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INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / OUR BEST SELF LAINI Youth A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! OUR BEST SELF June to September 2021 - Ages: 13-15 yrs old Led by Arlene Paculan Under the artistic leadership of Arlene Paculan, participants were invited to learn loving ways to create the greatest masterpiece - THEMSELVES! Through activities, discussions, and experiences, young women from the Esplanade neighbourhood got together each Tuesday through the Summer to explore ways to be their own greatest fan and showcase their best self, through different mediums of art forms. Curation process facilitated by Elle Alconcel, assisted by Isorine Marc REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Arlene Paculan is a singer, songwriter, musician, TV Host, and executive producer of her company Let’s Make Good Productions, Arlene was awarded the 2020 Urban Hero people's choice award in the arts category. She is a mentor and motivational speaker. Photo by White Balance Photography

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

Spring 2021 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ LOOKS LIKE US LOOKS LIKE US Spring 2021 Spring 2021 An exhibit featuring photographs from members of The Journal collective, curated by 13 young women from the esplanade community. "Curating this exhibit opened my eyes because I am only 11yrs old and I am creating something with other great women. I have always wanted to be a basketball player but people said I can’t because I am a girl, but now I realize that even if I am a girl, I can still do anything I want.”- a LAINI participant, one of the 13 curators of this exhibit On Display April & May 2021 LOCATIONS Site #1 Parliament Square Park soccer field Site #2 David Crombie Park playground Site #3 David Crombie Park at Lower Jarvis Artistic Statement by the 13 young women who curated the exhibit: The way one views the world is the way we all create bonds. This exhibit is an opportunity for us, a group of 13 young women, to share our different perspectives, with you. By providing a window onto the world through these photographs, we are creating a platform to express our different experiences of the pandemic, to relate to one another, to talk about emotions, to let go and release, and to understand that even though COVID-19 has affected many countries – and the world at large - the impact it had on individuals was very different. We hope that “caring” for one another is a sentiment that will transpire through this exhibit. For us, this exhibit is a way to amplify women’s voices. This unique curation process was an exercise of self-affirmation as well as a powerful way to connect with other girls and young women in our community. Being part of this project made us feel like our opinions were heard and validated and we thank you for taking the time to discover this exhibit, which pictures we chose thoughtfully. It was an opportunity for us to discover photographers we didn’t know about, and we are proud to be sharing their art with you today. With this exhibition, we welcome you to our community and to share the magic of the stories in these photos, which express joy, passion, positivity and hope. Depending on your own perspective, these photos will tell a story specific to you, your experience and your views on the world. Regardless of age, the way one views the world is the way we all create bonds. CREDITS Produced and presented by Jamii In partnership with The Journal Collective Featured as part of CONTACT Curated by: Abigail MacDonald, Aela Kuria, Afnan Yakot, Alina Khurram, Elizabeth Afeworki, Gennavive Marshall, Helena Maragos, Huda Mourad, Karen Lam, Mysha Khurram, Raecheal Goddard, Ruthmarie Williams, Sophia Leopold-Muresan Curation facilitated by: Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc Project coordination by: Marta Iwanek Supported by the Government of Ontario THE JOURNAL COLLECTIVE: The Journal is a global collaborative project of more than 400 women* photographers documenting their lives during the coronavirus pandemic. We (the Journal Collective) have turned the camera on ourselves, our families, on intimate moments and private spaces. Organized into 45 groups, we are taking turns to post our work on Instagram. Additionally, we respond to different themes, which are curated by women editors from international media and photo collectives. By focusing on the collective personal, emotional and psychological experiences during this crisis, we are creating compelling visual stories from around the world that bring nuance to the way the current pandemic is being covered. www.the-journal.org @thejournal_collective @womenphotograph CONTACT, FESTIVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY: CONTACT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and fostering the art and profession of photography with an annual Festival in May throughout Toronto and year-round programming in the CONTACT Gallery. CONTACT embraces an inclusive and accessible approach to the medium, and cultivates collaborations with and among artists, curators, institutions, and organizations. scotiabankcontactphoto.com @contactphoto Photo by Mariceu Erthal García, a Mexican photographer who uses documentary photography as a bridge to reflect and question the humanitarian issues that cross the Latin American territory. She is currently one of the recipients of the Eugene Smith Memorial Found 2020 and was selected by World Press Photo's 6x6 Global Talent Program (2019). "Self-portrait on my first long trip during the pandemic, look for a virgin beach so as not to be in contact with people." Photo by Oksana Parafeniuk, an independent photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. In addition to her personal projects, Oksana has worked with such international media and organizations as The Washington Post, The New York Times, MSF, UNHCR, Save the Children and others. Oksana co-leads the Women Photograph Kyiv Chapter in Ukraine. "Olha Habro, 76, puts on a scarf in the living room on October 22, 2020 in Borshchiv, Ukraine. Olha Habro was born and grew up in the village of Borshchiv and cooks very tasty borshch with beans. Borshch is a traditional Ukrainian dish made of meat broth based soup with a lot of different vegetables, predominantly beets and cabbage. Beets give it deep red color." Photo by Danielle Villasana, an independent photojournalist based in Istanbul. "As a photojournalist who spends more time on the road than at home, I've never purchased this much food at a time in my life. Once a week I leave my apartment in Istanbul to buy groceries with my husband, which involves trips to two stores, and we split up to share the load. Walking home—thankfully, downhill—I take breaks and notice how the weight leaves red marks on my wrists and shoulders. While this weekly chore was foreign to me a few weeks ago, it has become a welcome ritual as it's my only venture into the outside world." Photo by Asmaa Gamal, an independent photographer and director based in Cairo, Egypt. Her first book, "The Seven Seeds" documents Egypt’s celebration of newborn babies and the second is called "Unforgettable Land." She holds a master's degree in radio and television and was recently selected for the "Info Nile" documentary photojournalism grant. "These days we face the Corona pandemic. Time passes slowly in it, but the moments of light travel quickly, which are received by my windows overlooking the small corners of the house. My day has become a long journey I am spending with my child. From one window to another, in search of light somewhere." Photo by DeLovie Kwagala, a non binary self taught photographer and activist currently based in South Africa. Their work explores social injustices, identity and gender based sexuality with the intention of shifting the narrative and defying stereotypes. "Myles, 6 by then, exercising infront of the projector in mbuya, Uganda. During the first lockdown back in April 2020, a-lot of things were different and i found myself as a single parent taking in many more roles than before. I cant teach to save my life so i turned to YouTube for a-lot of school material for my child. This program called PE with Joe did help alot with grounding Myles since i could just let him watch and play along for a bit of calm." Photo by DeLovie Kwagala, a non binary self taught photographer and activist currently based in South Africa. Their work explores social injustices, identity and gender based sexuality with the intention of shifting the narrative and defying stereotypes. "Raldy, poses for a portrait in her backyard in Buziga, Uganda. I’m a queer person. And i have first hand experienced and witnessed the injustices and oppression that we fave on a daily. This is an image from my series the Quingdom ~ In Transition that chooses to highlight the authenticity and celebrate the bravery of those of is who still strive everyday to be ourselves regardless of the consequences rather than ficus on the violence and hate that comes embedded with who are when it comes to our country." Photo by DeLovie Kwagala, a non binary self taught photographer and activist currently based in South Africa. Their work explores social injustices, identity and gender based sexuality with the intention of shifting the narrative and defying stereotypes. "Olivia, a member of no white saviors, leads a protest in kampala, Uganda. After George Floyd was killed by police in America, many people across the world protested and marched along demanding for justice. The No White Saviors, a renowned organization in Uganda to call out white saviorism and supremacy arranged a peaceful protest which ended up in a police raid and all of us were taken in on the grounds of protesting even though we had permission to be there; we were later released with no case." Photo by Rehab Eldalil, a freelance photographer based in Cairo, Egypt "As an engineer and an extreme extrovert, my husband Hazem isn't used to working from home. As we now share space and daily routines, he has become part of my creative process which I would normally experience while he is at the office." Photo by Iman Al-Dabbagh, a photographer from and based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, whose work focuses on identity, taboos in conservative societies, and the unnoticed stories in-between. "My daughter dancing in her room during the 24 hr lockdown. She has not left the house since March 17 and has not been in school since March 8. " Photo by Nyimas Laula, an Indonesian photojournalist based in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia. Her works focus on environmental and human rights issues across the country. She began her journey in 2015 and has since worked with Reuters, The New York Times, National Geographic, and VICE. "With my own initiative to self-isolate at home, I spent most of my time in the kitchen. Here I'm making a fresh orange juice from foraged tangerine for a daily dose of vitamin C." Photo by Clara Vannucci, an Italian documentary photographer mostly focused on the Criminal Justice System. "San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Florence, Italy. April 2021. Federico Piacentini and his intern Maria Teresa Verna taking a break on the terrace right outside the Covid 19 ward." Photo by Andrea Hernández Briceño, a Venezuelan photographer and National Geographic Explorer based in Caracas. She covers everything that touches the social sphere. "Alfred Flores, 5, holds a bunch of quenettes in Patanemo, Venezuela, on July 17, 2020. “He’s a demon”, everyone says. This just means that he’s a restless kid, not that he’s possessed by the devil or something." Photo by Tahila Mintz, an Indigenous Yaqui/Jewish woman based in Haudenosaunee Territory. She is an ancestral scribe working around the world in Photography, Film and Virtual Reality to amplify the voices of indigenous women and fight for the natural world. "The connected, rooted in the liquid of life is sacred." Photo by Analía Cid, a documentary photography, sociologist and feminist activist from Buenos Aires, Argentina. "I currently work as a primary health care worker and last year I decided to document the experiences my coworkers and I have gone through because of the coronavirus pandemic. This includes other care workers that are not usually described as ones, like community leaders who provide meals for their families, friends and neighbors." "Sole and Moni, two migrant women from Paraguay, prepare a typical dish called 'sopa paraguaya' that will be distributed for their neighbors in the soup kitchen of the civil association Los Amigos of Barrio Sarmiento, Villa Ballester, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 24, 2020." Photo by Ranita Roy, a freelance photographer based in India. "While stuck at home, I felt depressed during the pandemic lockdown. This image is a representation of mental health during pandemic." Photo by Irina Unruh, a documentary photographer based in Germany, originally from Kyrgyzstan. Her work focuses on gender issues, mainly in her native country Kyrgyzstan. Since the pandemic, she started a project on gender violence in Germany supported by the National Geographic Society COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Her work has received numerous recognitions and was exhibited internationally. "A quote from the portrayed woman: "I flew to another continent far away. I needed the distance from you and from everything that happened. My soul and my body recovered during this year. I started again to eat. One year later, I flew home as a different person, not broken! " From the series, The Memory Stays - Domestic violence in Germany." Photo by Serra Akcan, a freelance photographer in Istanbul since 1999, who produce photography, multimedia and video projects focusing on gender equality, religious and ethnic minorities, migration, environmental issues. Besides her visual work, she coordinates photography workshops with women, children and youth mainly to share experience, knowledge and keep up with the young generation. "Women gather in many cities of Turkey to protest the debate on leaving the Istanbul Convention, which was prepared to protect women and lgbti+ people from male violence that has been signed by Turkey in 2011. Police blocked the crowd in Izmir and didn’t let people march." Photo by Samyukta Lakshmi, a documentary photographer and photojournalist based in Bangalore, India. Her work focuses on vulnerable communities, social inequality, the human spirit, resilience and climate change. "The COVID-19 enforced lockdown in India was announced on March 25 with only 4 hours prior notice leaving the nation in a state of frenzy. Faced with their dwindling savings due to unemployment during the lockdown millions of migrant workers made the decision to return to their hometowns from cities around India, sparking the biggest human exodus in India since the partition." Photo by Ranita Roy, a freelance photographer based in India. "I feel suffocated sometimes being at the home during pandemic lockdown." Photo by Tahila Mintz, an Indigenous Yaqui/Jewish woman based in Haudenosaunee Territory. She is an ancestral scribe working around the world in Photography, Film and Virtual Reality to amplify the voices of indigenous women and fight for the natural world. "Everyday Indigenous women are taken. They are kidnapped, raped, killed. This goes unreported in the news and ignored by Police. My sisters are warriors and I stand with this fight. I say their names every day. Together we are healing the traumas of colonization. The imposed systems of patriarchy are being dismantled by my sisterhood. We bring back a healthy thriving Matriarchal Society. (Self Portrait)" Photo by Morena Pérez Joachin, a freelance documentary photographer and photojournalist from Guatemala. I work with issues related to indigenous movements, defense of territory, environment, migrations and feminisms. "Self portrait. The steps of our Ancestras. An investigative work about my identity as a women mestiza and maya grandmother. " Photo by Nyimas Laula, an Indonesian photojournalist based in Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia. Her works focus on environmental and human rights issues across the country. She began her journey in 2015 and has since worked with Reuters, The New York Times, National Geographic, and VICE. "Since I have been self-isolating myself, my day to day life has been spent on staring into computer screen, trying to keep my mind occupied, though my mind so often wanders. Here my thoughts wander to my Mom, who's a retired public health consultant, still occasionally went on and off to the frontline to help. We live separately on different island, but her presence is near as her blanket wrap around my body, keeping me warm every night." Photo by Erica Canepa, a documentary photographer based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. "These days are forcing me to look into myself using new eyes. I stare at my fragility and I slightly shake. Learning how to embrace this vulnerability it’s hard, but I’m on this way." Photo by Anja Matthes, a documentary photographer, videographer, and visual storyteller based in New York City. Over the past nine years, Matthes has focused her personal work on LGBTQ youth of color. "The underground NYC Kiki Ballroom scene, is a community self-organized by LGBTQ youth of color, which provides an alternative to high-risk behaviors, as well as a support system that is a form of survival and resistance for a marginalized group that is frequently a target of violence, homelessness, racism, and transphobia. Kiki “houses” function as surrogate families for youth living separated from their parents, collectively empowering and educating its members. Bianca, a transwoman says, -Here I found family that accepts me.-" Photo by Gaia Squarci, an Italian photographer based in New York City and Milan. "Ebony Kinch, who brings food to patients at Woodhull Hospital, tells me about the day she had to feed patients in the ER. “I’ve never seen anything like that. I had to call out sick the next day. It was like a movie that I watched. I walk into the emergency room and everybody is laying down, looking half-dead. It was flooded, people in the gurneys, people in chairs. Everybody is at home watching the news. They don't see what I see. This has been one of the toughest times besides me growing up.” Brooklyn, New York City." Photo by Alyson Aliano, a photographer based on the West Coast. She creates still photography focused on the female and youth experience. Through portraits and interviews she finds meaning in telling stories. She has taught photography at NYU Steinhardt School, Columbia University, for The Ministry of Education in El Salvador, The School of Visual Arts, and UCLA Extension and most recently adjunct at The New York Film Academy. "This is a portrait series that examines the mental health and future prospects of teens who have been in isolation in Los Angeles since March 17, 2020. Mia lives in East Los Angeles with her family. She is first generation American and wants to go to school for Journalism." Photo by Liliana Merizalde, a Colombian documentary photographer and visual artist based in Bogota. "The pandemic has caused social injustices to escalate. In Colombia, many families have used the red cloth as a symbol to tell the government that there is no money, no food and that they are starving."

The Jamii Hub in The Esplanade, Toronto is home to free workshops & activities based on different themes each month! Check out and register now. ARTISTS / Takako Segawa Roots by Takako Segawa May 5 to 25, 2024 DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE In May, lead artist Takako Segawa is composing a month-long celebration of art culture exploration at The Jamii Hub. Under Takako's curation, everyone is invited to delve into the captivating theme of "Roots" - a theme that encourages a profound connection with the diverse origins that shape our identities, whether rooted in varied cultures or within the intricate tapestry of one's own self, transcending the geographical boundaries we call home. Reflecting on the multifaceted aspects of our lives, we are prompted to consider what constitutes our personal 'roots.' Is it the places we've called home, the ancestral origins that echo through our family history, or perhaps the intricacies of our gender identity? How have these profound elements influenced and manifested in our artistic endeavors? As we navigate this exploration, the belief in nurturing the metaphorical 'tree' of self becomes evident. Just as a tree draws strength and sustenance from its roots, so too can we find resilience and depth by nourishing the essence of who we are. Monday Dancing   Facilitator: Takako Segawa MORE INFO Wednesday Watching   Visit the page for the leads! MORE INFO Saturday Mingling   Lead Artist: Takako Segawa MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Book Club Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO Thursday Creating Painting Night Facilitator: Andrew Patterson MORE INFO Sunday Sewing   Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Niche Artistic Practices Facilitator: Steve Cornelsen MORE INFO Thursday Creating Crafting Nights Facilitator: Ayami Terasawa MORE INFO Sunday Versifying   Facilitator: Hidetaka Ishii MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Culture Cloths Facilitator: Sabrine S. Hakam MORE INFO Friday Singing   Facilitator: Germaine Konji MORE INFO Photos by Jae Yang, Hadeal Karrar, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, May Roots, Anita Boey, Ghader Bsmar, Afnan Yakot TAKAKO SEGAWA Takako Segawa is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, theatre performer, and director of Japanese dance arts. Born in Japan, Takako trained in traditional arts and contemporary Japanese movement styles, before graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School. Takako’s 25-year career includes performances throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. She was nominated outstanding female for the Dora Award in 2015, and has been honoured by two All Japan Kobe Dance Festival awards, and by the Stuttgart SoloTanz festival. Recently she performed in "Universal Child Care" at the Canadian Stage in Toronto. Takako also performs worldwide with the Corpus theatre group and is currently directing the multimedia piece “Echoes: Vibrations from Japan to Canada,” premiering in Ottawa in November 2024. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

2023/09 < Back to Events Jamii Party Community Gathering September 23, 2023 The Jamii Hub The end of Summer, going into Fall, and we felt like celebrating: We threw a Jamii Party for the community, and everyone was invited! We had a great time on September 23rd with music, dance, food, and even a raffle to win a bike! It was a great opportunity to acknowledge all those who contributed to making what Jamii is, from the team members, the Board of directors, and all those who worked behind the scenes to create magic. We shared some tasty food, good music, and plenty of room to dance at The Jamii Hub! CREDITS: Organized by the Jamii Team! WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program VRUNDA UPADHYAY, DANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII As part of Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program, supported by the RBC Foundation, Jamii invited Vrunda Upadhyay to strengthen her local presence and performance opportunity by participating in Wayo, Jamii’s Children Festival in August 2025. She received mentorship from established artist Nova Bhattacharya and collaborated closely with Jamii’s Artistic and Executive Director, Isorine Marc, as well as spoken word artist Patrick de Belen. At Wayo, Vrunda performed for over 600 people over 4 days, with two performances per day! In addition to the festival experience, Vrunda and Nova benefited from dedicated studio time to explore traditional dance in a modern context, fostering experimentation, dialogue, and creative growth. Vrunda Upadhyay is a proficient South Asian dancer, choreographer, and versatile vocalist with over two decades of experience in Bharatanatyam and Indian music. Deeply committed to sharing the richness of classical arts with diverse audiences, she was honored with the Arts Acclaim Citizen Award by the City of Brampton for her contributions to the cultural landscape. She recently performed in the award-winning Melbourne production Temple of Desire, showcased at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2025. Reflecting on her mentorship experience, Vrunda shared: “Being part of Jamii’s Emerging Artists Program for the Wayo Children’s Festival 2025 has been a profoundly enriching experience that expanded my creative outlook and deepened my appreciation for collaboration and community-centered art. The program offered a nurturing space to explore how tradition and innovation can coexist in storytelling through movement.” Working with Nova Bhattacharya was one of the most transformative aspects of the experience. Vrunda noted: “Nova invested her time and energy to guide me through the world of contemporary dance, patiently helping me understand its nuances, freedom, and depth. She began by sharing her early dance videos, allowing me to witness her personal evolution as an artist and how she found her unique voice by blending classical precision with contemporary sensibility. These moments of mentorship were both inspiring and eye-opening. Nova encouraged me to explore beyond the boundaries of form while remaining grounded in my Bharatanatyam roots, showing me that tradition and innovation can beautifully complement each other when approached with openness and authenticity.” Collaborating with Patrick de Belen added another dynamic dimension: “His spoken word and storytelling brought rhythm, emotion, and narrative power to our shared work, expanding the possibilities of how dance and poetry can come together to communicate with younger audiences.” From Nova Bhattacharya’s perspective, mentoring Vrunda was equally rewarding: “The experience of working with Vrunda through Jamii’s Emerging Artists Program was an absolute joy. She brought a brave, bubbly energy into the studio; her exuberance shines through her dancing and radiates into everyone around her. As her mentor, I had the privilege of supporting her collaboration with Patrick de Belen, encouraging her to draw from her full range of creativity, her deep experience as a teacher of children, and her wisdom as a mother. She embraced every challenge with courage and curiosity, stepping beyond her comfort zone to not only dance but also sing onstage, embodying the heart of artistic risk and transformation. We also exchanged ideas and shared movement together. Revisiting some of my early contemporary explorations with her was nostalgic and invigorating. Vrunda’s thoughtful questions and keen insights reminded me of the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation that fuels our art forms. Watching her grow through this process affirmed my belief that mentorship is a shared dance of learning, discovery, and joy.” Special thanks to the RBC Foundation for supporting this program: Vrunda strengthened her practice as a performer and educator, enhanced her creative confidence, and reinforced her belief in art as a bridge between cultures, generations, and ideas. The program provided space for artistic exploration, collaboration, and experimentation while centering community engagement and the intergenerational sharing of knowledge and creativity. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE VRUNDA UPADHYAY: Vrunda Upadhyay is a proficient South Asian dancer, choreographer, and versatile vocalist with over two decades of experience in Bharatanatyam and Indian music. She is deeply committed to sharing the richness of classical arts with diverse audiences through performance and education. Vrunda was honored with the Arts Acclaim Citizen Award by the City of Brampton for her outstanding contributions to the cultural landscape. She recently performed in the award-winning Melbourne dance production Temple of Desire, showcased at the Toronto Fringe Festival 2025. FUNDERS:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program ANA DA SILVA, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII As part of the RBC Emerging Artist Program at Jamii, Ana Da Silva engaged in the creation of a photo exhibition, doubled-up with a series of mentorship sessions with a group of established artists, photographers, and curators. By Isorine Marc – Jamii’s Alchemist: “Back in the fall, when Ana Da Silva approached me with a project she wanted to explore, I was immediately moved by her kindness, her need for connection, her thirst for stories from our Elders, and her keen eye for the beauty carried by those who have lived long enough to wear their stories on their bodies. She told me about her idea—the Lila’s Project—and the support she needed to bring her vision to life. Without hesitation, we jumped on board, and Ana became one of Jamii’s 2024-2025 Emerging Artists, supported by the RBC Foundation, to bring this project to fruition. Her concept is simple yet powerful: she sits with older adults in The Esplanade neighbourhood (though, from the start, her project had no physical boundaries) and listens to their life stories with curiosity and intention. She captures what she hears, writes it down with empathy and care, and then invites her subjects for a photoshoot. She has met with nine of our Older Adults, and together, they have embarked on a beautiful journey of storytelling.” As part of this mentorship opportunity, Jamii is proud to support Ana in bringing this exhibition to life, and on May 25th at The Jamii Hub, her words and photographs will be unveiled. This will be an opportunity for Ana to share her work with an audience.   In addition to supporting the production of Ana’s project, Jamii also produced a beautiful video, directed by Laura Dittmann and Isorine Marc, with the support of Iris Unlu.   This Emerging Artist program was also the opportunity for Ana to be matched with tailored guidance in photography, storytelling, artistic identity, and project development, contributing meaningfully to her growth as an emerging artist and her work on a community-based photography project focused on the elderly. With Jae Yang (Photography – Technical & Professional Guidance): Jae and Ana explored the technical side of photography—discussing portrait techniques, lighting for events, and equipment preferences. Ana left the meeting with valuable takeaways not only related to technique but also professional practice and adaptability. Jae expressed admiration for Ana’s strong artistic vision and encouraged her to continue developing her unique voice while building confidence and business skills for a sustainable artistic career. With Catherine Sicot (Artistic Direction & Community Impact): Ana’s mentorship session with Catherine was emotionally resonant and reflective. They explored the deeper purpose behind Ana’s work with the elderly, drawing connections between storytelling and community engagement. Catherine encouraged Ana to reflect on how her project could serve the participants, not just the artist’s vision. With Sabrine S. Hakam (Artistic Identity & Self-Representation): Ana met twice with Sabrine: once for conversation and mentorship, and once for a professional portrait session. Their dialogue centered on redefining what it means to be an artist. Ana, previously identifying more as a commercial photographer, was deeply impacted by Sabrine’s experience navigating both artistic and professional spaces. This mentorship opened up new perspectives for Ana, helping her begin to see herself as a creative artist with a distinctive voice and purpose. With Eshe Mercer-James (Writing & Storytelling): Eshe reviewed Ana’s written narratives in detail, offering precise feedback on structure, clarity, and emotional rhythm. Although Ana initially felt exposed, Eshe’s thoughtful guidance gave her confidence and clarity in presenting stories that accompany her portraits. The mentorship helped Ana build skills in narrative crafting—essential for elevating the impact of her photo-based storytelling. With Zarita Z. (Editorial Guidance & Narrative Focus): Zarita provided Ana with critical feedback on the short versions of her written stories. Together, they discussed ways to refine structure and sharpen narrative focus. Jamii is deeply grateful to the RBC Foundation for supporting emerging artists like Ana Da Silva. Through this program, Ana has been able to explore new creative horizons, deepen her artistic practice, and lay the foundation for a future in meaningful, community-rooted art. PROJECT LINK COMING SOON SEE ARTIST'S PAGE ANA DA SILVA: Ana Silva is a Colombian-Canadian photographer based in Toronto. After years working in the corporate world, Ana made a bold shift to photography, driven by her passion for storytelling and human connection. Her project “Lila” is a tribute to older adults in her community, combining intimate portraits with personal narratives. Through this work, Ana shines a light on lives often left in the margins—stories full of creativity, resilience, and quiet strength. With each image, Ana invites viewers to slow down, listen, and see the extraordinary in the everyday. FUNDERS:

7 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) - OCTOBER 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! TEKA LANG (JUST WAIT) October 2024 October 26, 2024 Lead Artist: Patrick De Belen On Saturday, October 26th, at 7pm at The Jamii Hub, join the final closing event of “TEKA LANG (Just Wait)” curated by Patrick de Belen. Celebrating a month of arts programming and exhibitions by Filipinx artists across Toronto, enjoy some poetry (Patrick De Belen), dance (Candace Kumar) and musical performances (Victoria Sawal, Martin Gomes, Elijah Reyes), sing some karaoke, eat local Filipino cuisine, and pick up a book, painting, textile art, and a snack at our “TEKA LANG: Sari Sari Store”. Explore Filipinx culture and take a moment to reflect, relax and revel in the joy of community art. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Patrick de Belen Patrick is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, educator, and storyteller across many mediums. His work often explores themes such as mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, social justice, youth empowerment, advocacy, grief, and healing. He is best known for his poetic collaborations with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, CBC, as well as his two spoken word EPs and numerous cine-poems and independent films that he has written and directed. When he isn’t on stage or writing, Patrick serves as an educator and youth mentor, working with institutions such as addiction centers, mental health organizations, libraries, schools, and even jails—advocating for storytelling opportunities and platforms in as many spaces as possible. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program ANA HIGUERA, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY VISUAL ART & MUSIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII In 2025, as part of Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program, supported by the RBC Foundation, Jamii invited Ana Maria Higuera Tirado (aka Ana Figo) to gain experience and expand her creative practice through two complementary projects: LAINI Land and Baraza Pikangikum. LAINI Land 2025, held in August at Restoule Provincial Park near North Bay, marked the fourth edition of this immersive youth program. Jamii invited 16 girls from The Esplanade community to engage in a five-day journey of discovery, creativity, and empowerment. Guided by a leadership team including Jamii’s Artistic Director Isorine Marc, Ana Figo as artist-in-residence, and other facilitators, participants explored artistic expression, outdoor skills, and teamwork. Ana led daily workshops in zine-making, visual arts, and creative writing, helping the girls explore their voices, stories, and creativity. The experience fostered confidence, independence, leadership, and creative expression, leaving a lasting impact on both participants and their families. Through LAINI Land, Ana reflected on her growth as an emerging artist, noting how she learned to facilitate creative exploration for youth, adapt workshops to different energy levels and personalities, and support participants in finding their own voices. She also gained hands-on experience in collaborative program design, leadership, and outdoor arts integration, strengthening her ability to balance artistic vision with logistical planning. In October 2025, Ana joined Jamii on its seventh visit to Pikangikum First Nation, a remote community in Northern Ontario of about 4,000 residents. Alongside Jamii’s Artistic Director Isorine Marc and musician Aline Morales, Ana co-led a series of music workshops for Grades 6-8 students, introducing Brazilian rhythms through drumming and culminating in a community performance. Approximately 235 students participated, and the school has since invited Jamii to expand the project in 2026. Alongside the music programming, Ana contributed to Jamii’s ongoing Video Portrait Series, documenting Elders, community leaders, and local youths to preserve voices, stories, and local histories for current and future generations. The 2025 series featured five new portraits, including stories from Lloyd Quill, Michaela Peters-Turtle, Eddie Quill, Valerie Strang, and McDonald Turtle. Through Baraza Pikangikum, Ana developed skills in community-based documentary work, learning to engage participants respectfully, capture authentic storytelling, and adapt to different cultural and logistical contexts. She reflected on the importance of listening, honoring participants’ voices, and collaborating with community members to produce work that is both artistically strong and socially meaningful. The experience also expanded her technical skills in photography and videography under varying conditions and with diverse subjects. Together, LAINI Land and Baraza Pikangikum exemplify Jamii’s commitment to providing emerging artists like Ana with transformative mentorship, professional growth, and deep insights into community-centered creative practice. Ana Maria Higuera is a self-taught photographer and videographer, whose work captures the poetry, beauty, and extraordinary moments of everyday life, focusing on nature, women, and community initiatives - from Toronto, to Restoule, to Pikangikum. We are grateful to the support of the RBC Foundation towards Jamii’s Emerging Artist program. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE ANA HIGUERA: Ana Maria Higuera is a self-taught photographer and videographer who captures the poetry, raw beauty and extraordinary of the everyday, focusing on nature, women and community initiatives. FUNDERS:

The Jamii Hub in The Esplanade, Toronto is home to free workshops & activities based on different themes each month! Check out and register now. ARTISTS / Aline Morales Forró by Aline Morales February 2 to 24, 2024 DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE "FEBRUARY at Jamii" welcomes lead artist Aline Morales, who proposes "Forró" as our monthly theme. Aline will explore Forró with us, as it is a cornerstone of her existence and transcends mere music: Forró has offered Aline a profound sense of identity and belonging during her formative years in Brazil. In Toronto, she has witnessed the communal embrace of Forró and recognized its power to unite people and forge new bonds. This precious experience is something Aline wants to share with the Jamii community as part of our monthly themed programs. Forró is a genre of music and dance that originated in northeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Pernambuco, Ceará, and Bahia. It encompasses a lively and rhythmic style of music characterized by the use of accordion, zabumba (a type of drum), and triangle. Forró music often features themes of love, romance, and rural life. In addition to its musical aspect, Forró is also a social dance with intricate footwork. The dance is known for its energetic and playful movements, which often involve spins, turns, and syncopated steps. Forró has evolved over the years and has become popular not only in Brazil but also internationally, with Forró festivals and events held in various countries around the world. It is celebrated for its infectious rhythm, joyful atmosphere, and the sense of community it fosters among dancers and enthusiasts. In conceptualizing "FEBRUARY at Jamii", Aline is offering to share the multidimensional essence of Forró, exploring its social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Monday Dancing   Facilitator: Vinicius and Joseane MORE INFO Wednesday Watching   Facilitator: Maya Annik Bedward MORE INFO Saturday Mingling   Lead Artist: Aline Morales MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Book Club Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO Thursday Creating Painting Night Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO Sunday Sewing   Facilitator: Anita Boey MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Niche Artistic Practices Facilitator: Juliana Bandeira MORE INFO Thursday Creating Crafting Nights Facilitator: Alejandra Higuera MORE INFO Sunday Versifying   Facilitator: Carolina Leite MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Culture Cloths Facilitator: Sabrine S. Hakam MORE INFO Friday Singing   Facilitator: Aline Morales MORE INFO Photos by Karen Lam, Mariana Hernandez, Isorine Marc, Ghader Bamar, May Chook, Afnan Yakot, Charlie Nyiti, Shaimaa Yakout ALINE MORALES Born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Aline Morales began her performing career as a child training in capoeira. By the time she reached her early twenties, she had performed in a number of traditional and contemporary bands including Brazil’s most well-known maracatu group, Nacao Estrela Brilhante do Recife, then led by her mentor Mestre Walter de Franca. Since her arrival in Toronto in 2003, she has been a tireless promoter of the traditional rhythms of northeastern Brazil, continuing to perform with her percussion troupe, Baque de Bamba, at countless festivals and events. Now drawing upon a wider range of influences, Morales finds herself in a stage of musical exploration. Gone is the heavy wall of percussion, replaced instead by lush, eclectic arrangements, seamlessly blending traditional and modern instruments. At home in her new role as a solo artist, Morales “shines with mature confidence amid [producer] David Arcus’ outstanding orchestrations.” (David Dacks, the Grid). Her debut solo album ‘Flores, Tambores e Amores’ was nominated for a Juno Award, and her highly anticipated sophomore record is slated for release in spring of 2020. In addition to her solo accomplishments, Morales was selected as part of Canada’s Global Orchestra, Kuné, in 2016, and continues to perform and record with the ensemble as vocalist and percussionist. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING - OLDER ADULTS / VISUAL ARTS / IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING BELONGING Visual Arts Workshops For Older Adults IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING OCTOBER 2026 Tuesdays, October 6, 20, 27, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM Facilitator: Mariana Hernandez Impressionist-inspired painting on canvas with Mariana Hernandez This October, artist Mariana Hernandez returns to The Jamii Hub for a three-part painting series inspired by Impressionism. Through close looking, drawing, brushwork, and layered colour, Belonging Older Adults participants will create their own paintings while learning from the techniques and approaches associated with artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Édouard Manet. The series begins by looking together at examples of Impressionist painting and talking about what makes these works recognizable, from loose brushwork and changing light to the way artists captured everyday places and moments. Participants will then turn to their own canvases, beginning with a rough drawing based on one of two reference images: the Berczy Fountain or a Man and Child image. The second workshop moves into painting. Mariana will introduce participants to longer painting brushes and demonstrate ways of holding and moving the brush to create looser, more expressive marks. The group will follow the painting process step by step, building colour and form gradually rather than trying to finish everything at once. During the final session, participants can continue developing finer details and adding layers to their painting. Those who finish early may begin another work, depending on the size and pace of their first piece. For older adults looking for free painting workshops or beginner-friendly visual arts programs in downtown Toronto, this series offers a supportive way to spend time with painting while learning practical techniques. No previous painting experience is needed, and materials including canvases, paints, brushes, palettes, pencils, and reference images are provided. Originally from Chile, Mariana is a Toronto-based artist whose work is strongly influenced by the city’s waterfront and urban spaces. She studied Fine Art at OCAD University, and her paintings are known for vibrant colour, confident line work, and a close attention to water and city life. Her familiarity with painting Toronto places makes her a natural guide for a series that begins with well-known local imagery. Belonging participants register for the overall program once, then can drop in to the October sessions. If you already receive Belonging updates by email, you are already registered. Support free community arts Jamii keeps programs and events 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. 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 MARIANA HERNANDEZ Mariana Hernandez is an artist and art educator based in Toronto’s Bayside waterfront community, where she lives and works among a collective of 80 live/work artists. Her paintings have been acquired by TRIDEL Inc., Daniels Corporation, and the Distillery District, and have also been featured in rentals by Facebook. Mariana studied Fine Art at OCAD University and continues to build her practice through ongoing self-directed learning. Originally from Chile, she draws inspiration from Toronto’s waterfront, and her work is known for bold line work, vibrant colour, and a love of water and urban landscapes. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches with several non-profit arts organizations. We’re grateful to have her back with our Belonging community at The Jamii Hub. Photo by Ghader Bsmar

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! In March, join us to explore traditional celebrating songs from Souther Africa, led by Brian S. Moyo. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SINGING / VOICES OF ANDES - APRIL 2025 SINGING Friday 7 pm VOICES OF ANDES April 2025 April 11 - 18 - 25, 2025 Facilitator: Jaime Stears Join us on April 11, 18, and 25 to step into the world of Andean music in Voices of the Andes, an interactive workshop led by Jaime Stears. In this 2-hour session, you’ll have the opportunity to discover traditional Andean instruments like the charango and the quena, learning about their unique sounds and cultural significance. Jaime will guide you through the history and role of these instruments in Andean music, providing an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the rhythms and melodies that have been passed down through generations. The workshop will conclude with a group singing session where you’ll learn and perform a traditional Andean song, celebrating the music that has shaped the cultural landscape of the Andes. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a complete beginner, this is a chance to connect with the rhythms and melodies that have been passed down through generations. No experience required; Just bring your love for music and a willingness to sing! For those who want to take their experience further and perform, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on April 26, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. This Singing workshop is part of Jamii's April cycle, guided by lead artist Carolina Rojas, and centred around the theme of the Chakana—an ancestral Andean symbol representing the connection between the spiritual, earthly, and inner realms. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing,singing and creative writing, we’ll 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 the Chakana, connecting its ancient wisdom with our modern experiences.” – Carolina Rojas. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 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 Photos by Hadeal Karrar Jaime Stears Jaime Stears began his immersion in music by participating in a Chilean folkloric group at a very young age, where he learned about the music and dance of the different regions of Chile. He is a civil engineer by profession, but thanks to his 20 years of experience in music, he is a versatile musician and multi-instrumentalist. In Toronto he is part of the band Viento Sur, which pays tribute to Latin American roots music and other Latin bands. Photo Credit: Unknown UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Mon, Nov 02 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 02, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. +3 more Mon, Nov 09 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 09, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 16 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 23 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 30 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 30, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2025 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2025 - 7th Year! On June 21, 2025, we were thrilled to host Jamii’s 7th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in David Crombie Park — and what a beautiful evening it was! The event featured the powerful performance of Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone with their band, Red Rhythm & Blues. Accompanied by the talented violinist Brittany Iwanciwski and gifted singer-songwriter Leah Holtom, their music became a symbol of reconciliation on our shared lands, creating a space for healing. In essence, it was soul music made of magic. As part of the celebration, Jamii also honoured its long-standing relationship with Pikangikum First Nation by unveiling a new photo exhibition by Kurri Quill. Titled “Mong'Kah'Job” , the exhibition invited us to see the people of Pikangikum — individuals of all ages navigating their own life journeys — while celebrating their culture and way of being. Kurri’s message was a quiet yet powerful invitation to grow closer, bridge gaps in understanding, and honour the dignity of every story captured through his lens. “Mong'Kah'Job” encouraged us to see one another more fully. The event was guided by Suzanne Smoke, who shared with us Indigenous rhythms of tradition, joined by Dakota Myran’s hand drumming and Abby Myran’s beautiful dance, and offered a beautiful opening and closing ceremony and talks. The celebration also featured face painting with Linda Epp, crafts with Sun Raven Arts, and delicious food by Tea & Bannock. We came together for the food, the music, the dancing, and above all - the joy. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Indigenous voices, artistry, and community. Photos by Laura Dittmann

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Gillian Mapp Photography I started seeing images early on when I was younger, way before I even held a camera to conspire to make images I’d use my eyes to capture moments and make them permanent treasures in my mind’s eye. Back then, I saw the importance of documenting my story because it was clear that no one else would do it for me. The importance of recording history was instilled by my mothers determination to document every moment of our childhood. I remember every trip we made to drop off film roles, and patiently waiting for their development to reveal what she had captured. Since then, I’ve made photography a way to record history in an effort to change the way people see and remember the world. My photography is grounded in showcasing the beauty in the moments and people around me, and bringing untold stories to the forefront. More info: https://www.jamii.ca/emerging-artists/gillian- website << BACK TO ARTISTS

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII GALA JAMII GALA Celebrating 15 Years of Artistic Excellence and Community Impact JAMII GALA October 14, 2026 - 7pm to 9:30pm Cocktail Reception | Guest Speakers | Awards Ceremony | Live Performances | Silent Auction | Buffet and Open Bar You are invited to the inaugural Jamii Gala, a formal fundraising evening celebrating 15 years of artistic excellence and community impact. The Gala brings together philanthropists, urban visionaries, community leaders, creatives, and friends who believe in the social impact of the arts and in the importance of investing in spaces where communities can thrive. As a fundraising event, with giving opportunities woven throughout the evening, the Gala is instrumental in ensuring that The Jamii Hub continues to thrive as a place to Be, Belong and Become. Every week, artists, youth, older adults, newcomers, and many others from the community walk through the doors of The Jamii Hub looking for connection. The Jamii Hub offers something increasingly rare in our city: a place where people feel included and welcomed, where they can make new friends, and where they can create alongside professional artists while artists themselves find meaningful opportunities to share their work with an interconnected community. The evening will feature guest speakers including Gala Chair David Crombie, whose leadership helped shape Toronto's Esplanade neighbourhood in the 1970s—the very community Jamii calls home—as well as Kelly Langgard, CEO of the Toronto Arts Council and Foundation, and Brendan Healy, Artistic Director of Canadian Stage. Guests will also enjoy live performances by powerhouse singer Jeremiah Sparks and breathtaking mezzo-soprano Queen Hezumuryango, with additional performances throughout the evening. The event will also feature a silent auction, including paintings by Pikangikum First Nation artist Darwin Peters and a curated selection of exceptional French wines, specially imported from France. Altogether, the evening promises to be inspiring, elegant, and memorable. Celebrating those who have made, and continue to make change in our communities, outstanding leaders will be honoured through the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Artistic Excellence Award, and Community Impact Award. By attending the Jamii Gala, you will not only enjoy an unforgettable evening of inspiring speakers, performances, and celebration - you will help ensure the Jamii Hub remains a place where all people can connect through the arts and simply Be, Belong and Become. Join Toronto's civic, cultural, and philanthropic leaders for an elegant evening celebrating the power of the arts to transform communities. Schedule 6 PM | Doors Open and Cocktail Reception 7 PM | Welcome Remarks and Entertainment 9:30 PM | Late Night Cocktail Reception Dress Code Classy & Elegant. Guests are encouraged to wear polished, elegant attire, including contemporary, traditional, or culturally inspired looks. Tickets $250 per person, including a $175 tax receipt Additional Giving Opportunities $150, $250, $500, $1,000 Join the circle of supporters helping carry The Jamii Way into its next 15 years. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS Photos by Jae Yang

2019/08 < Back to Events I am me. I am home. CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

2020 OUTDOOR EVENTS / WAYO / WAYO 2020 WAYO 2020 JAMII'S 1ST ANNUAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL Jamii produced its first official children’s outdoors festival for the Esplanade community: WAYO (a Swahili word that means footprint, symbolizing the journey to life). WAYO brought creativity to the hearts of our youngest community members as it awakened their imaginations and touched their souls through storytelling, song, dance and crafts. Supported by August 26 LOCATION Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre CREDITS Performers: Indigenous artist Mahlikah Awe:ri with the performance “Becoming a Thunderbird”; Eman Hillawi and Alexandra Legendre for a lollipop lyra duet; and Bana Stegu and Arlene Paculan for a musical performance. This event was MC’d by Kristi Heath Artistic direction: Isorine Marc Event Production: Isorine Marc, Sharon Zarita SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS Berkeley Castle , Canadian Stage Photos by: Delphy Photography

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

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / THE ESPLANADE'S SOCCER SCREENINGS SPECIAL EVENTS THE ESPLANADE'S SOCCER SCREENINGS June 12, July 14, July 15, July 18, July 19 Live soccer screenings, community gathering, drinks and snacks available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting Jamii’s free arts programs. WHEN: Friday, June 12 - 3pm, Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Tuesday, July 14 - 3pm, Semi-final Wednesday, July 15 - 3pm, Semi-final Saturday, July 18 - 5pm, Third-place play-off Sunday, July 19 - 3pm, Final WHERE: The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade Want to watch the big soccer matches with other people, but not at a sports bar and not alone at home? The Esplanade’s Soccer Screenings bring neighbours and soccer fans together at The Jamii Hub for select tournament matches in June and July. The series begins with Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, June 12, then continues with the semi-finals, third-place play-off, and final. Come for the match, stay for the community feeling, and enjoy a casual indoor gathering with people from The Esplanade and beyond. The screenings are free to attend. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase, and every purchase helps support Jamii’s free arts programs, workshops, and community events at The Jamii Hub. These public screenings have been approved through FIFA’s public viewing process. Bring a friend or a neighbour if you’d like, and watch the games with community around you! Support free community arts Jamii keeps programs and events 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. RSVP NOW

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

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

2025 OUTDOOR EVENTS / WAYO / WAYO 2025 WAYO 2025 JAMII'S 6TH ANNUAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL In August 2025, families across Toronto were invited to experience one of the city’s most imaginative and joyful events for young audiences, Wayo, the 6th annual children’s festival presented by us at Jamii. Running from August 7 to 10, WAYO was a four-day celebration designed especially for children under 12 and their families. We transformed two of Toronto’s heritage gems, Berkeley Castle and the Berkeley Theatre ( Canadian Stage ), into an immersive, maze-style journey of discovery and wonder. This year, children had the chance to explore the world one continent at a time through a series of interactive artistic experiences. They dove into the enchanting music of Africa, experienced the magic of Filipino storytelling from Asia, swayed to the sounds of French accordion and Flamenco dancing from Europe, moved to the rhythms of Chilean dance from South America, crafted penguins of icy Antarctica, and were mesmerized by the dances and rhythms of Oceania. At every turn, a new world came to life, inviting festivalgoers to reflect on how many continents we count, where they get their names from, and what the world map looks like when viewed from a different perspective. We were excited to feature a fantastic lineup of artists: Queen Hezumuryango, Michael Mortley, Carmen Romero, Tangi Ropars, Patrick de Belen, Vrunda Upadhyay, Aliki La Bercasio, Ximena Loayza, Osvaldo Barreda, Zully Ceballos, Troy Feldman, Hayley Landry, and Linda Epp. New this year: On August 7, the festival opened with an internationally acclaimed dance performance presented in partnership with SummerWorks . FreeSteps – NiNi by Taiwanese choreographer Wei-Chia Su. This meditative solo invited families to slow down and imagine, setting the tone for the creative adventure ahead.* With tickets at only $5 each, the festival welcomed a record breaking number of audience members: 768 attendees over 16 shows! More than just a festival, WAYO embodied our broader mission to create accessible, inclusive arts experiences that strengthen community and inspire creativity in people of all ages. Special thanks went to our amazing partners, Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage, and to our generous funders: Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, Toronto Arts Council, and Rama Gaming House. FreeSteps - Grand Canyon by HORSE was generously supported with funding from the Taipei Cultural Center in New York, as well as the sponsoring program from National Culture and Arts Foundation Taiwan: Taiwan Top. August 7 to 11 LOCATION Berkeley Castle & Berkeley Theatre CREDITS Presented and Produced by Jamii In Partnership with Canadian Stage and Berkeley Castle ARTISTS North America: Troy Feldman, Stilt Walker - (Aug 7, 8, 10) Hayley Landry, Stilt Walker (Aug 9) Oceania: Aliki La Bercasio, Dancer Europe: Carmen Romero, Dancer Tangi Ropars, Accordionist Asia: Patrick De Belen, Spoken Word Poet Pei-yung Chen, Dancer (FreeSteps – Grand Canyon) Vrunda Upadhyay, Dancer South America: Ximena Loayza, Dancer Osvaldo Barreda, Dancer (Aug 8 & 10) Zully Cevallos, Dancer (Aug 7 & 9) Africa: Queen Hezumuryango, Opera Singer Michael Mortley, Dancer Antarctica: Linda Epp, Face Painter THE JAMII TEAM Isorine Marc, Founder & Alchemist Afnan Yakot, Project & Event Coordinator Iris Unlu, Amplifier (Communications Lead) Yusra Yacout, Enabler (Administrator) Collean Chau, Communications Assistant Jae Yang and Akram Yacout, Photographers Laura Dittmann, Videographer EVENT CREW Aéla Kuria Carolina Rojas Ghader Bsmar Karen Lam Nada Yakot Ruthmarie Williams Tyson Pinette-Hubschmann Zélia Kuria Photos by: Jae Yang

This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the youth lounge of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre. Community Projects/ MURALS/ JUST IMAGINE JUST IMAGINE St Lawrence Community Centre This mural was created from a local community initiative, in the youth lounge of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre. ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST, ANDREW PATTERSON: “Just Imagine” is the culmination of weeks of work by the young boys of The Esplanade. This project asks us to reflect on the concept of local community through the lens of imagination. A series of group brainstorms produced playful imagery, from dinosaurs to superheroes, engaging in activities dear to the young minds they sprouted from. Vibrant scenes bursting from colourful comic panels beckon us to imagine where our community came from, and where we might go in the future. From prehistoric ping-pong players through David Crombie raising the foundations of The Esplanade neighbourhood to super-powered basketball and beyond, imagination and creativity will guide us forward and always toward a stronger Esplanade community! ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY THE CO-CREATORS OF THE MURAL, BOYS OF THE ESPLANADE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Our “Just Imagine” mural is a creative expression of our collective minds. Throughout the making of this mural, we had a unique opportunity to interact imaginatively, deepen our friendships, and create new ones. The mural makes this youth space more welcoming and calming. It also gives us a sense of ownership in this shared space. When looking at the mural, it shocks us on how we transformed our thoughts and imaginations into a visual imagery. We were able to tell the story on how we imagine The Esplanade in the past, future, and present with dinosaurs coming before us, to an unexpected visit from spiderman in the future, to our love of basketball and skateboarding representing our present childhood. CREDITS: Lead Artist: Andrew Patterson Curator: Isorine Marc Project Lead: Afnan Yakot Coordination and Community Outreach: Afnan Yakot, Osman Mahmud Participating Youths: This project is co-created by 13 youths, local to The Esplanade neighbourhood Design: Ayan, Dandino, Dario, Kashous, Mohamed, Raheim Painting: Abdu, Adel, Ali, Anees, Ayan, Carter, Dandino, Dario, Javardo, Kashous, Mohamed, Quinci, Raheim Initiated by Jamii, St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre Advisory Council Produced by Jamii Esplanade Approved by the City of Toronto With community outreach support from UNO Funded by The Kiwanis Foundation TD Bank City of Toronto Main street Innovation Fund COMMERCIAL USE FORM

2 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / MIGRATION - MARCH 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! MIGRATION March 2024 March 23, 2024 Lead Artist: Tamar Ilana Gather at Jamii for a lively Saturday evening at our 'Saturday Mingling,' curated by Tamar Ilana, this month’s programming lead. Explore and celebrate the artistic creations, join in for music, dance, and community connections. An enriching night of shared creativity awaits! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Tamar Ilana Tamar Ilana is a Toronto-born multifaceted artist who grew up on stage singing in multiple languages, touring internationally and dancing flamenco since a very young age. Of Jewish-Indigenous-Romanian-Scottish descent, Tamar sings in 20 languages and is most influenced by the Sephardic and Flamenco traditions. Tamar’s music and fierce talent reflect her personal and cultural history growing up in multicultural Toronto; accompanying her ethnomusicologist mother, Dr. Judith Cohen, on village fieldwork expeditions and on stage as a child; and living in Ibiza, Barcelona, Paris and Seville as a teen and young adult. Drawing on these experiences, Tamar founded her world music project, Ventanas, in 2011 with whom she has released three albums and been nominated for four Canadian Folk Music Awards including Best Traditional Singer. Tamar has collaborated with such renowned artists as Anna Colóm, Jesse Cook, Briga, Eliana Cuevas, Lenka Lichtenberg, Jaffa Road, Sultans of String, the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, and Ahmed Moneka. A highly sought-after flamenco dancer and singer, Tamar performs with the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company, and at the Academy of Spanish Dance. Tamar has also been featured in award-winning, innovative international musicals in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, the UK and Germany. In 2020, Tamar co-founded the presenting arts organization FabCollab, and has since presented over 100 BIPOC women and minority artists at venues such as Koerner Hall and the Aga Khan Museum. Instagram Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! In April, join us to explore music from Egypt led by Maryem Hassan Tollar. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SINGING / MUSIC FROM EGYPT - APRIL 2024 SINGING Friday 7 pm MUSIC FROM EGYPT April 2024 April 12 - 19 - 26, 2024 Facilitator: Maryem Hassan Tollar Come and learn folk songs and traditional songs from Egypt with Maryem Hassan Tollar. You will learn a range of music from folk songs from the rural south of Egypt to songs of revolution to beautiful love songs. In this workshop, Maryem will teach some of the basic rhythms and scales that are found in Arabic music through Egyptian songs and repertoire. Participants will have the opportunity to share a piece at the Thursday Mingling event on May 2nd. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 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 Photos by Isorine Marc Maryem Tollar Maryem Tollar is a renowned Egyptian-Canadian vocalist, known for her world music performances. Her voice has been heard on the theme of CBC’s Little Mosque on the Prairie and A.R. Rahman’s Bollywood hit, Mayya Mayya. Maryem toured with the musical "The Cave" and the stage adaptation of the book "Fall On Your Knees" by Ann-Marie MacDonald. In the classical world, Tollar worked with Tafelmusik, Christos Hatzis, and The Gryphon Trio. She performs with several Toronto musical groups including: Al Qahwa; Turkwaz; LuA; and Tabiba. Maryem works regularly with storyteller Dawne McFarlane, adding music and sounds to her stories. Maryem was awarded the inaugural 2019 Johanna Metcalf Prize for Performing Arts. Photo Credit: Unknown UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Mon, Nov 02 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 02, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. +3 more Mon, Nov 09 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 09, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 16 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 23 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 30 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 30, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / PAINTING GROUNDING AND RENEWAL - MARCH 2025 CREATING Thursday 7 pm PAINTING GROUNDING AND RENEWAL March 2025 March 6, 2025 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Seema Anwar What colours make you feel grounded? What textures bring a sense of renewal? In this guided, reflective workshop, participants of all ages and skill levels will explore these questions through mixed media painting. Using acrylic paint, recycled textiles, and craft materials, you’ll start by creating a background of colours, patterns, and shapes that evoke stability. Then, through layering, stitching, and gluing, you’ll add textures that represent renewal, what sustains and refreshes you. With a brief discussion to spark ideas before diving into painting, this two-hour creative experience is not just about making art but about connecting with yourself and your community. You’ll leave with: Your own finished artwork New painting and mixed media techniques New memories shared with others Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or you’ve been making art for years, this is a space to reflect, create, and feel inspired. For those who want to take their experience further and display their artwork, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on March 22, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey. Join us for an evening of colour, creativity, and connection. Painting Night is part of Jamii's March Cycle evolved around lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded", which includes workshops like Monday Dancing, Tuesday Culture Cloths, Tuesday Book Club, Tuesday Creative Writing, Wednesday Sewing, Thursday Crafting, and Friday Singing. “Through these workshops, we let art and community exchanges guide the discovery of what grounds us, or what we need to find grounding on, and pass this discovery to someone else's journey.” - Sharon Zarita Adhiambo. Please note that the March 6 workshop is now full . Join the waitlist, and we will contact you if there are spots open up. We encourage you to look out your email inbox (including "Promotion" / "Other" inbox) closer to the workshop date. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED 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 Photos by Afnan Yakot, Ghader Bsmar, Hadeal Karrar Photo by Iris Unlu Seema Anwar Seema Anwar has a diploma in textile design. She was under the tutelage of Mr. Azer Zubi and Mohammad Ali Bhatti, both well-known artists in Pakistan. Seema uses various mediums such as watercolor, pen work, pastels, glass, and oil paints. Seema believes art can be used as a therapy to relieve stress, trauma, and other daily struggles. Ever since she moved to Canada she has been working with many communities such as the Flemington Community Centre, Arts in the Park, Malton Women Council, Making Art Making Change, Voice of Toronto, Afghan Women, Toronto Green, TNO organization, FHC and Flemingdon Community Support Services. She has worked on various projects such as gender-based violence, green earth initiatives, and art therapy with the TNO organization in the senior group and Early On, Autism Thorncliffe group and Alzheimer Society. In 2023, she did 2 exhibitions, one was Wedbi and one was Scarborough's topic on Islamic heritage. She did one event with the Art in the Park organization in 2023 at Burgess Park Thorncliffe to reduce climate change and recycle textiles. She leads art workshops for physical and mental health and wellness in the community. She has aimed to use her artwork to spread joy and happiness. UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Wed, Nov 04 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 04, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. +3 more Wed, Nov 11 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 18 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 25 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Cute Finds, Great Prices, Big Community Vibes! JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET (HOLIDAYS VERSION) November 15, 2025 - 9am to 5pm Tis the season… for great finds! Jamii’s Thrift Market is back with a special Holidays Version. Think cozy gifts, sparkly accessories, home décor, stylish clothing, and little surprises for stockings. Whether you're shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, this is the perfect stop for affordable holiday treasures. All items are like-new and available for suggested donations from $1 to $50. Your support helps Jamii continue offering free arts programs for the community, so every gift you find gives back twice! Why pop by? • Festive deals: Score trendy, high-quality items that won’t break the bank • Holiday cheer: Free coffee or tea to sip while you browse and chat with neighbours • Shop that feels good: Your donations support Jamii’s free arts workshops and events • Baked treats! Community members will be selling their best holiday goodies to support our programs Bring your favourite shopping buddy, your holiday spirit, and your reusable bag. First come, first served… and these treasures won’t wait long! Cash, credit, and debit accepted. Let’s make gifting joyful, cozy, and community-powered. OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Akram Yacout

2020 Community Projects / Film Projects / Unlocked 2020 A Flow of Colourful Connections in Lockdown An art video project created in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic Awards: Five Continents International Film Festival #42 (Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela): Best Experimental Short Film, Special Mention Cinematography Short Film, Special Mention Editing Short Film, Special Mention Original Score Short Film. Canada Shorts: Award of Distinction. Docs Without Borders Film Festival (Nassau, USA): Exceptional Merit Official Selection: Yellowknife International Film Festival (Canada) DIVERSITY FEEDBACK Film Festival (New York, USA) Better Cities Film Festival (New York, USA) Docs Without Borders Film Festival (Nassau, USA) "Unlocked: A Flow of Colourful Connections in Lockdown" is a short film/art video that captures the personal journey of eleven women during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Spring of 2020, eleven women were asked to express artistically how months of isolation has affected their sense of identity. In answering the question, “what is left of me,” each participant, multi-generational and all residents of the Esplanade community, was paired with a professional artist to assists them in the creation process. An abstract symphony of thoughts, emotions, and reflection, Unlocked offers a window into the emotional lives of women. From isolated days that connected them with close family, to sleepless nights which drew them to take a closer look inward, to a new relation to time that led them to dive into forgotten interests, these stories invite the viewer to contemplate how the pandemic has impacted each of us differently. Filmed entirely in the Esplanade neighbourhood - in the middle of the road, in a living room, under balconies, in the park - these interwoven stories express feelings of joy and comfort, melancholy and hope, loss and love through poetry, song, dance, sculpture, painting and photography. First Public Screening: July 24th and 25th 2020, Berkeley Castle, Toronto A project produced in partnership with Canadian Stage . This project is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and Toronto Arts Council . This project is an adaption of WIND STORIES – an initiative that was adjusted due to COVID-19 impact on live arts. FILM CREDITS Produced by Jamii In partnership with Canadian Stage Directed and Produced by: Charmaine Kachibaia & Isorine Marc  Writen by: Afsheen Chowdhury, Aziza Virani,  Bana Stegu, Britta Badour, Francisca Zentilli, Helena Maragos, Indrit Kasapi, Isorine Marc, Julie Nadine, Karen Lam, Kerryn Graham, Lilly Otieno, Mihaly Szabados , Paula Wing, Samantha Stewart, Sharon Zarita, Sid Aakowa, Takako Segawa, Tanjin Ashraf, Teilhard Frost, Tereka Smith,  Wendy Devine  Cast (in alphabetical order): Aela Kuria, Afsheen Chowdhury, Aziza Virani,  Bana Stegu,  Daniella Gakumba, Francisca Zentilli,  Gennavive Marshall, Gergetet Abdelmalak, Helena Maragos, Isabella Mutoni, Julie Nadine,  Karen Lam,  Lilly Otieno,  Michele Brennan, Mireille Ouellet, Paula Wing, Tanjin Ashraf, Tereka Smith,  Verna Chong, Wendy Devine  Director of Photography:  
Nick Kay  Production Coordinator:  Sharon Zarita  Editor: Nick Kay  Assistant Editor: Charmaine Kachibaia Sound Design and Audio Mix: Matthew Maaskaant  Original Score: Teilhard Frost and Jason Mercer Recorded at Neptune's Machine Engineered and mixed by Jason Mercer Original Music: “WAVES” Written, produced, recorded and performed by Bana Stegu “Set It Free” Written by Robert Graham  A REFLECTION BY SHARON ZARITA: UNLOCKED: FROM SEED TO SEQUOIA It is human nature to begin a journey with expectations of how it will turn up, but the past year has shown me life often offers paths that not even our wildest imaginations can anticipate. When I joined Jamii just after completing my postgraduate course in Arts Administration last year, my expectation was broadly to engage the Esplanade community through the arts. I had no idea a few months later we would begin WIND STORIES, a project that would tap into my personal love of listening to people and celebrating their lives. This project invited participants from four communities in Ontario to pick someone in their neighbourhood, have a conversation with them and then translate their story into a visual art portrait. I come from Kenya, a country deeply rooted in the social African culture of sharing stories. Growing up, families would gather by water fountains in the evening to catch up on the day. The streets are often filled with talking clusters of acquaintances who have run into each other. Hence when I accompanied participants to their conversation interviews in Toronto, I forgot I was at work and was taken back to the evening community chatters at home. The beauty about WIND STORIES it is an intersection of four, like streams that meet and flow together into a river. I was honoured to take the project initiation trip to Wawa, one of the four communities. Wawa captivated me by its mountains curved in colourful fall leaves and surrounded by water. Our team was treated with such generosity by Robin, our host, who introduced us to the community and gave the project a strong start. Months later when Isorine, Jamii’s Founder and Director, came back with the finished portraits from Wawa, they had surpassed my imagination. This was also the case when I opened the boxes of portraits from Wolfe Island and later on Pikangikum First Nation. As a Newcomer, I wouldn’t have chosen a better way to be introduced to the First Nations in Ontario: the people, their stories, the traditions, their cultures. Earlier this year we got a chance to exhibit the community portraits, joined streams, at Canadian Opera Company, a mighty river. Like everyone else who had a script for 2020, we were looking forward to the second phase of the project where each of the portraits would be turned into live performances when COVID-19 struck. The pandemic hurt the core of our work – people, connection, community relations. Without these elements the effect of this second phase would be watered down. Though, have you ever seen a stream held back by a rock on its path? When a stream meets a rock its waters slowly build up, go around continuing on its way as if no barriers existed. Since WIND STORIES sought to initiate deeper conversations between community members, we decided to follow this objective and adapt the second phase to a creative process that would explore the layers of the pandemic to individuals. How was the pandemic affecting you, and how would you translate that into an art form of your choice? At the end these pieces would be filmed into a reflective art video. Over-reflecting is a personal habit that helps me process things so this project, again, felt like inviting Esplanadians to the evening community chatters we have at home. As we were filming one of the participants I noticed she had been called by the artists who helped in writing her scene before she went on set and was curious about her experience in the project. Julie took a minute, sighed a little and narrated with her eyes welling up how she has always loved to dance but never gotten the chance and was looking for a channel of her emotions during the isolation when we made the call for participants. This project gave her something to lean on through the raging days of COVID-19. As she spoke, I could picture being encountered by a river that had busted its banks due to heavy rains on your hiking path. Just as you scramble for something to hold onto, you get a sequoia tree which isn't being swayed by the waters nor the wind. I could see each of the community members finding their own sequoia and together forming a canopy to make the grip even stronger. As they hold tight, they don't realize that the canopy not only shelters them but many other creatures from the pouring rain. Many don't realize how community engaged arts touch the producers just as much as participants. A sequoia to an artist is making the art itself so as we brainstormed ideas, scripted, filmed, coordinated tiny details of this video we got our tight grip through the pandemic as well. At the end of June, the team of 11 community members named the art video “Unlocked” because though the pandemic was raging physical locks at us, we found an opening which revived us from the inside. One which our wildest imagination would never have planned for when WIND STORIES was being initiated last year. As UNLOCKED premieres at Canadian Stage on July 24th -25th and you get a chance to watch it online, I truly hope it reminds you that within you is the ability to find a sequoia and grip onto it through your hardest seasons. Dear Esplanadians, you have a canopy at Jamii and I invite you not only to admire its beauty from the outside but come in and enjoy its cooling shade. Even better since you are one of the sequoias in this community coming closer makes the canopy thicker and ever so mightier. This film happens to be the last project I coordinate under my current contract with Jamii and I am touched that God found it worthy to script this canopy on my path as an Arts Administrator. Through my work as the Project and Community Outreach Coordinator I have been granted a year of unexpected enjoyment in my career journey. By Sharon Zarita Unlocked 2020

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program AKRAM YACOUT, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Working with Jamii was honestly a big step for me, both as a person and as an artist. It gave me the chance to see my photography in a new way and to push myself past where I thought I was at. Having mentorship, collaboration, and the space to learn made me realize how much growth can happen when you’re in the right environment. Artistic and Personal Learnings In my session with Laura, I picked up some lessons that really changed how I look at my work. She showed me how wide crowd shots can capture the energy of a moment, not just the people in it. That opened my eyes to storytelling through photography, not just taking nice pictures. She also reminded me to get clean portraits of each artist and to bring more variety into my shots, which is something I know I’ll carry forward. Hearing her say she really loved some of my photos gave me a lot of confidence. With Jae, I learned a whole lot about the technical side. He broke down focus points and anticipation, which helped me understand how to catch the right moment instead of just reacting late. We also went deep into how shutter speed and ISO change depending on light. That knowledge gave me way more control, especially in darker or brighter environments where before I’d just hope for the best. Personally, these sessions taught me patience and being more intentional. Photography isn’t just snapping, it’s being present enough to see the moment coming before it happens. Challenges and How I Handled Them One of my biggest challenges was adapting to different environments, especially when the lighting changed. At first I struggled, but with guidance I learned to adjust my settings faster and not panic. Another challenge was self-doubt. Sometimes I’d look at other people’s work and wonder if I was good enough. What helped was opening up to feedback and realizing critique is about growth, not comparison. Collaboration and Mentorship The collaborative vibe at Jamii stood out to me. Seeing other artists work in their own way gave me ideas and inspired me to try new things. The mentorship from Laura and Jae was also huge because they didn’t just tell me what to do they let me figure things out while guiding me in the right direction. That balance made me feel supported but also responsible for my own growth. Insights and Feedback This whole experience showed me the power of community. Having people to guide you, share feedback, and encourage you really speeds up growth. It also made me realize how important it is to be adaptable and bring variety into my art. Overall, I’m walking away with more confidence, sharper skills, and a better sense of direction. I’m grateful for Jamii giving me the chance to learn, grow, and see my photography in a new light. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE AKRAM YACOUT: Akram is a Toronto-based photographer rooted in the downtown community. What began as a hobby in 2016 has grown into a true passion, shaping the way he sees and connects with the world. Now part of the Shoot for Peace program, and Jami’s Emerging Artist program Akram is sharpening his craft and stepping into photography on a professional level. He specializes in capturing live events, where his eye for detail and timing brings out authentic emotion and energy. Through his lens, Akram creates space for reflection inviting viewers to pause, feel, and recognize the beauty and meaning in ordinary life. FUNDERS:

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

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Cute Finds, Great Prices, Big Community Vibes! JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET April 18-19, 2026 - 9am Thrift Market days and times Saturday, April 18 | 9 AM to 7 PM Sunday, April 19 | 9 AM to 4 PM Jamii’s Thrift Market is a community fundraiser where donated second-hand items are offered at low suggested donation amounts, with all proceeds supporting Jamii’s free arts programs. The market brings together clothing, accessories, home items, and other like-new treasures donated by the community and passed on for a good cause. It is part fundraiser, part neighbourhood gathering, and part treasure hunt. People come to shop affordably, donate useful items they no longer need, and support free creative programming at Jamii. What makes this event special is its simple idea: something sitting unused in one home can become something useful or exciting in another. By giving these items a second life, the community helps keep Jamii’s arts workshops and events accessible to more people. Why pop by? Affordable second-hand finds A community-powered fundraiser A chance to donate useful items Support for free arts programming A welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere Jamii’s Thrift Market reflects what Jamii does best: bringing people together in a way that feels practical, joyful, and rooted in community care. WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE & HELP JAMII RAISE FUNDS? Donation drop-off days and times Wednesday, April 15 | 9 AM to 7 PM Thursday, April 16 | 9 AM to 7 PM Friday, April 17 | 9 AM to 12 noon ACCEPTED ITEMS: Homemade baked goods, clothes (washed), shoes (clean) bags, purses, wallets, accessories (hats, scarves, belts, sunglasses, etc.), jewellery, small furniture: side tables, stools, small shelves, household decoration, plant pots and vases, wall art, lamps and light fixtures, kitchenware, stationary items, board games, and puzzles, craft and art supplies; fabric, yarn, sewing notions, sports and camping gear (clean, safe), kids items and toys PLEASE DON'T BRING: Books, mattresses, sofas, large furniture, open cosmetics, used pillows, used undergarments, broken or old electronics, TVs, printers, large appliances, hazardous items, medical equipment OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Akram Yacout

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program TINA ABDELBASIT, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII As part of Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program, supported by the RBC Foundation, Jamii invited Tina Abdelbasit to participate in the creation of a mural project, mentored by Jieun Kim. The experience offered Tina a hands-on learning opportunity in bringing art to public spaces, collaborating with one of Toronto’s leading muralists, and engaging directly with the community to ensure their voices were central to the creative process. Through this project, Tina demonstrated her talent, ambition, and dedication, contributing meaningfully to a professional and community-centered public artwork. The mural is located on the South side of the St Lawrence Market. Tina reflected on her experience and shared with us: “I learned so much during my time at Jamii working on the mural. I faced some challenges but overall, I feel like the experience helped me grow as an artist, an individual and a community member. On my first day, I was immediately welcomed into the Jamii community. Everyone seemed to already have a level of trust in me and my skills that I did not expect which gave me a confidence boost right away. I expected to have to prove myself first but even on my very first day, I felt like the people around me believed in me. This day set the tone for the rest of my experience at Jamii. One of the challenges I faced was my lack of experience in spray painting. Spray painting was to be a huge part of the mural and I wanted to help the Laini girls practice doing it but I had little experience myself. It turned out that with a little practice of my own and guidance and tips from the artist, Jieun Kim, I felt confident enough to help others. The youth that we worked with were extremely creative and had ambitious ideas that made me want to push myself and my technical skills in order to be able to make their vision a reality. Another challenge was navigating obstacles around the technical aspects of painting the mural such as how we were going to reach the very top of the wall or getting the right colors and materials. Everyone I worked with was always so prepared to pivot and come up with ways to continue working despite the challenges. This taught me to keep calm when obstacles occur because we shared a common goal and everyone seemed to be willing to try their hardest in order to reach it. Because of this, we always found a solution and had fun doing it. This experience was the best I could have asked for as my first time working in a professional setting as an artist. I was able to work closely with Jieun and learn so much from her as well as being supported by the Jamii team the whole way through. I left feeling like I have truly become a part of the community.” In Jieun Kim's words: " Tina’s mentorship with me throughout the mural workshop was a rewarding experience. As my mentee, she embraced the challenge of learning how to create large-scale murals while also discovering the joy and responsibility of working with children. Her cheerful energy quickly made her a favourite among the kids, and she played a meaningful role in helping each of them develop confidence in their artistic abilities. The final mural at St. Lawrence Market stands as a beautiful testament to this shared journey. It was a meaningful creation shaped by the children’s ideas and guided by our collective efforts. From the design stage to painting and execution, Tina contributed thoughtfully and skillfully, making the project richer for everyone involved. " A special thank you to the RBC Foundation for supporting this program and providing the next generation of artists with opportunities to grow and establish themselves in the local arts community. SEE PROJECT ARTIST'S PAGE 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. Tina's paintings often draw from her real life or childhood memories and focus on representing human beings beyond what is on the surface. FUNDERS:

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a singing sanctuary on Fridays! In February, join us to explore melodies and create a communal song led by Nickeshia Garrick and Paula Sofía Morales. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SINGING / THE MUSICAL TRADITION OF SPIRITUALS - FEBRUARY 2025 SINGING Friday 7 pm THE MUSICAL TRADITION OF SPIRITUALS February 2025 February 7 - 14 - 21, 2025 Facilitator: Martin Gomes In this musical workshop exploring the theme of “Mirrors”, we will focus on the rich musical tradition of Spirituals. Spirituals are musical folk songs created by enslaved Africans following their arrival in North America between 1619 and 1860. Passed down orally through generations, these melodies and stories encapsulate the history, suffering, hope, and resilience of a people who found the strength to sing through their hardships. As Dr. Everett McCorvey describes, Spirituals speak to the profound ability to tell and re-tell heroic stories of triumph and survival through music. They are deeply rooted in the call-and-response technique, which demands intentional listening and often repetition of musical lines. Building on Jonelle Sills’s theme of Mirrors , this workshop will invite participants to audibly mirror one another, fostering connection and understanding through the shared experience of these powerful songs. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 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 Photos by Jeeya Gandhi, Mariana Hernandez, Hadeal Karrar Martin Gomes Martin Gomes (He/They) is an Afro/Latino, queer writer and composer born & based in downtown Toronto. He currently works as an artist facilitator teaching poetry & beatboxing for organizations such as Unity Charity, Lakeshore Arts, JAYU, VIBEArts, tdsbCREATES, & Crossroads Theatre. He’s been afforded the opportunity of performing for people & places such as Opera Atelier, CBC, Sony, Soho House, The Harbourfront Centre, Nuit Blanche, TOLive, and Treemonisha. With their art, he hopes to set an example of authenticity, empathy, and observation wherever possible in an attempt to spread messages of loving each other's neighbours even through all the noise. Photo Credit: Unknown UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Mon, Nov 02 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 02, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. +3 more Mon, Nov 09 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 09, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 16 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 23 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 23, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All Mon, Nov 30 November Cycle - Singing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 30, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing songs from across the Middle East in a five-week vocal workshop with Maryem Hassan Tollar. See All

OUTDOOR EVENTS / JOY IN THE PARK: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY - JUNE 2025 JOY IN THE PARK! June 2025 David Crombie Park Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 6 PM – 8 PM David Crombie Park | The Esplanade Neighbourhood On June 21, 2025, we were thrilled to host Jamii’s 7th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in David Crombie Park, and what a beautiful evening it was! The event featured the powerful performance of Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone with their band, Red Rhythm & Blues. Accompanied by the talented violinist Brittany Iwanciwski and gifted singer-songwriter Leah Holtom, their music became a symbol of reconciliation on our shared lands, creating a space for healing. In essence, it was soul music made of magic. As part of the celebration, Jamii also honoured its long-standing relationship with Pikangikum First Nation by unveiling a new photo exhibition by Kurri Quill. Titled “Mong'Kah'Job” , the exhibition invited us to see the people of Pikangikum, individuals of all ages navigating their own life journeys, while celebrating their culture and way of being. Kurri’s message was a quiet yet powerful invitation to grow closer, bridge gaps in understanding, and honour the dignity of every story captured through his lens. “Mong'Kah'Job” encouraged us to see one another more fully. The event was guided by Suzanne Smoke, who shared with us Indigenous rhythms of tradition, joined by Dakota Myran’s hand drumming and Abby Myran’s beautiful dance, and offered a beautiful opening and closing ceremony and talks. The celebration also featured face painting with Linda Epp, crafts with Sun Raven Arts, and delicious food by Tea & Bannock. We came together for the food, the music, the dancing, and above all - the joy. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Indigenous voices, artistry, and community. Joy in the Park, celebrating Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, in partnership with Canadian Stage, was supported by Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and Rama Gaming House. ARTIST LINE-UP: Featured live music by Aqua’s Red Rhythm & Blues Photo Exhibition Unveiling by Kurri Quill Facepainting by Linda Epp Craft: Pinch Pottery with Sun Raven Arts (Rhonda Lucy) Craft activity for kids Photos by Laura Dittmann

Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site GET INVOLVED / MARATHON / 2019 MARATHON CHEER 2019 October 20 Toronto Waterfront Marathon Cheering Site On Sunday, October 20th 2019 Jamii organized both the Family Fun Run and St Lawrence Cheering Site at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and won the big prize for the Best Cheering Site! Thank you to our partners in organizing this event: Friends of Berczy Park, Children Princess Garden. Thank you to our sponsors CONCERT, Tim Hortons, Aroma and GWL Realty Advisors! We are also grateful to our local cinema, Imagine Cinemas for the donation of movie passes for all the winners of the Family Fun Run! Thank you to the planning committee: Isorine Marc, Dennis Glasgow, Shaun Pearen, Mary McDonald, Dan O'Leary, Zarita Adhiambo, Josefina Bilotta, Maureen Browne, Raecheal Goddard, Karen Lam and all the wonderful people who showed up on the day of. Without you cheering up the marathon runners, we wouldn't have won! Last but not least, thank you to all the amazing artists who brought the cheering site to life! Linda Epp - Face Painting Andrew Patterson - Live Portrait Drawings Aline Morales - Brazilian drums Walter MacLean - African drums Kaitlin Torrance, Patrica Estay and Miranda Meijer - Dancing Supported by:

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! In February, participants will paint a Northern Brazilian landscape with the lead of Julian Periquet. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / NORTHERN BRAZIL LANDSCAPE - FEBRUARY 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm NORTHERN BRAZIL LANDSCAPE February 2024 February 15, 2024 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Julian Periquet In this session, we invite participants to craft a step-by-step painting of a Northern Brazilian landscape. Participants will be learning how to blend with pastels and accompany with acrylic paint. After each session, take home your masterpiece and cherish the memories of a delightful evening at Jamii. No experience is required – just a passion for art and a willingness to explore! REGISTRATION IS CLOSED 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 Photos by Afnan Yakot Photo Credit: Unknown Julian Periquet Marc Julian Periquet is a proud Canadian Filipino born and raised in the downtown core neighbourhood, The Esplanade. He established an addiction to the art world at an early age. More so from the encouragement and creative techniques his father Ernesto instilled in him. Many of his weapons of mass creation vary from pencils to pens, markers to charcoal, acrylics to pastels, spray cans and more. Hands on with all purpose materials, Julian doesn't shy away from making an everyday object come to life artistically. New ventures such as live painting and set building have given Julian an opportunity to work with various creatives. Working well under pressure and inviting new challenges will always be an ever growing trait on his journey. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Wed, Nov 04 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 04, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. +3 more Wed, Nov 11 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 18 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 25 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All

2021 Community Projects / Film Projects / Duets 2021 “ DUETS ” is a series of 10 short videos that explore Jamii's season theme "How do we mix?". We invited 10 artists who didn't know each other, and paired musicians with dancers to explore this theme through a mini-creative process that saw the making of these short videos within an afternoon of magic. From Flamenco to hip hop to Opera, the Balkan trumpet, Slam Poetry and more, watch as each artists pair "mix" their artistic paths together! As part of Jamii’s 2021 season titled LOOKS LIKE US, we continue exploring one of the foundational values of the Esplanade neighbourhood: the concept of “mix” - as written in the City of Toronto site-plan for our beloved neighbourhood. Even though it is now considered normal to celebrate each other’s cultural heritage, do we actually celebrate intercultural mixing, and if so, how? Can we bring our cultures together while retaining our cultural traditions, sense of identity and uniqueness? Our hope is that “DUETS" will continue engaging artists and audiences with questions around representation and belonging, and ignite conversations. Welcome to the journey. Concept by Isorine Marc Produced and presented by Jamii Supported by Canada Council for the Arts In partnership with Canadian Stage Guest Artists: Waleed Abdulhamid, Heidi Strauss, Atri Nundy, Michael Louis Johnson, Mahlikah Awe:ri, Teiya Kasahara, Meryem Alaoui, Edz, Aline Morales, Carmen Romero. Videography/Editing: Ana Maria Higuera and Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound: Amye Sagar Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Jasmin Linton, DeeAnn Sagar, Mira Ghabiel Filmed in the Esplanade neighbourhood, Toronto - May/June 2021 DUETS - No. 1 Co-created and co-directed by Ana Maria Higuera,Teiya Kasahara, Isorine Marc, Heidi Strauss Performed by Teiya Kasahara, Heidi Strauss Music by Teiya Kasahara Choreography by Heidi Strauss Filmed by Ana Maria Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera, Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 2 Co-created and co-directed by Waleed Abdulhamid, Ana Maria Higuera, Atri Nundy, Isorine Marc Performed by Waleed Abdulhamid, Atri Nundy Music by Waleed Abdulhamid Choreography by Atri Nundy Filmed by Ana Maria Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera, Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 3 Co-created and co-directed by Michael Louis Johnson, Ana Maria Higuera , Isorine Marc, Carmen Romero Performed by Michael Louis Johnson, Carmen Romero Music by Michael Louis Johnson Choreography by Carmen Romero Filmed by Ana Maria Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera, Ana Maria Higuera Supported by Rama Gaming House DUETS - No. 4 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Waleed Abdulhamid, Isorine Marc, Heidi Strauss Performed by Waleed Abdulhamid & Heidi Strauss Music by Waleed Abdulhamid Choreography by Heidi Strauss Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 5 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Meryem Alaoui, Isorine Marc, Aline Morales Performed by Meryem Alaoui & Aline Morales Music & Vocals by Aline Morales Choreography by Meryem Alaoui Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 6 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw, Isorine Marc, Carmen Romero Performed by Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw & Carmen Romero Songs and slam poetry by Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw Choreography by Carmen Romero Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera Supported by Rama Gaming House DUETS - No. 7 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Atri Nundy, Isorine Marc, Michael Louis Johnson Performed by Atri Nundy & Michael Louis Johnson Music Performed by Michael Louis Johnson Choreography by Atri Nundy Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 8 Co-created and co-directed by Ana Maria Higuera, Edz Gyamfi , Isorine Marc, Aline Morales Performed by Edz Gyamfi & Aline Morales Music & Vocals by Aline Morales Choreography by Edz Gyamfi Filmed by Ana Maria Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 9 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw, Isorine Marc, Meryem Alaoui Performed by Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw & Meryem Alaoui Words & Vocals by Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw Choreography by Meryem Alaoui Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera DUETS - No. 10 Co-created and co-directed by Alejandra Higuera, Waleed Abdulhamid, Isorine Marc, Heidi Strauss Performed by Waleed Abdulhamid & Heidi Strauss Music by Waleed Abdulhamid Choreography by Heidi Strauss Filmed by Alejandra Higuera Stage Manager/Sound by Amye Sagar Edited by Alejandra Higuera & Ana Maria Higuera Duets 2021

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! In June, participants will use acrylic paint and sand on canvas boards with the lead of Julian Periquet. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / ACRYLIC PAINT AND SAND - JUNE 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm ACRYLIC PAINT AND SAND June 2024 June 6, 2024 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Julian Periquet Unleash your creative spirit at Jamii's Painting Night! Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, our painting nights provide a space for self-expression and connection. At this session, under the guidance of artist Julian Periquet, you will be invited to play with acrylic paint and sand, creating an artwork that explores "Connectedness through Culture". After the session, take home your masterpiece and cherish the memories of a delightful evening at Jamii. No experience required. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED 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 Photos by Isorine Marc, Ghader Bsmar Photo Credit: Unknown Julian Periquet Marc Julian Periquet is a proud Canadian Filipino born and raised in the downtown core neighbourhood, The Esplanade. He established an addiction to the art world at an early age. More so from the encouragement and creative techniques his father Ernesto instilled in him. Many of his weapons of mass creation vary from pencils to pens, markers to charcoal, acrylics to pastels, spray cans and more. Hands on with all purpose materials, Julian doesn't shy away from making an everyday object come to life artistically. New ventures such as live painting and set building have given Julian an opportunity to work with various creatives. Working well under pressure and inviting new challenges will always be an ever growing trait on his journey. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. Wed, Nov 04 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 04, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. +3 more Wed, Nov 11 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 18 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All Wed, Nov 25 November Cycle - Visual Arts Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub REGISTER NOW Nov 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Explore linocut printing and collaborative storytelling in a four-week visual arts workshop with Jieun Kim. See All

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / SEWING WORKSHOP - ADVANCED SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Sewing Studio Series SEWING WORKSHOP - ADVANCED September 14, 2025 - 10:30am SEWING STUDIO SERIES - ADVANCED LEVEL Facilitated by Mariam Ahmad DATE & TIME: Sunday, September 14 I 10:30am to 5:30pm Includes a one-hour lunch break (1:00 PM to 2:00PM). The last hour of the workshop (from 4:30pm to 5:30pm) is dedicated to further individual practice or work on your own projects with assistance from our team. LOCATION: The Jamii Hub – 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 COST: $150 per session This is a fundraising initiative for Jamii. The actual value of the workshop is $75, and the remaining $75 is a charitable donation. Participants will receive a tax receipt for the donation portion. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: In this advanced workshop, you’ll create a denim skirt that’s personalized to you by using recycled denim jeans. We’ll begin by constructing your own textile from patchworked denim, giving new life to old garments through creative paneling and visible mending techniques. Then, using pre-drafted skirt patterns, we’ll walk through how to make basic fit adjustments to suit your body. You’ll learn how to construct a clean-finished skirt, including hemming techniques and installing closures like zippers. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a stylish denim skirt you made entirely from reclaimed materials. Prior experience required: Participants should be highly confident with a sewing machine, able to work with patterns, and experienced with a variety of fabrics and sewing techniques. Completion of a complex sewing project is expected. OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Ghader Bsmar

The Jamii Hub in The Esplanade, Toronto is home to free workshops & activities based on different themes each month! Check out and register now. ARTISTS / Nickeshia Garrick Connectedness by Nickeshia Garrick June 2 to 22, 2024 DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE An exploration of the sharing of knowledge and resources beyond borders. “JUNE at Jamii”, under the vision of lead artist Nickeshia Garrick, explores the connection between the Caribbean and Central America through cross-cultural nuances and similarities in the customs, food, clothing, music, dances and rhythms. “Connectedness” reminds us that we are all part of the collective searching for moments to relate to one another. As Nickeshia says “I chose this theme because I have never truly understood or believed in the separation of borders. It is important to tell the stories of how our tribes shared knowledge, resources, food, adornment (and so much more), freely searching for lands we could take care of so that the land would take care of us. We all have this in common; searching for a place we can call home”. These stories should remind the community of how connected we are, and how sharing knowledge and finding similarities in our lived experiences bring the collective together instead of separating us. Join us at “JUNE at Jamii” with Nickeshia Garrick for a month of connection through shared stories that travel beyond borders. Monday Dancing   Facilitator: Nickeshia Garrick MORE INFO Wednesday Watching   Facilitator: Jessica Zepeda MORE INFO Saturday Mingling   Lead Artist: Nickeshia Garrick MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Book Club Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO Thursday Creating Painting Night Facilitator: Julian Periquet MORE INFO Sunday Sewing   Facilitator: Mariam Ahmad MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Niche Artistic Practices Facilitator: Shelly Ann Mc Leod MORE INFO Thursday Creating Crafting Nights Facilitator: Michael Mortley MORE INFO Sunday Versifying   Facilitator: Jäjé MORE INFO Tuesday Learning Culture Cloths Facilitator: Sabrine S. Hakam MORE INFO Friday Singing   Facilitator: Paula Sofía Morales, Nickeshia Garrick MORE INFO Photos by Jae Yang, Isorine Marc, Shelly Ann, Ghader Bsmar, Aurora 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. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / I HOPE WE CHOOSE LOVE - MAY 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club I HOPE WE CHOOSE LOVE May 2025 May 6, 2025 Facilitator: Lee Stone Join us for a thoughtful evening of reflection and conversation as we focus on a selected passage from Kai Cheng Thom’s I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes from the End of the World . Guided by theatre artist and educator Lee Stone, we will read and discuss “How Neoliberalism Is Stealing Trans Liberation,” a powerful eight-page piece that asks us to think deeply about systems of injustice, not just elsewhere but here at home. Participants are encouraged to bring Canadian or personal examples, and to bring questions they would like to explore together. This will be a participant-led discussion, welcoming open dialogue and community reflections. Copies of the book are available through the Toronto Public Library in print , ebook , and audiobook formats, and we encourage you to support local independent bookstores if purchasing a copy. All are welcome. No previous book club experience needed. For those who want to take their experience further and share their 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 - Book Club: I Hope We Choose Love 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 Lee Stone Lee Stone (they/them) is a director, producer, and educator. They were born and raised on Chumash and Tongva land in Southern California and educated on Kānaka Maoli land at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2013). As a queer/polyamorous, trans/non-binary, white settler/immigrant of German, Jewish-Ukrainian, and Armenian descent, Lee has spent a lifetime using theatre, storytelling, and education to resist the cishet, white colonial project. In 2022 Lee was awarded the Toronto Arts Council, Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship Grant for the purpose of founding Dead Name Theatre, which uplifts and centres the voices, experiences and talents of trans, non-binary, and queer creatives in Toronto. Photo Credit: Unknown

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / KIMONO-STYLE CARDIGAN - MAY 2024 SEWING Sunday 11 am Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects May 2024 KIMONO-STYLE CARDIGAN May 5 - 12 - 19 - 26, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey Join us in a new series of sewing workshops this May. Our theme for this month is “Roots”, which encourages us to reflect on our profound connection with diverse origins that shape our identities. Our Lead Artist, Takako Segawa, envisions a metaphorical “tree” which draws strength and substance from its roots, so too can we find resilience and depth by nourishing the essence of who we are. Sewing Facilitator, Anita Boey, has designed a Kimono-style cardigan, featuring a statement patchwork collar, to tell the story of our varied life experiences that makes us who we are as individuals. Each of us has an intricate tapestry that is unique, and we can proudly wear this on our collars! Join in to create your own customized Kimono-style cardigan. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, and we also welcome you to bring fabric that means something special to you. For novice sewers, Shaimaa Yacout, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistant, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine and through the month, you will create your first sewing project! Let's stitch away our Sundays together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a garment to treasure but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills! Participants are registering for one-month only, and required to attend all 4 sessions. Lesson plan: May 5 – Introduction to the theme of “Roots”, and how it inspired the design of this Kimono with a statement patchwork collar. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric and cut their fabric. May 12 – Piecing together fabric to create the statement patchwork collar. May 19 – Sewing the collar to the bodice of the Kimono. May 26 – Sewing the sleeves, adding finishing touches to the Kimono, and end with a fashion show! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 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 Photos by Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. Anita is a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. Wed, Oct 21 October Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub DETAILS Oct 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Turn a quilt, blanket, or meaningful textile into a cozy jacket in this sewing workshop. See All Wed, Oct 28 October Cycle - Sewing Workshop Series / The Jamii Hub DETAILS Oct 28, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Turn a quilt, blanket, or meaningful textile into a cozy jacket in this sewing workshop. See All

The Jamii Hub in The Esplanade, Toronto is home to free workshops & activities based on different themes each month! Check out and register now. ARTISTS / Patrick de Belen Teka Lang (Just Wait) by Patrick de Belen October 7 to 26, 2024 DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE Encouraging us to slow down, to hold on, to take a second, “JUST WAIT (TEKA LANG)” is a multimedia, Filipino culture inspired arts exhibit and series of interactive workshops and events curated by Patrick de Belen. Inspired by his mom and Lola yelling at him to stop for a second, talk slower and to give them time to think, “JUST WAIT” or “TEKA LANG” explores a fusion of contemporary storytelling and a variety of different art forms inspired by Filipino culture. Through textile techniques, crafts, poetry, dance and music, “Just Wait!” Encourages participants and audiences to take a second, to contemplate, to reflect, to meditate, to slow down and learn more about Filipino arts, culture and storytelling from the eyes and mind of Patrick de Belen, and a community of incredibly talented Filipinx-Canadian artists. Monday Dancing Facilitator: Candace Kumar MORE INFO Wednesday Sewing Facilitator: Anita Boey MORE INFO Saturday Mingling Lead Artist: Patrick De Belen MORE INFO Tuesday Discovering Book Club Facilitator: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio MORE INFO Thursday Creating Painting Night Facilitator: Ephraim Velasco MORE INFO Tuesday Discovering Culture Cloths Facilitator: Sabrine S. Hakam MORE INFO Thursday Creating Crafting Night Facilitator: Norwin Anne MORE INFO Tuesday Discovering Creative Writing Facilitator: Patrick de Belen MORE INFO Friday Singing Facilitator: Victoria Sawal MORE INFO Photos by Jae Yang, Hadeal Karrar, Jeeya Ghandi PATRICK DE BELEN Patrick is an award-winning poet, filmmaker, educator, and storyteller across many mediums. His work often explores themes such as mental illness, the Filipino-Canadian experience, social justice, youth empowerment, advocacy, grief, and healing. He is best known for his poetic collaborations with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, CBC, as well as his two spoken word EPs and numerous cine-poems and independent films that he has written and directed. When he isn’t on stage or writing, Patrick serves as an educator and youth mentor, working with institutions such as addiction centers, mental health organizations, libraries, schools, and even jails—advocating for storytelling opportunities and platforms in as many spaces as possible. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

2021/03 < Back to Events Red Rhythm & Blues CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

6 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SATURDAY MINGLING / STORYBEING - SEPTEMBER 2024 MINGLING Saturday 7 pm Monthly Community Gathering: A night filled with music, dance, and other art forms! STORYBEING September 2024 September 28, 2024 Lead Artist: Nova Bhattacharya An evening filled with live music, food and arts! Bringing Nova Dance’s aesthetic of experimentation to a joyous conclusion, join musicians from folk rock band Onek, along with dancers Neena Jayarajan & Rachana Joshi for live music inspired by different regions of the Indian subcontinent, and some improvisational hijinks. Expect to tap your feet and groove, as they blend multiple styles like rock, blues, carnatic, and bossa nova into a tapestry of fun! Whether you're dancing, playing music, enjoying South Asian snacks and drinks, or simply enjoying the performance, this event promises fun, creativity, and a chance to connect through the universal languages of dance and music. Onek's band line-up: Ganesh Iyer (voice) Kenneth Menezes (cajon, percussion) Darryl Britto (guitar) REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Jae Yang Nova Bhattacharya is an award-winning, barrier-breaking, artist and cultural leader based in Tkaronto. Her inspiration is found in identities, hybridities and diversities, manifesting creations that resonate with technical virtuosity and lush, vivid imagery. In 2008, she founded Nova Dance, embedding the principle that building for the margins ensures inclusion for everyone. Nova’s recent choreography Svāhā! features a cast of 22 performers proficient in more than 29 dance forms currently practiced on Turtle Island. Nova believes that dance expresses the essence of our humanity. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Sabrine S Hakam Photographer Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. website << BACK TO ARTISTS

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! In February, you are invited to learn how to punch needle led Alejandra Higuera. PUNCH NEEDLE - FEBRUARY 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights PUNCH NEEDLE February 2024 February 8 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Alejandra Higuera Join artist Alejandra Higuera for an engaging Punch Needle Workshop. Explore the delightful world of expressing yourself through thread and needle in a fun and creative way. During this workshop, participants will craft decorative pieces for their homes, enjoying a learning environment tailored to their pace. By the end of the session, everyone will leave with their own unique piece—a tangible creation from an inspiring day of artistic exploration. Photos by Afnan Yakot Alejandra Higuera Alejandra Higuera (she/her) is a queer multidisciplinary, visual storyteller focusing on creating poetic visuals through different mediums: video, illustration, animation, embroidery, and projection. Her work focuses on themes of migration, feminism, memory, grief, ritual and being a solo parent by centering the intricate stories of immigrant, queer, and BIPOC resilience, exploring how healing leads us to re-imaging ourselves. As a Latinx artist, Alejandra supports our ever-changing identities, resisting homogenization through a decolonizing lens. Alejandra spends a lot of her time being curious: making up songs and languages, learning about plants, drawing, and being creative with her seven-year-old kiddo. Instagram Photo by Ana Higuera

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE SPEACIAL EVENTS Fundraising Support Jamii & Win one week vacation for two! ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE IN FRANCE RAFFLE June 1-30, 2026 Win a One-of-a-Kind Week for Two in the South of France A 7-day escape with flights, accommodation, a meal allowance, and airport transfers in France included. The winner and their guest will enjoy a 7-day escape in and around the beautiful little town of Clermont-l’Hérault, including: Round-trip flights from Toronto to Montpellier, 6 nights of accommodation, A meal allowance, Airport transfers in France. With the major travel essentials taken care of, you can settle into one of southern France’s most charming regions and enjoy a beautiful stay shaped by what you most want out of the experience. THE DESTINATION AND A BONUS What makes this journey special is the human connection behind it. “Part of what gives this trip its personal spirit is my connection to the region. If the winner wishes, they and their guest may also have the opportunity to spend time with me in Clermont-l’Hérault and receive my informal recommendations based on their interests, from historic villages and local markets to lakeside swims, food and wine discoveries, and more adventurous outings, subject to availability,” said Isorine Marc, Founder and Director of Jamii. Every ticket purchased helps support Jamii’s free arts and community programs in Toronto, creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can connect, create, and feel a sense of belonging. Thank you for being part of this - and good luck! Ticket Pricing: 1 ticket: $100 Discounted bundle pricing: 3 tickets: $250 5 tickets: $375 10 tickets: $700 20 tickets: $1,250 Only 355 tickets are available. Tickets are available throughout June, and the raffle draw will take place on June 30. The trip dates will be chosen together and must take place between December 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027, excluding June 15th to August 31st 2027. The raffle is open to Ontario residents ages 18+. OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Isorine Marc