug to Sep 2021 La Bulle MORE INFO March 2021 Red Rhythm & Blues MORE INFO August 2020 Lua Shayenne Dance MORE INFO August 2019 I am me. I am home. MORE INFO SEE MORE

OUTDOOR EVENTS / DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME - 2019 July 2019 David Crombie Park Location: David Crombie Park Jamii and the Toronto Public Library St. Lawrence Branch joined forces on July 10th, 2019 to co-present a fabulous event for children of all ages! More than 150 people joined us for a very special story time with drag queens Atmos Fierce and Lucinda Miu; Face painting with our local artist Linda Epp; live music with Sergio Xocoloate; stilt walking with SoCirc; and last but not least, crafts with Parent Resource Early ON Centre! Photos by Gillian Mapp

"Baraza" in Swahili means “a meeting of people who come together to share ideas with intent and purpose.” Jamii's Baraza, creates an intentional conversation between artists from our community in downtown Toronto, The Esplanade, and Nairobi, in Kenya to explore the building of bridges between our two communities where people and stories are the heart of the connection. COMMUNITY PROJECTS / BARAZA Baraza Intentional Conversations between Toronto & Pikangikum in Canada and Naivasha & Nairobi in Kenya Baraza - Pikangikum Since 2018 Annual Projects CHECK OUT Baraza - Kenya November 2023 & June 2024 CHECK OUT

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / MUSICAL JOURNEY LAINI Youth A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! MUSICAL JOURNEY July 2021 - Ages: 8-10 yrs old Led by Raha Javanfar Under Raha's guidance and leadership, participants formed a musical group, exploring various styles and sounds, and discovering innovative ways to find expression on a variety of instruments. Sessions revolved around the desires and goals of the group, and included diverse activities in addition to playing instruments. 7 participants - 27 hours of workshops. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Raha is a musician, performer, theatre designer, and educator. She has worked as lighting/projections designer, writer, director, music director, and performer for many prestigious companies including Tafelmusik, Soulpepper, Canadian Stage, Crows Theatre, and Opera Atelier, amongst others. Raha is currently a Slaight Music Associate at Soulpepper Theatre for which she was the Creator and Music Director of Sympathy for the Devil. She was one of six co-creators of Now You See Her, an anti-patriarchy, Dora nominated play by Quote Unquote Collective, produced by Nightwood Theatre, in which she also performed the role of Daria. She co-wrote and co-directed Kensington: The Musical, along with Beau Dixon, for the students of Sheridan College. The Shape of Home, a musical song cycle co-created and co-music directed by her, Beau Dixon, Hailey Gillis, Frank Cox-O’Connell, Andrew Penner, and Marni Jackson won a Dora award for Best Musical Direction. Photo by Zahra Saleki

Discover the impact of Jamii, a Toronto-based arts organization fostering community and connection through creative initiatives in The Esplanade. Explore how our arts programs bring people together and make a lasting difference. Beyond Numbers Jamii's Impact At Jamii, we believe in the power of the arts to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and build a stronger, more connected community. Since 2011, we’ve created spaces where creativity flourishes, stories are shared, and people of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, heard, and inspired. Whether it’s a mural co-created by neighbours, a youth-led storytelling project, or an outdoor performance that turns a familiar street into a stage, our work transforms everyday spaces into places of connection and expression. Through deep community relationships and collaborations with artists from Toronto and beyond, we design programs that are not only engaging but also deeply responsive to the people we serve. Our commitment to accessibility means that all of our programs are free, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of participation in arts. From intergenerational workshops that bring youth and elders together to initiatives that amplify diverse voices, every project is a reflection of the rich, evolving identity of our neighbourhood. Our impact goes beyond numbers—it’s in the friendships formed at a workshop, the sense of belonging felt at a performance, and the lasting memories created through shared experiences. Whether it’s through live performances, hands-on art programs, or community-led projects, we are committed to fostering social cohesion and celebrating the voices of our neighbourhood. As we continue to grow, we remain rooted in our core values: care, inclusivity, curiosity, and collaboration. Every program we offer is designed with intention, ensuring that art is not just something to observe but something to actively participate in. We invite you to explore our impact reports and see how Jamii’s work strengthens our community, one artistic experience at a time. JAMII'S IMPACT REPORTS THE IMPACT OF JAMII ON ARTISTS/STAFF, PARTICIPANTS AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS, 2024 CHECK OUT LAINI EXPLORATORY REPORT, 2021 CHECK OUT JAMII'S IMPACT, 2019: A SELF-STUDY REPORT CHECK OUT

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to singing workshops on Fridays! Experience the dynamics of group singing in a welcoming atmosphere. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS EVENTS Special Explore these special experiences Join us at Jamii’s one-time events, designed to offer unique and memorable experiences for the community. Whether it is a fundraising event or a community party, each event is an opportunity to engage with something new and exciting. By attending Jamii's fundraising events, you're not only enjoying a special event but also contributing to the growth and development of a vibrant, local community. Subscribe to our newsletter to be on the loop for upcoming special events! Jamii Gala October 14, 2026 - 7pm to 9:30pm MORE INFO Sewing Studio Series January 25, 2026 - 10am MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night October 6, 2025 - 6pm MORE INFO One-Of-A-Kind Experience in France Raffle June 1-30, 2026 MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night January 17, 2026 - 6pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop September 14, 2025 - 10:30am MORE INFO The Esplanade's Soccer Screenings June 12, July 14, July 15, July 18, July 19 MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night November 28, 2025 - 6pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop August 17 - 10:30am to 5:30pm MORE INFO Jamii's Thrift Market April 18-19, 2026 - 9am MORE INFO Jamii's Thrift Market November 15, 2025 - 9am to 5pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop July 20 - 9:30am to 4:30pm MORE INFO Calendar UPCOMING DATES No events at the moment

2020/08, 10 < Back to Events Hisia CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

OUTDOOR EVENTS / JOY IN THE PARK: CELEBRATING CULTURES - 2024 JOY IN THE PARK! June 2024 David Crombie Park - Sherbourne St & The Esplanade Jamii's 6th Annual Multiculturalism Day Celebrations took place on Thursday, June 27th, in David Crombie Park, celebrating the rich mix of cultures within our neighborhood. The evening featured a grand community potluck organized by Jamii and community partners. The event marked the first "Esplanade Cultural Potluck," hoped to become an annual tradition, with a vibrant array of dishes brought by community members. To complement the picnic, attendees enjoyed live music by Kuné, Canada’s global orchestra. Conceived by the Royal Conservatory of Music and Mervon Mehta, Kuné celebrated cultural diversity with eleven musicians from around the world, each playing unique instruments to create a distinctly global sound. Their music was joyful and uplifting! The celebrations included a market featuring local artisans displaying their work: Amberlee King’s paintings, Ana Figo’s earrings, Ayami Terasawa’s Mizuhiki craft, Steve Cornelsen’s cutlery, Carmen Chan’s jewelry, May Yu’s postcards, Mariana Hernandez’s paintings, Eleshia Thomas’s cards and jewelry, AfroMousse’s Afro-print goods, and Liselle Yorke’s ceramic and woodwork. For families, face painter Linda Epp and henna artist Noshin Hussain were on hand to add a creative touch. The St. Lawrence Market provided a barbecue feast, and St. Lawrence Daycare Co-Op offered crafts for young attendees. Canadian Stage was also present, giving attendees a chance to win tickets to their 2024 season. A lot happened on June 27th in David Crombie Park and the crowd showed up in big numbers! This vibrant and joyful celebration brought the community together to embrace its cultural diversity, making it a beautiful event for all who attended. Supported by Artist Line-up: Live Music by Kune Face Painting by Linda Epp Henna by Noshin Hussain, Marketplace Artists: Amberlee King (paintings), Ana Figo (earrings), Ayami Terasawa (Mizuhiki craft), Steve Cornelsen (knife and cutlery), Carmen Chan (jewellery), May Yu (postcards), Mariana Hernandez (paintings), Eleshia Thomas (cards & jewellery), Sharon Zarita Adhiambo (craft), AfroMousse (Afro-print handmade goods), Liselle Yorke (ceramic & woodwork) Photos by Jae Yang

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Roxanne Brathwaite Miniature Artist As a child, Toronto-based maker Roxanne Brathwaite loved to play with her dollhouse. More specifically with what adorned its interior—Roxanne threw out the dolls and played with the furniture. That fascination with furniture continued into adulthood. In 2015 she began an apprenticeship with master upholsterers and eventually started the company Hollis Newton. When the first Covid lockdown forced her to shut down production, she rediscovered miniatures and quickly became immersed in the miniature-making community. Roxanne creates miniature spaces that are rich in textures and design history. But her objective is always to create a warm, inviting and safe environment––someplace where the only rules are: come in peace, take off your tiny shoes and use a tiny coaster. Her miniature spaces have also become an artistic medium to raise awareness on social issues such as intimate partner abuse, Dementia, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Roxanne was a Season 1, CBC Gem “Best In Miniature” contestant. Her work has appeared on CityTV’s Cityline and CBC Arts, in Shrunk Magazine, Designer’s Today Magazine and the Toronto Star. She has exhibited her miniatures in window installations with DesignTO. Roxanne is a 2023 International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) scholarship recipient website << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING - OLDER ADULTS / MOVEMENT / PILATES AND YOGA BELONGING Movement Workshops For Older Adults MARCH & APRIL 2026 PILATES AND YOGA Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM Facilitator: Nickeshia Garrick If you’ve been wanting a movement class that feels energizing, supportive, and doable, this one is for you. Nickeshia Garrick returns to Jamii this spring to lead Belonging Older Adults movement sessions that combine Pilates and yoga techniques with upbeat music. It’s a welcoming space to stretch, strengthen, breathe, and move in community. Across the series, participants will work with gentle strength-building and stretching that supports balance, mobility, and full-body activation. The class is designed to accommodate different mobility needs. Participants can take part seated in a chair or moving on their feet, with options to adapt throughout the session. You can come to build consistency, try something new, or simply give your body a good reset in the middle of the week. These sessions are part of Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults program for older adults in downtown Toronto. Participants register for the program, then can drop in to any Tuesday session that works for them. Belonging participants only need to register for the overall program once. After registering, you can drop in to the Movement Workshops without completing a separate registration for each session. If you already receive Belonging updates by email, you are already registered. Support free community arts Jamii’s workshops are 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. These workshops are open to people of all experience levels. No background in movement and dance is required. Participants are encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them. Jamii's Belonging Older Adults workshops are sponsored by Government of Canada - New Horizons for Seniors Program, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, and St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. REGISTER NOW Photos by Iris Unlu, Ghader Bsmar, Row Iliescu NICKESHIA GARRICK Nickeshia Garrick is one of Belonging’s beloved facilitators and has been part of Jamii for several years, leading and performing in many projects. They are a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and have performed on this land for over 25 years. Nickeshia is an unapologetically Black, queer artist who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Their training includes the New York Institution of Dance and Education (NYIDE), the National Ballet School of Canada, Toronto Dance Theatre, and Simon Fraser University. Photo Credit: Jae Yang

2021 OUTDOOR EVENTS / WAYO / WAYO 2021 WAYO 2021 JAMII'S 2ND ANNUAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL WAYO was a three-day children’s festival that gave attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a timed journey of performances through The Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. The 2nd annual festival welcomed 300 audience members through this parkour festival experience. "Wayo was the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. Empty lawns, parking lots, staircases, building corners were all designed and utilized as COVID-safe outdoor stages. For the second year, Jamii has successfully offered the arts in a palatable and personal way to young audiences at Wayo Children's Festival.” -Sharon Zarita, Arts Administrator and Writer An artistic footprint for Esplanadian families to encounter Written by Sharon Zarita August 22nd, 2021 "Wayo, a children’s festival produced and presented by Jamii, was the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. The three day festival gave attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a journey of performances at Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. Curated to reflect its Swahili meaning of footprint, eight stages with different groups of artists awaited to gift the attending families a lasting creative mark for the summer. At each stage, the attendees had three minutes of a solo performance, and thereafter engaged by ring masters in an informative post-show analysis. Empty lawns, parking lots, staircases, building corners were all designed and utilised as COVID-safe outdoor stages. Attendees were invited to the parkour by the bleating sounds of CORPUS “Les moutons” sheep. The children look on as a shepherd strolls by the shed to feed the sheep and are left to their own imagination in this display of real life characters in theatrical costumes. “I think that one is a person because he has a beard,” a 5 year old whispers to the dad who challenges her guess with a reminder that goats have beards too. Next they are ushered to a henna booth for a culturally inspired keepsake on their palms. Each child gets to pick a design and while it’s being drawn they are informed on the origin of henna. As the henna dries up, a soft violin tune begins to play in the background which they can’t resist but follow it. The violinist, Saraphina Violin, is joined by lollipop lyra performers Aelxandra Legendre and Eman Hillawi, whose snake-skin costumes in a calming blue hue make the children gasp. Here, they come in close proximity with artistic elements like sounds, movement, set up, wardrobe - and are able to internalize it all without distractions often found in crowds when this performance happens on large platforms. As it ends two sets of claps fill the empty lawn, and even though the artists are used to a more fulsome standing ovation the looks on their faces say this personal performance was just as delightful." "If a dollar was donated for every time a child mentioned the next stage as their favourite Jamii would already be planning next year’s festival. They participate in a giraffe trivia show by Kristi Heath, then are tasked with a toss game to put a ring around the giraffe’s neck. It rebirths zoo experiences they love and have missed. The next three performances happen in the Berkeley Theatre, starting with a powerful percussion and opera duet in the Baillie Theatre by Jonelle Sills, Sergio Xocolate and Suzanne Roberts Smith. At an outdoor corner naturally decorated with a wall plant, they engage with a flamenco dance by Carmen Romero, accompanied by cellist George Crotty. They are offered a toy bird needing a home to take care of. Afterwards, they get to dance and sing along to West African beats and chants of Lua Shayenne and Cécé Haba. As each family takes their turn to be front row guests to these performances, one cannot help but appreciate how the festival has introduced the community to artistic spaces within the neighbourhood that are inaccessible to some. The festival wraps up with a ride on Kisanii Hub, Jamii’s mobile theatre. It cycles around the empty Canadian Stage parking lot, celebrating how this experience has enabled young audiences to experience and enjoy live arts within a COVID world. On their way out, they choose a book to take home from a collection of BIPOC authors. Tayaa, 10 years and Nazaree, 12 years both pick “Amina’s Voice” saying it feels like the girl with curly hair on the cover was calling to them. The two applaud the festival for combining different cultural genres and art forms making them feel like they were on an art tour around the world. Parents in attendance appreciated how this will have a positive effect in the creative development of the children. For the second year, Jamii has successfully offered the arts in a palatable and personal way to young audiences at Wayo Festival. Huge appreciation to them for this much-needed artistic experience." Sharon Zarita is a Kenyan arts administrator at Lakeshore Arts and Editor-in-Chief of Sekoya Magazine, the premier East African crafts and culture publication. Supported by August 19 to 21 LOCATION Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre CREDITS Featured Artists (in order of appearance): Corpus, Saraphina Violin, Alexandra Legendre, Veronica Lee, Kristi Heath, Jonelle Sills, Sergio Xocolate, Suzanne Roberts Smith, George Crotty, Carmen Romero, Lua Shayenne, Cécé Haba. SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS The Berkeley Castle, Canadian Stage, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, and Indigo, Love of Reading Foundation JAMII TEAM Isorine Marc (Artistic Director), Jasmin Linton (Event Manager), DeeAnn Hagler Sagar (Philanthrophy Manager), Amye Sagar (Production Assistant), Cynthia Ruso (Coordinator), Iris Unlu (Graphic Designer) WAYO STAFF Afnan, Tereka, Asmaa, Maha, Alysha, Akram, Ammar, Usama, Rayan, Maram & Anhar. All staff at Canadian Stage, lead by Leslie Hernandez, who helped us onsite Photos by: Jae Yang

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Linda Epp Facepainter Linda is a face painter for approximately 10 years. Her story with face painting began with her two children went out for Halloween one year when they were quite young. She went and bought some terrible (non FDA approved) paint at the dollar store and thought she could magically transform them. She later figured out that it didn’t quite work out that way, but she fell in love with the art of face painting. She has since honed her skills with workshops and many hours of practice. Linda has worked with many organizations such as the St. Lawrence BIA, Jamii, long term care facilities, local festivals and private birthday parties. website << BACK TO ARTISTS

2018 - 2019 I am Me 2018 - 2019 Click here to find more information about this project

Jamii's creative arts journey with the Esplanade community throughout 2022! 2022 in Review “Water is Memory” was the theme of 2022. While we explored what this theme meant to us, to the artists we collaborated with and to community members who participated in programming, memories, like bubbles of water, popped through the months and floated down the river of new connections. In 2022, We worked with 118 artists. We organized 4 photo exhibitions viewed by 4,000+ people. We produced 60 live performances in the park, attended by over 4700 Esplanadians. We held 84 LAINI workshops participated by 69 girls and young women of The Esplanade. We organized 203 workshops attended by 194 participants with over 500 participants. Download Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Home The Journey to LuminUs Giant luminous animals and life-sized human lantern puppets in David Crombie Park! November 18 & November 19 Echoes Vibrations from Japan to Canada in the context of contemporary dance July 28 to July 30 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrating Indigenous art, and stories of cultural resurgence June 21 ApHeart Movement meditation for our times to reflect on the "self" inside the "whole" May 13 & May 14 Kuné Eleven-piece collective made up of immigrant musicians from all over the world! October 27 & October 28 Discover Dance Diverse dance forms woven into Toronto’s vibrant cultural scene July 15 & July 16 Twox30 To pause, listen, and reflect on our connections with one another June 9 to June 11 As Part of ON Culture Days "What We Remember" The only Ontario Culture Days' festival hub in Toronto! September 23 to September 25 Celebrating Cultures The rhythm and sounds of music and dance from various parts of the world June 27 Divine Interventions An outdoor processional performance with powerhouse female performers May 24 to May 28

The support of our partners is the foundation for Jamii's engaging and creative work in The Esplanade neighbourhood. We are grateful for their ongoing support. ABOUT/ JAMII'S SUPPORTERS Jamii's Supporters The support of our partners is the foundation for Jamii's engaging and creative work in The Esplanade neighbourhood. We are grateful for their ongoing support. PARTNER Jamii and Canadian Stage share a unique partnership. Click here to find out more. PUBLIC FUNDERS FOUNDATIONS & SPONSORS COMMUNITY & PROGRAMMING PARTNERS PARTNERING RESIDENTIAL CO-OP Centre d'Accueil Héritage www.caheritage.org Windmill Line Co-Op http://www.windmill-line.coop/ Woodsworth Co-Op http://www.woodsworthcoop.ca Cathedral Co-Op http://cathedralcourt.ca New Hibret Co-Op https://co-ophousingtoronto.coop/new-hibret-co-op/ OWN Co-Op http://olderwomensnetwork.org/

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to visual arts workshops for older adults on Tuesdays. Register now to join! VISUAL ARTS INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING - OLDER ADULTS / BELONGING Visual Arts Workshops For Older Adults WHEN | Tuesdays from 11:30am to 1pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 55+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Our Visual Arts workshops series is all about bringing new artistic experiences to the older adults in the community. Led by artists who find great joy in working with older adults, these workshops stimulate creativity and artistic capabilities for participants. Participants learn something new every week and develop new skills while engaging with their fellow community members and nurturing social connections. Workshops are free and the program is supported by the Government of Canada, New Horizons for Seniors Program, as well as the Canada Council for the Arts. Join our Visual Arts workshops on Tuesdays at The Jamii Hub! Support free community arts Jamii keeps workshops free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now. REGISTER NOW DECEMBER 2026 COLLAGE LAB: BEYOND THE PAGE Facilitator: Una Janicijevic LEARN MORE JULY & AUGUST 2026 MOSAIC Facilitator: Alex Ganassini LEARN MORE MARCH 2026 CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY Facilitator: May Yu LEARN MORE NOVEMBER 2026 ALCOHOL INK ART Facilitator: Rea Kelly LEARN MORE JUNE 2026 SILK PAINTING Facilitator: Janice Garel LEARN MORE FEBRUARY 2026 PAPER MARBLING Facilitator: Janice Garel LEARN MORE OCTOBER 2026 IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING Facilitator: Mariana Hernandez LEARN MORE MAY 2026 MARK-MAKING Facilitator: Fatema Huzaifa Ali LEARN MORE JANUARY 2026 WINTER IN THE CITY Facilitator: Mariana Hernandez LEARN MORE SEPTEMBER 2026 WATERCOLOUR PAINTING Facilitator: Yasir Hameed LEARN MORE APRIL 2026 PRINTMAKING Facilitator: Fatema Huzaifa Ali LEARN MORE Calendar Tue, Oct 20 Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Oct 20, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore Impressionist painting with Mariana Hernandez through drawing, expressive brushwork, and layered colour on canvas. Tue, Oct 27 Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Oct 27, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore Impressionist painting with Mariana Hernandez through drawing, expressive brushwork, and layered colour on canvas. Tue, Nov 03 Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts / The Jamii Hub LEARN MORE Nov 03, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Try alcohol ink art for the first time at Jamii with Rea Kelly. Work on synthetic paper, then bring your new skills to decorative objects. Load More UPCOMING DATES

Winter 2022 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ ILLUMINATED PERSPECTIVES ILLUMINATED PERSPECTIVES Winter 2022 Winter 2022 An exhibit featuring 4 photographers from Pikangikum First Nation, curated by 11 young women from The Esplanade community. Exhibited in the courtyard of Toronto Public Library St Lawrence Branch This exhibit features the work of 4 photographers from Pikangikum First Nation: Mandi Chan Peters, Maddy King, Morningstar Quill and Clayton Turtle. It was curated by 11 young women from The Esplanade community under the leadership of Elle Alconcel. “Illuminated Perspectives” portrays Pikangikum First Nation and its spectacular beauty. The photos capture the essence of northern wildlife and the people who live there." Unveiled on October 2021 On display October 2021 to January 2022 CREDITS Produced and presented by: Jamii @jamiiesplanade In partnership with Ontario Culture Days and the Toronto Public Library St Lawrence Branch Featured photographers: Clayton Turtle Maddy King Mandi Chan-Peters Morningstar Quill Young curators: Aela Kuria, Anhar Salem, Asmaa Salem, Faith Ssempiira, Francesca Ssempiira, Huda Mourad, Lydia Embaye, RuthMarie Williams, Sophia Leopold-Muresan, Tenzin Paldon, Zhenmei Wong-Ward Curation process facilitated by: Elle Alconcel, assisted by Isorine Marc Project Management: Isorine Marc & Jasmin Linton Project Coordination (Pikangikum First Nation): Vanessa Hazel Project Assistant: Afnan Yakot Graphic Designer: Iris Unlu Supported by: RBC Foundation, Rama Gaming House, and Government of Ontario. Curation Process: Our group of young women curated this exhibit and crafted its title and artistic statement. They were initially presented with 40 photos, about 10 by each of the four photographers. Through a series of 5 workshops, under the artistic leadership of Elle Alconcel, they worked together to select 18 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. Relationship between Jamii and Pikangikum First Nation: In 2018, Jamii visited Pikangikum First Nation for the first time, as part of an intra-provincial and and inter-community initiative supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. Under the lead of our local ambassador, we were thrilled to connect with wonderful individuals in the community and able to share stories. Find out about Pikangikum First Nation's location on a map HERE. During our second trip in 2019, we agreed to produce a community-arts project in between our two communities, as well as Wawa and Wolfe ISland, also located in Ontario. The project, named "Wind Stories" took shape in 2019 and 2020. find out more about this project HERE. In February 2020, the Jamii team traveled to Pikangikum First Nation for a third time and together, we brought "The Stories The Wind Carries" to life. We partnered with the Pikangikum Education Authority and Eenchokay Birchstick School to invite people to create a portrait of fellow community members. In total, we created 18 portraits, involving 36 people in the project. This was a beautiful experience and project for all involved. We have since maintained our connection to the community, and while we are planning to travel back in 2022, we are over the moon to produce "Illuminated Perspectives" and present the work of four astounding photographers from Pikangikum First Nation. Artistic Statement by the 11 young women who curated this exhibit: “Illuminated Perspectives” portrays Pikangikum First Nation and its spectacular beauty. The photos capture the essence of northern wildlife and the people who live there. It tells a story and opens our eyes to a place in our country that many of us didn’t know existed. These photos are much more powerful than just a series of images. They are a statement of culture, heritage, pride, and community. Through the curatorial process, we had the chance to discuss each photo with one another and analyze each of them from our different perspectives. This project, and its resulting exhibit, was an opportunity both to embrace and to learn. To embrace the breathtaking beauty of this community, and to learn more about the lack of opportunities and government support for Pikangikum First Nation and similar communities. We encourage everyone viewing our exhibit to “illuminate their perspectives” on Indigenous issues and triumphs, and to continue educate themselves about this community, its people, their customs and their way of living. Featuring Ojibwe life & people within our community brings more diversity to an already diverse community. We hope that being reminded about Indigenous issues, outside of the new federal holiday that was established for truth and reconciliation, might help people truly comprehend these issues. Many people, when living in a big city like Toronto, forget that they are also a part of a community. We wish that, in some way, “Illuminated Perspective” might make people appreciate the gifts that we, living in Toronto, have. We are extremely grateful that we have had that chance to embrace and to learn through participating in this project. As one of many joint-projects Jamii has shared with Pikangikum First Nation, this photo exhibition is meant to continue connecting our communities together. Such initiatives as “Illuminated Perspectives” help build a stronger bond between our two communities and give us a sense of unity. The togetherness of our communities and friendships we have made through photography is a very precious thing. Supported by:

Visual artist Saira Ansari guided participants in the creation of a collective fabric collage to be created and gifted to the Pikangikum community. This is part of a continued community sharing process between residents of the Esplanade, and those in Pikangikum First Nation in Northern Ontario. Live at the Kisanii Hub As part of In Partnership with September 23 to September 25, 2022 David Crombie Park | The Esplanade & Berkeley St Video by Laura Dittman “Live at the Kisanii Hub” brought arts to The Esplanade as a part of the Ontario Culture Days Regional Hub Program and made The Esplanade Toronto Downtown's only festival hub in 2022! The event, “What We Remember” , invited the audience to explore the perception of time and its impact on remembrance. From our busy and meticulously scheduled lives, to timeless ancestral storytelling, this event managed to entertain the whole family! “What We Remember”, hosted by Maysam Ghani, featured acrobatic performance by Eman Hillawi, storytelling by Indigenous grand-mother Kim Wheatley, captivating drums by Njacko Backo, live music by Waleed Abdulhamid, face painting by Linda Epp, painting exhibition by Darwin Peters, an indigenous emerging artist/painter from Pikangikum. With "What We Remember", we also dived deep into our individual memories tied to The Esplanade to nurture our connection to our community! Esplanadians took the mic and shared a memory of the Esplanade from their past. As one of the remembrance aspects of the event, we had a craft table with postcards and everybody will be encouraged to write a piece for a beloved one and mail it following the event. At the end of the day, we are all about what we remember! We thank all Esplanadians who joined us on this rainy weekend for a whirlwind of unforgettable performances between September 23 and September 25 from 5pm to 7pm in David Crombie Park! "Live at The Kisanii Hub as part of ON Culture Days" on Media "Live at The Kisanii Hub as part of ON Culture Days" was highlighted on the October 2022 issue of a local newspaper, The Bridge , with an article written by Ignazio Colt Nicastro. Credits Aerialist: Eman Hillawi Musician: Njacko Backo Musician: Waleed Abdulhamid Storyteller: Kim Wheatley Face Painting: Linda Epp Host: Maysam Ghani and community members to share their memories of The Esplanade! Organized by Jamii Team: Afnan Yakot, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Jonelle Sills, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Yusra Yacout Event Videographer: Laura Dittman Event Photographer: Anushay Sheikh Acts of Remembrance on The Esplanade Author: Ignazio Colt Nicastro It was only the second day of fall, yet the cool breeze of the season had already swept through the city. As I stepped off the street car and bared autumns chill, my ears picked up on a nearby celebration just a few blocks away. Like a siren’s call, the rhythmic beating of Njacko Backo’s drum lured me over to ‘What We Remember,’ an event presented by Jamii as part of ON Culture Days, where I found numerous community members playing music together. Throughout the night, visitors used storytelling, music, and art, to consider diverse acts of commemoration. Taking place within The Esplanade, there was a degree of care put towards celebrating and honouring the history of this Toronto street. Historically, The Esplanade reflected the meaning of its name: a wide-open space near a body of water. However, through time the physicality of this Toronto strip changed. To remind us of that, postcards featuring archival images of The Esplanade were laid out. Each postcard was an invitation for a memory or personal message to be shared with loved ones across the world. To further the acts of remembrance, local Esplanadians were invited to share memories of their life in The Esplanade. More stories were then shared by Kim Wheatley, an Ojibwe Anishinaabe Grandmother, who first welcomed us into the space with a smudging ceremony. Together we sat around the fountain listening to Wheatley’s stories and songs as the water behind us gushed gracefully. The space also hosted Darwin Peters, a Pikangikum First Nation emerging artist. His traditional Woodlands inspired work was vibrant, alluring pedestrians in off the sidewalk and into the festival of remembrance. As the event came to a close and everything was packed back into the Kisanii Hub, we could only wonder where this travelling cart might end up later this year. At least for today we were left with a new memory of The Esplanade to hold onto. Photos by Anushay Sheikh Eman Hillawi, Aerialist Eman is an award winning performer and professional aerialist based in Toronto, she is the founder of Dancing in Circles: Aerial Dance Studio, and co-founder at CirQular Motion (focussing on rehab and conditioning for circus artists and dancers). She works as an actress, dancer, aerialist and model for companies such as Paramount, LG, the CEBL,Samsung and much more! Eman discovered aerial arts in 2016 and was hooked immediately. She specializes in bar apparatus' such as aerial hoop, lollipop lyra and pole. Check out Eman on Instagram Waleed Abdulhamid, Musician Waleed is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist; Composer; Vocalist; Music and Film Producer, known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion. He has been an active member of the Toronto music scene since his arrival, in 1991 from Sudan, where he began to perform as early as six years old. He is the recipient of the Canadian New Pioneer Award; African Tama Award; Reel World Film Festival Award and Canadian Film Board of Excellence Award. In addition, he has not only received other international awards, but was also twice honoured with a DORA Award. Check out Waleed on Instagram Njacko Backo, Musician Juno-nominated Njacko Backo is a storyteller, songwriter, singer, musician and composer who has been performing for children and adults since his childhood in Cameroon. He has a lifetime of practice in capturing the subtlety of storytelling and dance with his music – an essential part of the African performing arts. His programs for children and youth draw on parallels and differences between Canadian and African family life while introducing a passion for the French language. Check out Njacko on Instagram Kim Wheatley, Storyteller Kim is Anishinaabe Ojibway from Shawanaga First Nations located in Georgian Bay Ontario. She is a multi award winning speaker, presenter, author, ceremonial practitioner, singer & handdrummer. Darwin Peters, Painter Darwin is a painter based in Pikangikum First Nation, a community in Northern Ontario. His paintings combine traditional Woodlands art techniques with his own personal experiences and stories. As a result, his subject matter ranges from personal storytelling to pop culture references. When he is not painting, Darwin works at the Eenchokay Birchstick school as a tutor escort to support the young generation of Pikangikum. Linda Epp, Face Painter Linda is a face painter for approximately 10 years. Her story with face painting began with her two children went out for Halloween one year when they were quite young. She went and bought some terrible (non FDA approved) paint at the dollar store and thought she could magically transform them. She later figured out that it didn’t quite work out that way, but she fell in love with the art of face painting. She has since honed her skills with workshops and many hours of practice. Linda has worked with many organizations such as the St. Lawrence BIA, Jamii, long term care facilities, local festivals and private birthday parties. Caring Connections 2021 In partnership with Ontario Culture Days Caring Connections: From my heart to yours FREE workshops & live musical/dance performances Friday Sept 24 to Sunday Sept 26, 2021 David Crombie Park - Esplanade & George St South CREATIVE WORKSHOPS: Visual artist Saira Ansari guided participants in the creation of a collective fabric collage to be gifted to the Pikangikum community. This is part of a continued community sharing process between residents of the Esplanade, and those in Pikangikum First Nation in Northern Ontario. LIVE MUSIC Creative workshops were accompanied by live music with amazing artists: Lauren Barnett, Veronica Lee, Tangi Lion, Jerusa Leao, Katy Moonbean and Beny Esguerra. LIVE DANCE PERFORMANCE Jamii was delighted to present “Two x 30”, a contemporary dance/live art performance directed by Michael Caldwell. Two x 30 explores the inextricable link between our collective and unconscious patterns of movement and our environment. Director: Michael Caldwell Sound Designer and Composer: Robbie Grunwald Creative Collaborators and Performers: Pulga Muchochoma, Roberto Soria, Heidi Strauss Production and Stage Managers: Helin Gungoren, A.J. Morra Photos by Jae Yang I am me. I am mighty. 2019 In partnership with Ontario Culture Days & Toronto Public Library - St Lawrence Branch "I am me. I am mighty." was a celebration of culture as a thread that weaves our community together. FREE workshops & live music September 2019 Toronto Public Library - St Lawrence Branch Activities included crafting led by May Massijeh; live music by Arlene Paculan and Aline Morales; drawing workshop with Connie Wang; live portraits drawing by Alison Garwood ;and story times by Sharon McMillan, St Lawrence Library and Parent Resources EarlyON CFC staff.

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Kimalee Phillip Facilitator Kimalee moves through this world as a doula, a secret poet and holder of space and emergence. She is an experienced social justice and organizational learning consultant; a facilitator, writer, educator and researcher with over 10 years of experience. Her work is deeply grounded in, and informed by Black queer feminist thought and practice and healing justice frameworks. After working in the international feminist movement world for over 5 years at the Association for Women's Rights in Development, she shifted her energies to consulting and organizing and now currently sits on the Board of Trustees with the Groundswell Community Justice Trust Fund and is a facilitator with Bloom Consulting and the Toronto Jam team. She organizes with the Caribbean Solidarity Network and works as a National Human Rights Representative with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). website << BACK TO ARTISTS

Jamii's and The Jamii Hub's creative arts journey with the Esplanade community throughout 2023! 2023 in Review "...In 2023, this dream finally came to life. We moved to 264 The Esplanade in January, opened our doors, and, with the amazing Jamii team, spent the year exploring ways to make this a home for all of us. I believe we succeeded, and as 2024 unfolds, I am proud of this tremendous accomplishment. We are grateful to the Canada Council for the Arts for making this dream possible, to Berkeley Castle for welcoming us, and to our supportive Board of Directors who believes in the same dreams. We are thankful to be part of Staging Change since 2020 and into 2024, a programme run by the Metcal Foundation, which has transformed the way we offer programming and engage with audiences. A big thank you to our partner and neighbour, Canadian Stage, whose support has been crucial in recent years, along with all the funders who have supported our various projects throughout the year." - An excerpt from the Foreword of Jamii's Founder and Alchemist Isorine Marc VIEW IN PDF Please view the PDF in two-page-view for the best experience VIEW IN PDF Please view the PDF in two-page-view for the best experience

Once a month on Tuesday, The Jamii Hub is home to Niche Artistic Practices! Join unique workshops to try new things and learn about their cultural meanings! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY LEARNING / Niche Artistic Practices LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Niche Artistic Practices WHEN | Tuesday February 20, March 19, April 9, May 7, June 4 from 7pm to 9pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 16+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Dive into the realm of creativity with our Niche Artistic Practices workshops series as part of Tuesday Learning! Each month, based on our theme, we explore unique and captivating artistic practices that you might learn about with us and try for the first time. Our engaging workshops provide a platform for hands-on discovery: for example, in February, we delved into the fascinating world of rubber carving! Join us for a monthly journey where every workshop promises a new and exciting exploration of niche artistic practices. Try new things, learn about their cultural meanings, and connect with neighbours in a welcoming and learrning environment that celebrates the diversity of artistic expression! Heads-up: In July and August, Jamii will NOT have our usual daily 7pm activations, which will resume in September 2024. We will focus the Summer on Belonging, Laini, Outdoor Events and WAYO Children's Festival! REGISTER NOW February 2024 Rubber Carving February 20, 2024 Workshop Lead: Juliana Bandeira MORE INFO June 2024 Braid Hair and Sweetgrass June 4, 2024 Workshop Lead: Shelly Ann Mc Leod MORE INFO March 2024 Balkan & Middle Eastern Rhythms March 19, 2024 Workshop Lead: Jaash Singh MORE INFO April 2024 Waist Beads April 9, 2024 Workshop Lead: Eleshia Thomas MORE INFO May 2024 Blacksmithing May 7, 2024 Workshop Lead: Steve Cornelson MORE INFO Calendar Pay it Forward! At Jamii, it is important that all programs are free so that everyone can participate without facing financial barriers. To operate, Jamii relies on funding from government, foundations, corporations, and individual donations. Thank you for considering making a donation in whatever amount is meaningful to you and paying it forward for the next person. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $25 $25 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 Other Other 0/1000 Comment (optional) Donate $25 Monthly No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

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

This mural was co-created by artists Jieun Kim, Tina Abdelbasit and 16 local youths in partnership with St Lawerence Market. Community Projects/ MURALS/ ACROSS DIMENSIONS ACROSS DIMENSIONS St Lawrence Market This mural was co-created by artists Jieun Kim, Tina Abdelbasit and 16 local youths in partnership with St Lawerence Market. In July 2025, sixteen youths from The Esplanade neighborhood came together to create a mural at the St. Lawrence Market, under the guidance of established artist Jieun Kim and emerging artist Tina Abdelbasit. The mural, titled Across Dimensions and unveiled on July 19th, explores the theme of living together while coming from different spaces, with our beloved market at the heart of it all, a central gathering place in our shared community. The participants were involved in every step of the process, from the initial design brainstorming to the final unveiling of the mural. ARTIST STATEMENTS: By Participants As young artists from the Esplanade, we came together to imagine a universe that reflects our own - one filled with diversity, beauty, and connections. Our mural, Across Dimensions, is a galaxy where every planet, alien-astronaut, and sparkle represent the people in our neighbourhood. The St. Lawrence Market is at the heart of our mural, just like it’s at the heart of our community. It’s where people meet, share stories, shop, and connect. For many of us, it’s a place of nostalgia - something that’s always been there, holding us all together like gravity in our own local galaxy. Every detail in the mural expresses a part of who we are. From the planet with purple trees that symbolizes our personal growth, to the swan planet that represents beauty and protection, each element was designed by us, with care and imagination. Even the alien with the tentacles at the top of the mural is a symbol - a quiet protector, watching over our cosmic community. We see ourselves as small sparks in the vastness of the universe and together, we shine. By Jieun Kim: This mural is the result of a joyful collaboration with the local youth. Over the course of two weeks, we held workshops to explore what community, diversity, and what shared spaces mean to us. Together, we imagined something playful and unexpected: what if St. Lawrence Market existed in outer space? The design began with simple sketches. Birds representing freedom, planets symbolizing diversity, and the sun and sky as expressions of joy. These ideas grew into a vibrant, imaginative mural that feels like looking through a portal into another world. By Tina Abdelbasit: St. Lawrence market is a source of joy and a symbol of togetherness for the community and this mural is a way for that joy to be reflected. The participants were able to channel their positive memories and associations into the design growing their sense of community pride. Through the process of painting the mural, they were able to share this pride with the rest of the community. Lead Artist: Jieun Kim Supporting Artist: Tina Abdelbasit Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Iris Unlu, Yusra Yacout, Afnan Yakot, Karen Lam, Tyson Hubschmann Participants - Design : Aéla, Daniela, Dario, Faith, Francesca, Jacqueline, Jada, Kandi, Lisa, Lucky, Maryam, Maya, RuthMarie, Santana, Zélia Participants - Painting : Aéla, Daniela, Dario, Faith, Francesca, Jacqueline, Jada, Kandi, Lisa, Lucky, Maryam, RuthMarie, Santana, Sitara, Suhanna, Zélia FUNDERS: RBC Emerging Artist Canada Council for the Arts Rama Gaming House Charitable Gaming. Toronto Arts Council TD Ready Commitment PARTNERS: St Lawrence Market SPECIAL THANKS: To the generous individuals whose financial contributions helped make it possible for youth to take part in this project. MURAL ARTISTS: Jieun Kim : Jieun Kim, a Korean-born street artist based in Toronto, draws inspiration from Korean folk arts and the natural world to create imagined landscapes in her work. With international exhibitions and a focus on community, she co-founded KJ Bit Collective, fostering collaboration through murals and local street art events. Tina Abdelbasit: Tina Abdelbasit is a Sudanese painter based in Toronto where she is currently undergoing her undergraduate degree at York University in visual art. Her work is heavily inspired by her relationship with her family and all the different cultures she was exposed to growing up in the middle east. Tinas paintings often draw from her real life or childhood memories and focus on representing human beings beyond what is on the surface. COMMERCIAL USE FORM

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / BECOMING CLUB LAINI Youth A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! BECOMING CLUB June & July 2021 - Ages: 11-13 yrs old Led by Ayelen Liberona A Rite of Passage, Connection & Collective Creation. "Becoming Garden" was a journey through art, music and imagination to explore our stories and why we tell them. A unique opportunity to dream with and learn from professional artists, earth workers, story weavers and mystery makers. Participants were invited to play, dig in, grow wings and dance with their shadow. Becoming Club participants were also part of the creation and performance of the "Becoming Garden: Cultivating Gratitude; Composting Grief; Harvesting the Mystery" - a performance that premiered on The Esplanade on July 15-17, 2021. 10 participants - 43 hours of workshops REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Ayelen Liberona is a multifaceted dancer, filmmaker, culture maker and community weaver. She is the co-founder of The Wandering Eye, where she creates award winning films and site-specific experiences as powerful tools for transformation and social justice. She is also the co-founder/director of Becoming Praxis, an organization committed to developing Open Source Ritual Architectures and Pedagogies that re-story our relationship to land and to each other. Photo Credit: Unknown

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / WISDOM RIPPLES LAINI Youth 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. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED - Photo Credit: Unknown

5 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / CONNECTEDNESS - JUNE 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! CONNECTEDNESS June 2024 June 22, 2024 Lead Artist: Nickeshia Garrick Our last Saturday Mingling before the Summer break! Join us for a community celebration on June 22nd, at 7pm at the Jamii Hub, with live music, dancing, food and arts. Nickeshia Garrick, our lead artist and curator for "JUNE at Jamii" hosts the event! With a feel of a community party, we share food together, enjoy Nickeshia's dancing, surprise performance by fellow community members and live music by Paula Sofía Morales (vocals & guitar), Dhaivat Jani (percussion) and Hiro Tanaka (upright bass). Paula Sofía and her band play soft Latin folk music, featuring gentle acoustic melodies and heartfelt vocals. We promise an evening filled with shared creativity and camaraderie! Join us on Saturday, June 22nd, at 7pm at The Jamii Hub! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Nickeshia Garrick Nickeshia Garrick is a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and has performed on this land for over 25 years. They are unapologetically a Black, Queer Artist, who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Nickeshia received their dance training at the NYIDE (New York Institution of Dance and Education), National Ballet School of Canada (Tkaronto), Toronto Dance Theatre (Tkaronto), and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver). Nickeshia is a Dora Mavor Moore, winning and multi-nominated artist who holds a BFA in Dance from Simon Fraser University. Recently, Nickeshia became the Co-Founder of the dance collective CinnaMoon Collective which premiered their full-length work, Surrendered Spirits at Canadian Stage. Instagram Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

This mural was co-created by 16 local youths Community Projects/ MURALS/ BASKETBALL COURT MURAL BASKETBALL COURT MURAL David Crombie Park This mural was co-created by 16 local youths A group of sixteen youth from The Esplanade studied local and international murals, shared their values and ideas, consulted with the community, created a design, and spray-painted the basketball court wall to create the Crombie Park Basketball Court Mural. The mural design process started in April 2014 and included reaching out to the community and encouraging all neighbours to share their own design suggestions to feed the creative process. The mural was unveiled on July 19th with performances by The Fairest and Best, and Rated X Dance Crew. The mural has since gathered international recognition and has been featured in films, commercials, music videos and more! CREDITS: Lead Artist: Shalak Attack Assisting Artists: Julian Periquet & Bruno Smoky Curator: Isorine Marc Coordination and Community Outreach: Zoie Browne Rights Owner: Jamii Esplanade Participating Youths: Afnan, Anthony, Delina, Edan, Farid, Hanna, Jennaiya, Karen, Molly, Mumina, Nada, Noel, Raecheal, Tyson, Yasmin and Yossef. Initiated and produced by Jamii Esplanade © Jamii Esplanade COMMERCIAL USE FORM