COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / COMMUNITY CLOTHING REPAIR DAY CLOTHING REPAIR DAY Community Event PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SLNA WASTE REDUCTION GROUP AND REPAIR CAFÉ TORONTO July 2026 Presented by the SLNA Waste Reduction Group, Repair Café Toronto, Jamii Free clothing repairs by volunteer menders from Repair Café Toronto Presented with the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, Repair Café Toronto, and Jamii Give a favourite piece of clothing a second life at Community Clothing Repair Day, a free, all-ages drop-in event at The Jamii Hub. Bring one garment that needs a simple repair, and volunteer menders will do their best to fix it during the day. This first-time neighbourhood event brings together the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, Repair Café Toronto, and Jamii around a shared goal: keeping clothing in use for longer. Small repairs can make a meaningful difference. Sewing on a missing button, closing an open seam, patching a small hole, or fixing a basic hem can help save a garment from being thrown away. When you arrive, a volunteer will assess your item and let you know if the repair can be completed at the event. You will also receive an estimated repair time. Repairs are completed on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on the complexity of the repair and the number of volunteer menders available. The team may be able to help with: Sewing on buttons Repairing small tears or holes Fixing open seams Adding simple patches Completing basic hems Other quick mending jobs Some repairs may be too complex or time-consuming for this event. These may include major alterations, complex zipper replacements, leather or specialty fabrics, and garments requiring extensive reconstruction. Each person may bring one item of clothing. Arriving between 10 AM and 1 PM is recommended for the best chance of having your garment repaired that day. No registration is required, and all repairs are offered free of charge. Community Clothing Repair Day is also a chance to learn from a culture of repair. By caring for the clothes we already own, we can reduce textile waste, share practical knowledge, and make sustainability part of everyday community life. The event runs rain or shine. The Jamii Hub is wheelchair accessible, and accessible washrooms are available on site. Community Clothing Repair Day July 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub Presented in partnership by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s Waste Reduction Group, Repair Café Toronto, and Jamii.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / DRAWINGTO DRAWINGTO Visual Art Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTISTS 2025 Workshops Led by Juliana Bandeira and Luiza Albertini Jamii partners with DrawingTO , an initiative founded by Juliana Bandeira and Luiza Albertini, two Brazilian artists who share a love for art, design, and all things handmade. Since 2023, DrawingTO has been creating spaces across Toronto where people come together to draw, experiment, and reconnect with creativity for its own sake. At The Jamii Hub, we support their ongoing workshops by providing space and helping connect their sessions with our community. Each 90-minute gathering focuses on the joy of process over perfection, inviting participants to explore, play, and see the world with fresh eyes. Through simple yet thoughtful exercises like turning random shapes into imaginative forms, drawing self-reflective sketches, and creating tactile collages, participants find themselves slowing down and noticing the small details of their lives. As one participant shared, “It helped us make our mind ponder over the small details of our lives.” Others appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and accessibility that come with hosting DrawingTO at The Jamii Hub. “The venue provided ample space for everyone and having the materials provided made it very accessible,” one participant reflected, while another added, “It was my first time attending and I had a great time… the exercises were a fun warm-up to the collage activity.” Participants often leave feeling inspired and recharged: “DrawingTO is an amazing event in Toronto that has the power to change the way you feel. It is impossible not to feel energized after so much fun and creativity being expressed.” This partnership celebrates what both Jamii and DrawingTO believe in: creativity as a shared, human experience that connects us to one another. Photos by Juliana Bandeira and Luiza Albertini

Jamii Esplanade is a Toronto nonprofit arts organization offering free workshops, festivals, and outdoor events for all ages at The Jamii Hub (The Esplanade) SEE OUR IMPACT What 's on? One event at a time, we are claiming public spaces in The Esplanade to bring arts at no cost to audience members. All workshops at The Jamii Hub is either free or affordable! JOY IN THE PARK OUTDOOR EVENT SERIES July 25 - 6 pm to 8 pm at The Esplanade & Princess St LEARN MORE WAYO CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 7th year! August 12 to 16 Various Show Times LEARN MORE PASI PHOTO EXHIBITION Photo Exhibition Marking the 2026 World Football Tournament LEARN MORE BELONGING OLDER ADULTS WORKSHOPS Register for our older adults workshops CHECK OUT About Us Jamii, founded in 2011, is a not-for-profit arts organization based in the Esplanade community, Toronto. Our vision is to enhance togetherness within the communities we engage. We initiate, welcome, enable, facilitate and produce creative experiences, arts events and workshops with, for and by the people of the Esplanade and beyond with an intent of creating shared memories. SEE MORE Load more What ' s Upcoming? Belonging Older Adults - Outing: Dream in High Park Jul 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. High Park Amphitheatre, 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada More info REGISTER Multiple Dates 2 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts Jul 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER Multiple Dates 2 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Sing-Along Jul 23, 2026, 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER 3 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Outing: Ward's Island Jul 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Ward's Island, 1 Centre Is Pk, Toronto, ON M5J 2E9, Canada More info REGISTER Multiple Dates 3 days to the event LAINI Girls' Movie Night - Screening The Wild Robot Jul 24, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER 4 days to the event Joy in the Park Jul 25, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. David Crombie Park, 131 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4P5, Canada More info Learn more 5 days to the event Community Clothing Repair Day Jul 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info Learn more Multiple Dates 7 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Movement Jul 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER Multiple Dates 7 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts Jul 28, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER Multiple Dates 9 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Visual Arts Jul 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada More info REGISTER Load More upcomingevents-main Recent Updates Stay in the loop with Jamii. Browse our latest e-newsletters for updates on upcoming workshops, events, community stories, and special announcements. Want these updates sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Jamii’s e-newsletter and be the first to know what’s happening at The Jamii Hub, on The Esplanade, and beyond. SUBSCRIBE PAST UPDATES Highlights Since 2011, Jamii has proudly brought multiple forms of arts and The Esplanade community together. Check out some of Jamii's highlights below. Indigenous Peoples Day Annual intentional celebration of National Indigenous People's Day at the heart of our community. MORE INFO Cycles Monthly arts workshops at The Jamii Hub on Mondays and Wednesdays MORE INFO Mural Toronto's iconic mural located at the David Crombie Park Basketball Court, in The Esplanade neighbourhood. MORE INFO WAYO Children's Festival Annual children festival designed as a parkour through the Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage. MORE INFO SEE PAST PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / HEARTISTRY HEARTISTRY Art Workshop Series PARTNERSHIP WITH BRUSSAUX ART GROUP, AND SISTERS CIRCLE May to June 2025 Workshops Led by Curtia Wright From May 17 to June 28, 2025, with Heartistry , 15 participants embarked on a heartfelt journey of healing and self-discovery through art with a series of art workshops led by artist Curtia Wright. One participant shared that the workshops series made her feel safe to express herself freely. Over six Saturdays, the group explored emotions and creativity through drawing, painting, collage, self-portraits, and a collaborative mural, creating a safe and welcoming space to connect, reflect, and grow together. “This experience helped me feel calm, relaxed, and grounded.” Shared one of the participants. The series concluded with a group mural, symbolizing individual growth connected by a shared vine of healing and resilience. One participant said: “For me, it was such a sweet way to connect with amazing people while reflecting on my own journey.” This workshop series was co-produced by Jamii, Brussaux Art Group , and Sister's Circle . WORKSHOP SERIES BREAKDOWN: Week One: Exploring Names & Identity Participants reflected on the meaning of their names and how these shaped their sense of self and identity. Week Two: Collage & Self-Discovery Through collage, participants expressed values and aspects of their identity, drawing from memories and meaningful life events. Week Three: Abstract Emotion Using abstract art, participants explored and expressed inner emotions through color, shape, and movement - beyond words. Week Four: Self-Portraits Participants created expressive self-portraits focused on emotional truth rather than physical accuracy, encouraging self-reflection. Week Five: Safe Space Imagery Participants illustrated real or imagined places where they felt safe, using the imagery as a tool for emotional grounding. Week Six: Group Mural – Healing Together Participants co-created a mural, each contributing a section symbolizing personal growth, connected by a shared vine of healing and resilience. Photos by Laura Dittmann, Isorine Marc, Afnan Yakot

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / TECH SUPPORT SESSION TECH SUPPORT SESSION Tech Support for Older Adults PARTNERSHIP WITH REPRISK October 2025 Session Led by RepRisk Volunteers On October 29th, our Belonging group joined a tech session with RepRisk , kindly connected to us by our landlord the Berkeley Castle. Older adults participating brought their phones, laptops, and tablets for hands-on support - troubleshooting issues, updating devices, and learning new app skills. All left with big smiles, feeling confident and satisfied with the one-on-one support they received, boosting their tech skills and independence. RepRisk is a global leader in ESG and business conduct risk research. Since 2006, they have combined AI with expert analysis to turn vast amounts of data into actionable insights, helping organizations identify and manage risks that could affect reputation, compliance, and finances. Their RepRisk Platform covers over 120,000 companies and 30,000 projects worldwide, making it the largest database of its kind. We are very grateful for such partnership and seeing local businesses jumping in to support their direct community! Photos by Iris Unlu

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / SHE AMONG MANY SHE AMONG MANY Photo Exhibition PARTNERSHIP WITH WEBER SHANDWICK May to August 2025 Workshops Led by Sabrine S. Hakam and Isorine Marc When Jamii and Weber Shandwick’s teams first met in the fall of 2024, little did we know we were about to embark on such a rich and creative journey - one that asked each team member of the Health Department to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and come together to create a powerful and cohesive piece of art. Led by photographer Sabrine S. Hakam and Jamii’s Director, Isorine Marc, the team took part in an artistic adventure that explored the connection between a chosen deity and each individual's personal interpretation of health - often incorporating meaningful cultural references. The process asked participants to select a deity, envision how to represent them in a self-portrait, bravely step in front of the camera, curate their photos, develop a title and description for their vision, and then collaborate as a group to craft a title for the exhibit and a shared artistic statement. This was a unique opportunity to co-create a vision that sparks dialogue around health and communication, while also offering insights that can enrich the work Weber Shandwick do with their clients. Thank you to Marlo Taylor for her leadership in guiding this project, to each team member for trusting the process and fully engaging, and to the leadership at Weber Shandwick for supporting a project with the potential to create meaningful ripple effects across the company. Find out more about Weber Shandwick HERE . PHOTO EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY THE HEALTH TEAM, WEBER SHANDWICK Using photography as a form of expression, our Health Team at Weber Shandwick explored how we can apply the lens of health, womanhood and strength to both our work and our lives. What emerged from this creative process with Jamii was a powerful reflection on individuality, connection, and purpose. Each woman on our team represents a unique story - distinct in identity, experience, and perspective. Yet together, we form something greater than the sum of our parts. Our roles as women are multifaceted - caregivers, leaders, advocates, creators - and these roles shape not only who we are, but how we show up in the world. To witness the world as a woman is to embrace challenge and rise above it - and when we come together, our stories and strengths intertwine to create something unstoppable. As healthcare storytellers, we have a responsibility to integrate ourselves into the lives and experiences of others. Only then can we authentically advocate not only for women but also for everyone. Health means something different to each of us, and that diversity is what makes our work so impactful. Health isn’t linear. It’s complex, evolving, and sometimes unpredictable. But as a team, we grow stronger by embracing those complexities, supporting each other, and finding strength in the unknown. Together, our diverse interpretations of health paint a holistic, inclusive, and deeply human picture - one we carry into every story we tell. Photos by Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / FROM DUMP TO DOUGH DUMP TO DOUGH Arts & Crafts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH SLNA REMARKET February 2025 Workshops Led by Isorine Marc, May Yu, Ghader Bsmar, Carolina Rojas, and Lexley Meldrum In February 2025, Jamii partnered with the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group to deliver From Dump to Dough , a creative and educational workshop series for Grade 5 and 6 students from Market Lane Public School . This initiative invited 28 students to rethink waste through hands-on activities that transformed discarded materials into artistic and functional creations. Over four 90-minute sessions held at The Jamii Hub (February 10, 12, 19, and 21), students worked alongside artists and community leaders — Isorine Marc, May Yu, Ghader Bsmar, Carolina Rojas, and Lexley Meldrum — to turn plastic bottles into items such as pen holders, piggy banks, rockets, and lanterns. The workshops encouraged participants to explore the 5Rs of sustainability (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Refuse), develop creative problem-solving skills, and apply entrepreneurial thinking by connecting art-making with environmental awareness. The project’s impact was reflected in the students’ enthusiasm and creativity, as well as their increased understanding of responsible waste management. The program also strengthened community-school connections and demonstrated how creative learning can foster both environmental advocacy and youth empowerment. Key learnings from the project include the importance of small group setups to maintain engagement, the value of multiple facilitators for effective guidance, and the need for clear, step-by-step instructions. While the “dough” component — linking to entrepreneurship — was left for the school to follow up on, the overall experience proved both meaningful and inspiring for students and facilitators alike. A special thank-you goes to the SLNA Waste Reduction Group for supporting this initiative and helping bring it to life. From Dump to Dough successfully combined creativity, community, and sustainability — turning waste into opportunity and inspiration. Interested in such partnership? Contact us HERE . Photos by Iris Unlu

Partner with Jamii for custom arts-based team building and workshops. Support your team’s growth while funding free arts programs for all ages. COMMUNITY PROJECTS / Partnerships PARTNERSHIPS Projects with other organizations Making change in our communities - at workplaces, in schools, older-adult homes, or in our neighbourhoods - takes partnership and collaboration. Since its inception, Jamii has always valued partnering with local groups, arts organizations, businesses, philanthropists, schools, and many others to design a wide range of arts-based creative workshops that bring people together in meaningful ways. These creative partnerships are built collaboratively, with each program shaped around shared goals - whether that’s sparking fresh ideas, igniting creativity within, building trust, deepening connections, supporting individuals' well-being, encouraging meaningful conversations, or bringing life to your workplace, collective, school, older-adult home, or neighbourhood. Funds raised through these partnerships go directly toward our free arts workshops and events for all ages, staying true to Jamii's mission of keeping creativity accessible to everyone. Partner with us to build something meaningful for your community. Contact us HERE to discuss ideas and collaborations. CLOTHING REPAIR DAY Community Event PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SLNA WASTE REDUCTION GROUP AND REPAIR CAFÉ TORONTO CHECK OUT HEARTISTRY Visual Arts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH BRUSSAUX ART GROUP, AND SISTERS CIRCLE CHECK OUT TECH SUPPORT SESSION Older Adults Specific PARTNERSHIP WITH REPRISK CHECK OUT DUMP TO DOUGH Arts & Crafts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH SLNA REMARKET CHECK OUT DRAWINGTO Visual Arts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTISTS CHECK OUT SHE AMONG MANY Photographic Exhibition PARTNERSHIP WITH WEBER SHANDWICK CHECK OUT calendar UPCOMING DATES Sun, Jul 26 Community Clothing Repair Day / The Jamii Hub MORE INFO Jul 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Bring one garment to get it fixed for free, simple repairs by volunteer menders at Community Clothing Repair Day.

Artists Jamii works with shape what our programming is. We are grateful to be working with hundreds of talented artists. who we work with Artists LEAD ARTISTS ARTISTS EMERGING ARTISTS LeadArtists Lead Artists who curate monthly themed programs at The Jamii Hub In February 2024, Jamii embarked on a transformative journey towards fostering community bonds through shared leadership and agency of what’s happening at The Jamii Hub. For three weeks every month, daily at 7pm, Jamii gives the keys to lead artists tasked with curating diverse immersive activities at The Jamii Hub. As such, each month, one artist is entrusted with shaping the Jamii experience, intertwining their voice with our collective narrative. The selection of our lead artist prioritizes relationality, trust, and a commitment to nurturing genuine connections within our community. We seek talented artists who appreciate engaging communities through creativity and are eager to share their talents and networks. It's about fostering meaningful engagement and dialogue through art. Lead artists are empowered to conceive a thematic vision for their three-week tenure, supported wholeheartedly as curators of the Jamii Hub. This opportunity offers a platform for curatorial expression, collaboration, and deeper community engagement in the arts. Thanks to the support oof Canada Council for the Arts, Metcalf Foundation and Rama Gaming House, we rejoice in opening our space to these artists, witnessing their brilliance illuminate our community with fresh perspectives and practices. Meet our lead artists and their visions below. Heidi Chan "Small and Mighty" - May 2025 MORE INFO Jonelle Sills "Mirrors" - February 2025 MORE INFO Nova Bhattacharya "Storybeing" - September 2024 MORE INFO Waleed Abdulhamid "Motherland" - April 2024 MORE INFO Carolina Rojas "The Chakana" - April 2025 MORE INFO Razan Samara "Return" - November 2024 MORE INFO Nickeshia Garrick "Connectedness" - June 2024 MORE INFO Tamar Ilana "Migration" - March 2024 MORE INFO Sharon Zarita Adhiambo "Grounded" - March 2025 MORE INFO Patrick de Belen "Teka Lang (Just Wait)" - October 2024 MORE INFO Takako Segawa "Roots" - May 2024 MORE INFO Aline Morales "Forró" - February 2024 MORE INFO who are featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists At Jamii, we consider ourselves fortunate to collaborate with over a hundred artists each year—some joining us for the first time, while others have engaged in years of artistic dialogue within our community. These artists, whether leading workshops, gracing our events with performances, showcasing their works through photo exhibitions, or beautifying our community with murals, are pivotal in defining the essence of Jamii. They weave together the fabric of our shared experiences, crafting memories, narrating stories, and enriching our collective identity. Their contributions resonate deeply, shaping the very soul of what Jamii represents. Aline Morales Singer, Musician MORE INFO Ayelen Liberona Dancer, filmmaker MORE INFO Andrew Patterson Visual Artist MORE INFO Brescia Nember Reid Puppetry MORE INFO Anita Boey Sewing MORE INFO Daniel Hamin Cellist MORE INFO LOAD MORE artists with the support of RBC's Emerging Artist Program Emerging Artists In 2023, thanks to the support of RBC’s Emerging Artists program, Jamii launched its first Emerging Artists Initiative that invited 6 artists, from different arts forms, in the emergence of their artistic career for a one-year programme that supported their artistic growth. This one-year (about 88hrs/artist) programme was customized to each artist participating and offered: 1) Artistic practice support (through mentorship and access to a creative space); 2) Creative industry management and networking support; 3) Public exposure with exhibition, screening, performance and more. This initiative follows in the footsteps of Laini, a 2022 RBC funded initiative that supports young women in creative leadership programme. This is also an initiative the community has directly requested Jamii to pursue as part of a strategic planning initiative in the Summer of 2022. The six emerging artists who benefited from this exceptional programme are Sabrine S Hakam (photographer), Yasmine Omar (photographer), Karen Lam (visual artist and actress), Gillian Mapp (photographer), Darwin Peters (painter) and Morningstar Quill (photographer) - all 6 identifying as BIPOC. Based on the success of the programme, we foresee Jamii’s Emerging Artist Initiative growing in 2024 and beyond. AKRAM YACOUT Photography MORE INFO TINA ABDELBASIT Visual Arts & Murals MORE INFO JONELLE SILLS Music MORE INFO AMBERLEE KING Visual Arts MORE INFO VRUNDA UPADHYAY Dance MORE INFO KURRI QUILL Photography MORE INFO SHILPA SHAH Visual Arts MORE INFO LEAH KING Photography MORE INFO ANA HIGUERA Music & Visual Arts MORE INFO ANA DA SILVA Photography MORE INFO NOOSA ZEIN Dance MORE INFO KAREN LAM Acting, Visual Arts MORE INFO emergingartists

The Jamii Coffee in Toronto: free Sunday coffee and tea gatherings with cultural storytelling, brewing rituals, shared food, and reflection. Register. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / The Jamii Coffee THE JAMII COFFEE Cycles Workshops Drinking coffee the Jamii way! The Jamii Coffee is a Sunday morning gathering series within Jamii’s Cycles, centred on coffee, tea, and the rituals that bring people together. Each session features a guest facilitator who prepares a drink in the space and shares the traditions around it. Expect the smell of coffee and tea brewing, shared food, stories that travel through family and culture, and a cosy Sunday atmosphere where conversation happens naturally around the table. Coffee and tea are also shaped by global trade and colonial histories. The Jamii Coffee holds space for both comfort and reflection, inviting us to enjoy what’s in the cup while thinking about where it comes from and who carried these traditions forward. The Jamii Coffee sessions are free to attend and open to all. Registration is required for each individual gathering, as space is limited. AGE GROUP | All Ages - Children under 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED REGISTER NOW June 2026 HIGH TEA June 7, 2026 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO May 2026 GABENA May 10, 2026 Facilitator: Muna Elbadri MORE INFO April 2026 CAFÉ DA MANHÃ April 12, 2026 Facilitator: Carolina Leite MORE INFO March 2026 A CUP REMEMBERED FOR FORTY YEARS March 8, 2026 Facilitator: Elif Birbiri MORE INFO Calendar UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. No events at the moment

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

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Tugce Alemdar Visual Artist Tugce was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She has studied philosophy at Istanbul University, then she has done her master’s in philosophy of art at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. She has always interested in visual arts but she professionally started while she was doing her master’s degree. She always finds art as a way of exposing absurdity of the system that we live in. This is why she makes satires by drawing herself criticizing her life and social issues. She also makes abstract paintings regarding existence and its heaviness. She is currently studying Psychology at York University, and planning to do her master’s in Social Work. website << BACK TO ARTISTS

2021 Community Projects / Film Projects / Mix 2021 One-of-a-kind site specific live streamed series of 4 performances Jamii partnered with the creative bunch at CORPUS to co-produce a site-specific musical and dance performance in and a round one of our beloved playgrounds. These performances, which were live streamed on Facebook LIVE, transformed our park into a joyful, vibrant and whimsical stage, bringing love to all audiences through musical delight. Co-directors: Anika Johnson, Isorine Marc Artistic advisor David Danzon. Performers: Jeremiah Sparks, Arlene Paculan, Bana Stegu, Leen Hamo,Trudy Lee Gayle, and Anika Johnson. Video: Isorine Marc, Ana Higuera, Alejandra Higuera Sound tech: Amye Sagar Powered by Streamstage Presented in partnership with Canadian Stage Supported by: Rama Gaming House Photos: Jae Yang SUPPORTED BY: Mix 2021

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI / VIDEO SKILLS LAINI Youth Wednesday & Thursday After School A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership! VIDEO SKILLS November 2021 - January 2022 Led by Alejandra Higuera Alejandra Higuera and her mentee have embarked on a journey to capture "WIsdoM ripples" - a photography exhibit curated by 9 young women of The Esplanade community. During this project, Alejandra and her mentee worked on filming skills, getting familiar with professional filming equipment, editing a short video, and exploring video animation. This project led to the creation of a short video that was distributed on Jamii's social media and presented on Jamii's website. REGISTRATIONS CLOSED Alejandra Higuera is a multidisciplinary, visual storyteller working in video, animation, projection, and illustration. Her work focuses on themes of migration, feminism, memory, grief, ritual by centering the intricate stories of immigrant, queer and BIPOC resilience and exploring how healing leads us to re-imaging ourselves. Photo by Ana Figo

OUTDOOR EVENTS / LA BULLE - 2021 LA BULLE Aug to Sep 2021 Jamii and Théâtre Français de Toronto co-presented "La Bulle" by CORPUS Aug 31 to Sept 5, 2021 Berkeley Castle Courtyard700 spectators A visually stunning and poetic solo performance from the minds of David Danzon and Carolin Lindner. La Bulle featured a one-of-a-kind bubble tent and its sole inhabitant: Pierrot, the iconic dreamer. Confined together, they live in transparent symbiosis. In this theatrical setting, there is nowhere to hide - an absurd situation, fully exploited with humour by a lucid and lunar Pierrot. La Bulle is nominated for the 2022 Dora Awards by Toronto Alliance of Performing Arts in the categories of "Outstanding Achievement in Design" (Scenic Design: David Danzon and Carolin Lindner) and "Outstanding Production" (CORPUS presented by Théâtre Français de Toronto and Jamii). CREDITS FOR LA BULLE: Conceived, directed and designed by David Danzon & Carolin Lindner (CORPUS) Co-presented with Théâtre français de Toronto and Jamii Performed by David Danzon Costume Design by Françoise Autran ABOUT CORPUS: Co-founded in 1997 by Sylvie Bouchard and artistic director David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour that combines movement with theatrical imagery. CORPUS’ unique and engaging performances are presented in both traditional and unusual locations for large and diverse audiences. A huge thank you to the production team: For CORPUS: Janin Goldman, Paulina Speltz, Jeff Souzy, Deanna Gene. For Théâtre français de Toronto: Karine Ricard, Ghislain Caron, Manuel Verreydt, Sandra-Emily Veilleux, Hadrien Volle. For Jamii: Isorine Marc, Jasmin Linton, DeeAnn Sagar, Cynthia Ruso, Tereka Smith, Ammar Salem, Iris Unlu. For Berkeley Castle: Linda Leistner and Melody Arnold. Supported by Photos by Isorine Marc

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

Celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day on The Esplanade in Toronto with music, dance, art, storytelling, and performances by diverse artists. CELEBRATING CULTURES Jamii's Annual Event In light of Canadian Multiculturalism Day since 2019! WHEN JUNE 27, 2027 SHOW TIMES 6PM to 8PM WHERE DAVID CROMBIE PARK Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an annual celebration that brings together diverse communities to honor the rich cultural fabric of Canada through music, dance, art, and storytelling. Audiences on The Esplanade are invited to enjoy performances by local and international artists, including vibrant music, dance, and photographic exhibitions. Celebrating Cultures is a chance to reflect on the beauty of diversity, the strength of our communities, and the shared experiences that unite us all. Celebrated every year, this event is a true reflection of the multicultural spirit that defines Canada. CHECK OUT PREVIOUS YEARS' CELEBRATING CULTURES! 2026 MORE INFO 2022 MORE INFO 2025 MORE INFO 2021 MORE INFO 2024 MORE INFO 2020 MORE INFO 2023 MORE INFO 2019 MORE INFO

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / VISUAL ARTS / EXPLORING THE CHAKANA - APRIL 2025 CREATING Thursday 7 pm EXPLORING THE CHAKANA April 2025 April 10, 2025 from 7 PM to 9 PM Facilitator: Andre Mandela Lopez Join us on April 10 for an evening of painting and reflection as we explore the rich symbolism of the Chakana, an ancient Andean symbol representing the three realms of existence: Hanan Pacha (Upper World), Kay Pacha (World of the Living), and Uqhu Pacha (Lower World). Led by multidisciplinary visual artist Andre Mandela Lopez, this 2-hour workshop will guide you through the process of creating your own personalized Chakana cross while reflecting on its deeper meaning in your life. Using acrylic paints on wooden canvases, you’ll create a personalized Chakana cross that blends Andean cosmology with your own story while exploring the three realms of the Andean worldview. Through thoughtful prompts, Andre will encourage you to reflect on your unique experiences and their spiritual, earthly, and ancestral significance, translating these reflections into your artwork. In addition, you will gain knowledge about the colour symbolism of the Wiphala flag, learning how its vibrant colors represent life, wisdom, nature, and spirituality. Andre will offer guidance on how to incorporate these colours and symbols into your Chakana cross, helping you bring your creative vision to life. Whether you're adding intricate details or focusing on the cross itself, Andre’s step-by-step support will ensure that everyone can create something meaningful. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a unique and personalized painting that combines Andean cosmology with your own life’s story, a piece of art that resonates with both spiritual and cultural significance. No prior painting experience is needed; Just bring your creativity and curiosity! For those who want to take their experience further and display their creations, 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 Painting 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. 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 Andre Mandela Lopez Andre Mandela Lopez is an Afrolatino multidisciplinary visual artist with Chileno, Peruvian, Mapuche, and Andean roots. His work is deeply influenced by his diverse heritage and focuses on freedom, economic justice, food sovereignty, and radical education reform. Spanning murals, digital illustration, sculpture, and tattoos, Andre uses art to promote healing, play, and connection to one’s inner child. Originally studying political science and engaging in grassroots activism, Andre shifted to art as a tool for social change. He blends activism with creative expression, addressing political and environmental issues through a spiritual, indigenous lens. UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. No events at the moment

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

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to live performances in various forms, films and documentaries followed by discussions on Wednesdays. Register now to join! Wednesday Watching INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WATCHING Wednesday 7 pm Film screenings and live performances WHEN | Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm (Check the dates below for each month) WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | All Ages - Children under 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED On Wednesdays at Jamii, we unwind and indulge in the world of artistic performances. We gather to watch live performances in various forms, immerse ourselves in films and documentaries, and engage in thoughtful discussions afterward. It's a time to share, exchange ideas, and enjoy an enriching evening without the usual demands of creating, moving, making, singing, or writing—we simply absorb it together. Every month, “Wednesday Watching” is curated by our lead artist, ensuring each session is a carefully crafted and exquisite evening of creative entertainment. Our goal is for you to leave the space fulfilled, having experienced a shared appreciation for the arts. You have the option to join us every Wednesday or select specific sessions based on your interests. Heads-up: In July and August, Jamii will NOT have our usual daily 7pm activations, which will resume in September 2024. We will focus the Summer on Belonging, Laini, Outdoor Events and WAYO Children's Festival! REGISTER NOW February 2024 Forró February 7, 14, 21, 2024 Lead: Maya Annik Bedward MORE INFO June 2024 Women's voices from Central America June 5, 12, 19, 2024 Lead: Jessica Zepeda MORE INFO March 2024 Migration March 6, 13, 20, 2024 Leads: Tamar Ilana & Judith Cohen MORE INFO April 2024 Motherland April 10, 17, 24, 2024 Lead: Waleed Abdulhamid MORE INFO May 2024 Roots May 8, 15, 22, 2024 Lead: Isorine Marc, Michael Mortley, Cailleah Scott-Grimes MORE INFO Calendar No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

< 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

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2021 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2021 - 3rd Year! 3rd Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21, 2021 at 4 pm David Crombie Park - The Esplanade & Princess St On Monday, June 21st, Jamii initiated a story-sharing circle in David Crombie Park, with the intent to acknowledge National Indigenous Day and honor the Indigenous peoples on whose land we currently reside. Jim Adams, Jamii co-President and a member of the Tkaronto Indigenous arts community for many years, and the whole Jamii family, invited community members to listen and reflect as guest Indigenous artists share stories with us. Guest artists include Kim Wheatley, Sue Croweagle, Jennifer Alicia, Leonard Benoit, and Aria Evans. It was an honor for Jamii to welcome such respected guests in our community. The event was supported by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada. Photos by Delphy Photography

2023/12 < Back to Events Mudlark Live Event December 8 & 9 David Crombie Park On December 8th and 9th 2023, audiences embarked on a whimsical journey with Mudlark, a theatrical shadow puppetry performance of a young girl who seeks a place to call home among the enchanting stories of the Esplanade neighbourhood. Spectators experienced her navigation through time, witnessing the land's resilience and ever-evolving history. They discovered the warmth of a home, dreamt of the future alongside her, and added their unique touch to this immersive and interactive show. “Mudlark” is a show that merges music, dance, and shadow puppetry, conceptualized byprofessional artists with the creative contributions of Esplanadians of all ages who attended multiple workshops to create music, contribute to the storyline, and craft shadow puppets. Thank you to all 400 who attended our performances of Mudlark! A series of performances presented in partnership with Canadian Stage! CREDITS: Artistic Direction: Isorine Marc Musical Direction: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnett Shadow Puppetry: Brescia Nember Reid Creative Consultant: Sarah N. Ahmad Scene 1 written by Mahlikah Outten Scenes 2 to 6 written by Sharon Zarita Adhiambo Performers: Aline Morales, Lauren Barnett, Brescia Nember Reid, Troy Feldman, Karen Lam, Nickeshia Garrick, Mahlikah The Moonrise Poet, Hafsa Ismail With performances by community members: Nesrin, Keiron, Kolpana, Norita, Production: Maria Paula Triviño, Iris Unlu, Yusra Yacout, Afnan Yakot With creative contribution of community members and Downtown Alternative School students. WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2020 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations 2020 - 2nd Year! 2nd Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations June 21, 2020 David Crombie Park On June 21st, it was our deepest honour to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day in David Crombie Park. We were blessed with drumming, singing and dancing by Blackfoot Standing, Michele Perpaul, Bri Briskool Marie, Nimkii Osawamick, Danny Mckenna, and Maria Bonaparte. We are grateful for a beautiful audience to celebrate with us, and glad everyone kept their physical distances with one another. The event was co-presented with Canadian Stage and supported by Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts. Photos by Gillian Mapp

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING - OLDER ADULTS / MOVEMENT / PILATES AND YOGA BELONGING Movement Workshops For Older Adults MARCH & APRIL 2026 PILATES AND YOGA Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM Facilitator: Nickeshia Garrick If you’ve been wanting a movement class that feels energizing, supportive, and doable, this one is for you. Nickeshia Garrick returns to Jamii this spring to lead Belonging Older Adults movement sessions that combine Pilates and yoga techniques with upbeat music. It’s a welcoming space to stretch, strengthen, breathe, and move in community. Across the series, participants will work with gentle strength-building and stretching that supports balance, mobility, and full-body activation. The class is designed to accommodate different mobility needs. Participants can take part seated in a chair or moving on their feet, with options to adapt throughout the session. You can come to build consistency, try something new, or simply give your body a good reset in the middle of the week. These sessions are part of Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults program for older adults in downtown Toronto. Participants register for the program, then can drop in to any Tuesday session that works for them. Support free community arts Jamii’s workshops are free so that cost is never a barrier to participation. If you’re able, you can help pay it forward by donating through Jamii’s website . Your support helps keep community arts accessible and welcoming for everyone. These workshops are open to people of all experience levels. No background in movement and dance is required. Participants are encouraged to take part in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them. Workshops are free for participants. Registration is required, and space is limited. Jamii's Belonging Older Adults workshops are sponsored by Government of Canada - New Horizons for Seniors Program, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, and St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. REGISTER NOW Photos by Iris Unlu, Ghader Bsmar, Row Iliescu NICKESHIA GARRICK Nickeshia Garrick is one of Belonging’s beloved facilitators and has been part of Jamii for several years, leading and performing in many projects. They are a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and have performed on this land for over 25 years. Nickeshia is an unapologetically Black, queer artist who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Their training includes the New York Institution of Dance and Education (NYIDE), the National Ballet School of Canada, Toronto Dance Theatre, and Simon Fraser University. Photo Credit: Jae Yang

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a crafting sanctuary twice a month on Thursdays! In March, you are invited to learn how to paint talevera tiles led Alejandra Higuera. TALEVERA TILES - MARCH 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / CREATING Thursday 7 pm Crafting Nights TALEVERA TILES March 2024 March 14 - 21, 2024 Facilitator: Alejandra Higuera In Crafting Nights in the month of March, we delve into the rich history of Talevera Tiles, a tradition steeped in artistry and community. Talevera Tiles traces its roots back to a small village where artisans discovered a unique method of crafting vibrant and intricate tiles. Talavera pottery originated in Spain. From the 11th century through 1492, Muslims from northern Africa, commonly referred to at the time as Moors, spread the techniques and designs of Islamic lusterware pottery as they inhabited various regions of the Iberian peninsula. Over generations, this tradition evolved into a cherished communal practice, where each tile became a canvas for stories, culture, and shared experiences. Today, we revive this timeless tradition in our community. This workshop is not just about painting tiles; it's about weaving the threads of our stories into a mosaic of shared history. So, let your creativity flow, embrace the spirit of Talevera Tiles, and let's together create masterpieces that will tell our stories! Reserve your spot now. 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

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG - MAY 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects May 2025 PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG April 30 - May 7 - 14 - 21, 2025 Artist: Mariam Ahmad Patchwork Padded Tote Bag This May, join us for a cozy and creative sewing series where you'll be guided through making your very own patchwork padded tote bag, a functional and usable piece that’s all your own. Led by sewing facilitator Mariam Ahmad, this 4-part series is all about slowing down and reconnecting with the art of honing in and creating something unique. Inspired by the theme of Small and Mighty , we’ll take our time learning the basics of patchwork, a technique rooted in care, patience, and resourcefulness. We will all be working with fabric scraps collected to form our own textiles, giving new life to leftover materials and practicing care in how we create. Every stitch becomes part of the story, a reminder that small pieces, when thoughtfully brought together, can build something strong, functional, and meaningful. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a fun and beginner-friendly project, this workshop will guide you through all the steps of designing, sewing, and finishing your padded tote bag. You’ll have a mix of colourful fabric scraps to choose from to create your patchwork design, but you’re also welcome to bring your own fabrics to personalize your bag even more. Week 1 — Introduction to patchwork, fabric selection, assembling and sewing patchwork Week 2 — Cutting patchwork textile pattern for bag and start sewing padding to self Week 3 — Sew outer shell of bag, including pockets, strap etc Week 4 — Finishing sewing the bag and attaching lining, show off your bag! By the end of this series, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote bag that tells a story — stitched slowly and intentionally by you. This is a beginner-friendly, welcoming space for anyone looking to learn new skills, meet new people, and connect with sewing as a mindful, creative practice. 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 Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Mariam Ahmad Mariam Ahmad is a BIPOC artist who learned to sew as a child on hand-pedalled Singer machines alongside her grandmother. Her work blends her Eastern heritage with ancestral textile traditions, creating romantic silhouettes that carry a sense of nostalgia. Beyond sewing, Mariam explores her artistic passions through photography and web design. As a mother, she draws inspiration from motherhood and her love of literature, infusing her creative journey with depth and meaning. UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. No events at the moment

Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / SEWING / MIRROR BAG - FEBRUARY 2025 SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Friendly Projects February 2025 MIRROR BAG Jan 29 - Feb 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey In February at "Wednesday Sewing" we are making together Mirror Bag with the leadership of Anita Boey and support from Ghader Bsmar. The capacity for this workshop series is 16 people without a machine, and we can accommodate 4 more people if they bring their own sewing machines. While you are only required to register for the January 29 session, participants are expected to join all four sessions on February 5, 12, and 19 . If you register for the January 29 session, you do not need to register again for the sessions on February 5, 12, and 19. New registrations will not be accepted throughout the month. We expect a high number of registrations, so please let us know immediately via email at info@jamii.ca before Monday, January 27 at 12 PM if you foresee that you will not be able to join all four sessions , so another participant from the waitlist can take your spot. We apologize if the workshop is filled before you register. Mirror Bag Join us for our new series of sewing workshops! Guided by Sewing Facilitator Anita Boey, you’ll create a Circular Lay-Flat Cosmetics Bag—perfect for holding your essentials, including your mirror. This February, as part of our theme “Mirrors,” led by Lead Artist Jonelle Sills, we’ll explore the deeper significance of mirrors both literally and metaphorically. Mirrors offer us a space for reflection and a chance to appreciate ourselves and our communities. The “Mirror Bag” we’ll make represents a special space to hold these reflections, ensuring we’re always ready to pause, see ourselves, and take a moment to reflect. Jamii will provide a selection of fabric for you to choose from, but you are also welcome to bring your own fabric. Each bag would need ½ yard of fabric, interfacing, bias tape, and ribbons (or draw strings). Shaimaa and Ghader, our dedicated Sewing Workshop Assistants, will guide you with the fundamental skills of operating a sewing machine while delving into this simple yet captivating project. Let's stitch away our Wednesday evenings together in a warm and encouraging atmosphere. By the end of this workshop series, you'll not only have a Mirror Bag to treasure and use, but also the pride of mastering new sewing skills and friends! Workshop plan: 1) January 29, 2025 – Introduction to the theme of “Mirrors”, and how it inspired the design of this Mirror Bag. Participants will choose their fabric, transfer the pattern pieces onto their fabric, cut their fabric and iron on the interfacing. 2) February 5 – Sew the closure flap, learn about bias tape and how to sew the bias tape to the bag. 3) February 12 – Sew the main fabric and lining of the bag. 4) February 19 – Insert draw strings, final top stich and add finishing touches. Sewing participants are highly encouraged to attend “ Saturday Mingling ” event at Jamii, to show off their sewing project to the rest of the Jamii community! REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 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 Ghader Bsmar, Anita Boey Photo Credit: Unknown Anita Boey Business Professor by day, sewist by night. I am a passionate sewist with a deep interest for sustainability and creativity. As an advocate for reducing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices, I utilize rescued materials in my sewing projects. I hope that my sewing serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can emerge from diverted waste, while inspiring others to join me in the quest for a more sustainable world, one stitch at a time. Instagram UPCOMING DATES Participants must commit to one full month. You must register separately for each workshop session within that month to complete your registration. If we don't receive your registration for each workshops within that month, we will not be able to complete your registration. No events at the moment

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

Once a month on Tuesday, The Jamii Hub is home to a book club! Join our book club, engage with fellow book lovers in Toronto. Monthly discussions led by authors. Book Club INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club WHEN | First Tuesday of each Cycle from 7pm to 8:30pm (Check upcoming dates below) WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 16+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Join our community of book enthusiasts! Immerse yourself in the world of literature as we embark on a thrilling literary journey together. Our book club offers a delightful escape into diverse genres and captivating narratives, and with a new book featured every month, there is something for everyone. Engage in lively discussions, share your thoughts, and connect with fellow readers at our monthly meetings. Whether you are a seasoned bookworm or just starting your reading adventure, our book club is the perfect place to discover new stories and make new connections. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED May 2025 I HOPE WE CHOOSE LOVE May 6, 2025 Facilitator: Lee Stone MORE INFO November 2024 REVIVING THE PALESTINIAN VOICE November 12, 2024 Facilitator: Sarah Abu-Sarar MORE INFO May 2024 HAFEZ POETRY May 21, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO April 2025 SONGS OF VIOLETA PARRA April 8, 2025 Facilitator: Paulina Muñoz MORE INFO October 2024 REUNITING WITH STRANGERS October 8, 2024 Facilitator: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio MORE INFO April 2024 THINGS FALL APART April 16, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO March 2025 SANKOFA March 4, 2025 Facilitator: Glodeane Brown MORE INFO September 2024 WE WILL REMEMBER THIS September 10, 2024 Facilitator: Brannavy Jeyasundaram MORE INFO March 2024 A ROSE FOR WINTER March 5, 2024 Facilitator: Judith Cohen MORE INFO February 2025 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS February 4, 2025 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO June 2024 CONNECTEDNESS June 18, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO February 2024 CORDEL LITERATURE February 6, 2024 Facilitator: Eshe Mercer-James MORE INFO Calendar No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

< Back Hoop Dancing Workshops A series of hoop dancing workshops, facilitated by Nimkii Owasamick. 2021 - March 2021 - MARCH Supported by Canadian Heritage. On March 27th 2021, 20 Esplanadians of all ages participated in a series of hoop dancing workshops, facilitated by Nimkii Owasamick (one household at the time). Workshop participants learnt more about this traditional and physical art form taught by Nimkii Osawamick. Nimkii Osawamick is Odawa/Potawatami from Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation, representing the Wolf Clan. Nimkii is a world renown dance artist specializing in the Hoop dance, and is the founder and CEO of http://dnastage.ca/ From a workshop participant: "Yesterday, my mom and I were fortunate to hear the Indigenous teachings and learn the basics of hoop dancing from Nimkii Osawamick. The way he shared the story of the Four Nations and the encouragement he demonstrated as we learned how to do hoop dancing truly tapped into my ongoing appreciation and gratitude of the arts and Indigenous Education with my community! Chi-Miigwetch to Nimkii for the workshop and Jamii Esplanade for hosting another educational and practical opportunity for me to learn and do!" To register, click below: http://closed

September 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CYCLES / DANCING / STORYBEING - SEPTEMBER 2024 DANCING Cycles 2024 September 2024 STORYBEING September 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 from 7pm to 8:30pm Facilitator: N. Jayarajan, B. Buan, R. Joshi Exploring Bharatanatyam dance Monday, September 9 Artist: Neena Jayarajan Bharatanatyam, a dance form from Southern India, beautifully tells stories and conveys emotions through gestures, facial movements, and rhythmic footwork. Join Nova Dance Associate Artist Neena Jayarajan for a gentle and enjoyable journey into creativity and storytelling, where participants can express themselves in a fun and supportive environment. Neena Jayarajan has trained with Guru Dr. Menaka Thakkar for over 28 years, and holds an MA in dance from York University. She served as Assistant Artistic Director, principal dancer, and rehearsal director of the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company (MTDC). Neena has toured across North America and Asia, and has performed in over 200 schools. Philippine-inspired dance practice Monday, September 16 Artist: Blessyl Buan Join multidisciplinary dance artist Blessyl Buan in a choreographic workshop that begins with intention and reconnection to the Land. Guided by the ancient Philippine Script of Baybayin, an embodied movement practice will emerge. The energetic charge of dried palm symbolizes the Philippine weaving traditions of the “banig” (mat) and will facilitate wayfinding of ancestral storytelling. Her process explores Philippine Indigenous traditions, joy, and "Kapwa" (community with humans, nature and the cosmos) rooted in contemporary dance. Blessyl Buan, a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and visual artist, crafts colourful interdisciplinary works echoing rhythm, movement, and land-based spirituality. With a Kinesiology degree (2001) and a Chiropractic doctorate (2005), her academic background provides a deep understanding of the human body. Blessyl combines in her practice both her academic backgound with over two decades of professional dance experience. Discover a Garba Class! Monday, September 23 Artist: Rachana Joshi Join Rachana’s Garba class! Garba is a vibrant community circle dance from Gujarat, India. Dancing in concentric circles with snaps, claps, and twirls, fosters both personal and communal experiences. As movements repeat and speed increases, enjoy a meditative state while getting a great workout. Garba celebrates the feminine divine and has deep roots in village traditions, making it a joyful and culturally rich experience for all. Rachana will guide partcipants through this beautiful experience. Rachana Joshi is an emerging dance artist based in Toronto. She completed her Bharatanatyam arangetram under Lata Pada in 2017 and trained in the Tanjavur bani with Guru H.K. Kalyanasundaram and Guru Harikishan S Nair. Rachana graduated with honors from York University’s B.F.A program in Dance. She has earned the Monorama Thakkar Award in Indian Classical Dance and the Kondor Fine Arts Award. Rachana is a company dancer with Nova Dance. As co-founder of Kala Collective, she aims to share South Asian diasporic identity 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 Jae Yang, Hadeal Karrar Photo Credit: Sabrine S. Hakam Neena Jayarajan has trained with Guru Dr. Menaka Thakkar for over 28 years, and holds an MA in dance from York University. She served as Assistant Artistic Director, principal dancer, and rehearsal director of the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company (MTDC). Neena has toured across North America and Asia, and has performed in over 200 schools. Blessyl Buan, a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and visual artist, crafts colourful interdisciplinary works echoing rhythm, movement, and land-based spirituality. With a Kinesiology degree (2001) and a Chiropractic doctorate (2005), her academic background provides a deep understanding of the human body. Blessyl combines in her practice both her academic backgound with over two decades of professional dance experience. Rachana Joshi is an emerging dance artist based in Toronto. She completed her Bharatanatyam arangetram under Lata Pada in 2017 and trained in the Tanjavur bani with Guru H.K. Kalyanasundaram and Guru Harikishan S Nair. Rachana graduated with honors from York University’s B.F.A program in Dance. She has earned the Monorama Thakkar Award in Indian Classical Dance and the Kondor Fine Arts Award. Rachana is a company dancer with Nova Dance. As co-founder of Kala Collective, she aims to share South Asian diasporic identity through dance. Upcoming Dates UPCOMING DATES Participants must register separately for each workshop session they wish to attend. No events at the moment

Culture Cloths MOTHERLAND - APRIL 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / CULTURE CLOTHS / LEARNING Tuesday 7 pm Culture Cloths MOTHERLAND April 2024 April 23, 2024 Lead Artist: Waleed Abdulhamid Designed by Sabrine S. Hakam Moderated by Carolina Leite Artist: Waleed Abdulhamid Theme: Motherland In this month’s Culture Cloths, we are exploring the theme of pan-africanism through cloths. The textiles of North, East, West Africa, Central, and South Africa showcase the rich diversity and cultural heritage of the continent, serving as symbols of identity, tradition, and creativity for generations. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of African heritage and honor its deep contributions to the fabric of humanity. Caroline Leite will facilitate a conversation with Waleed Abdulhamid, exploring this exhibit by Sabrine S Hakam. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Isorine Marc 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.

2017 Community Projects / Film Projects / Feetprint Documentary 2017 FEETPRINT is a multi-layered storytelling project that engaged artists and residents of The Esplanade (Esplanadians of all ages and cultures) in a co-creative process to design over 150 shoes throughout the summer of 2017. This project offered participants an opportunity to share their personal stories to one another, and brought our diverse voices together: each participant were asked three questions as a source of inspiration for their design: Who am I? Where do I belong? How do I behave? TRAILER This artist-led project is inspired by Markd't Celebrating Art on Sneakers. DOCUMENTARY Shoes were designed through a series of artist-led workshops in partnership with Market Lane Public School, St Lawrence Daycare Co-Op, and The Toronto Public Library - St Lawrence Branch. The growing collection of shoes was displayed at Jamii’s event throughout the summer: > Multicultural Day Celebration (June 27); > Jamii’s movie nights (June 17, July 22, August 26); > Culture Days (Sept 30); > Scotiabank Waterfront Toronto Marathon (Oct 22) Estimated total audience of 3000+ Feetprint Documentary 2017

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a movie and performance sanctuary on Wednesdays! In April, join us to watch Foli, How West Africa Went Psychedelic, All Eyes on Africa, Let's Find a Way with the lead artist Waleed Abdulhamid and Dr Clem Marshall INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY WATCHING / MOTHERLAND - APRIL 2024 WATCHING Wednesday 7 pm Live performances, films and documentaries Motherland April 2024 April 10, 17, 24, 2024 Lead: Waleed Abdulhamid April 10 Foli (Rhythm) + “How West Africa Went Psychedelic” Presented by Waleed Abdulhamid Attend our Wednesday Watching as Waleed Adbulhamid discusses with us two short films “Foli” and “How West Africa Went Psychedelic”. “Foli” is the word used for rhythm by the Malinke people. It encompasses more than sound - “Everything is rhythm”. The 11-minute film, directed by Thomas Roebers and Floris Leeuwenberg in 2010, documents the rhythm of daily life of the Malinke people in Baro, Guinea. This film was edited following the Malinke rhythms, where you can hear, feel, and see the rhythm. “How West Africa Went Psychedelic” is a 22-minute music documentary discussing the history and development of West African psychedelic music. The video shows clips and music samples from renowned West African bands and musicians including Super Djata Band, Zani Diabeté, Rail Band, Bembeya Jazz, and more. In addition to presenting these documentaries, Waleed will be demonstrating musical elements relating to the films. Be ready for a musical ride! April 17 All Eyes on Africa Led by Dr Clem Marshall On this Wednesday Watching, we are watching “All Eyes on Africa”, a 60-minute educational documentary directed by Dr Clem Marshall in 1992. The film presents authentic images of modern and ancient Africa, as well as art and culture in African and Black heritage in Canada. It shows how art is present in many aspects of African life, from the weaving of the hair to the construction of a modern building. We are honored with Dr Marshall leading an introduction and post-screening discussion with audience. April 24 Let’s Find a Way Led by Waleed Abdulhamid Join us as we are watching a 40-min film produced by Waleed Abdulhamid. “Let’s Find a Way” is a documentary illustrating the making of the song of the same name to fundraise for children with AIDS worldwide. After the screening, Waleed will lead a discussion about the film and project. REGISTER NOW Photos by Isorine Marc, Karen Lam Clem Marshall: Clem Marshall is a Canadian educator and writer whose work focuses on race, language, culture, and ancestry. Marshall is president of MangaCom Inc., which offers a range of services aimed at improving equity in education, organizational change, and the arts. He received his doctorate in 2011. Clem Marshall’s areas of research include diversity in schools, especially as relating to curricula and community affairs, but also in public and independent education, both elementary and secondary. He is particularly interested in race, gender, community education, community art, equity in education, health and social work, as well as African art. Waleed Abdulhamid: Waleed Abdulhamid is a Canadian Multi-instrumentalist; Composer; Vocalist; Music and Film Producer, known for his striking vocals, innovative bass technique, and his speed and precision on percussion. He has been an active member of the Toronto music scene since his arrival, in 1991 from Sudan, where he began to perform as early as six years old. He is the recipient of the Canadian New Pioneer Award; African Tama Award; Reel World Film Festival Award and Canadian Film Board of Excellence Award. In addition, he has not only received other international awards, but was also twice honoured with a DORA Award. In turn, he is frequently invited to serve on juries in Music and Theatre, and has acquired a distinctive profile in the media. This educator-artist of demonstrated versatility plays 20 instruments including the guitar; bass; drums; flute; harmonica; kirin; bass kirin; darabhuka; marimba; balimbo; congas; bongos; djembe; dumbek; aghera; tambour; cajun; denger; ekaa and tama. Waleed is not only a band leader, a conductor and insightful arranger of popular compositions, but also a Director of Choral and Orchestral Music. He frequently conducts workshops designed for both new or advanced learners, and works collaboratively with choreographers to produce innovative creations. Waleed Abdulhamid has recorded, performed and toured with celebrated artists including David Clayton Thomas of the Grammy Award winning band Blood, Sweat & Tears and Motown legends, The Drifters. He has also toured both nationally and internationally. However, he is most proud of his role as a mentor to acclaimed younger artists such as D’bi Young, Ngozi Paul, and Zaki Ibrahim. Waleed has been the subject of study for researchers and PhD candidates seeking to understand the workings of the virtuoso mind, and is currently a faculty member in the music department of the University of Toronto. Formerly, he worked for twenty years as a professor in the Music Degree Program at Humber College. When not teaching, performing and producing, Waleed can be found in front of the camera, acting in short and feature films, most recently for CBC, CANN Film Festival France, and TIFF. Photo Credit: Unknown

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII BAZAAR SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Cute Finds, Great Prices, Big Community Vibes! JAMII BAZAAR March 15, 2025 - 1pm Hey parents, young professionals, and deal hunters—come check out a fantastic selection of high-quality and brand-new stationery, puzzles, games, and household must-haves at "wait, it's less than $10!?!" suggested donation amounts. Plus, we’ve got some "like-new" second-hand finds for those who love a good treasure hunt! Free coffee in one hand, and fun chats with your neighbours in the other. Come for the deals, stay for the vibes (and maybe snag that brand-new cute cat mug)! We were donated brand-new items and we're opening our doors to offer them with a suggested donation (between $1 to $10) to support Jamii’s free arts workshops! Who doesn’t like an afternoon of bargain hunting and community fun!? From cute stationery and home office must-haves (think: fun notebooks, weekly planner bulletin boards, and even a cozy lap desk with a soft pillow) to puzzles, games, and more — we've got treasures waiting for you! Why should you swing by? Epic deals: Snag high-quality, brand-new, trendy items. Community vibes: Hang out, sip free coffee or tea, and chit chat with people. Feel-good shopping: Every dollar you spend supports Jamii's free arts workshops for the community. Sweet Treats for a Cause: Some of our wonderful community members will be selling baked goods, with all proceeds going directly to support Jamii’s free programs. Treat yourself while giving back! PLUS: Don't miss our raffle! We’re thrilled to be offering two stunning paintings, titled Wildflower (2024) and Otter (N’gig) (2024) by Indigenous artist Darwin Peters, a beloved figure in our community. Grab your tickets for a chance to take home a piece of meaningful art: Feeling Lucky: $20 for 1 ticket In It to Win It: $35 for 2 tickets Art Lover, Big Supporter: $60 for 4 tickets The raffle tickets are available to purchase both in-person and online through this link ! By purchasing tickets to this raffle, you’ll support an Indigenous artist from Pikangikum First Nation as well as Jamii. Darwin Peters has generously pledged to donate $100 from each painting sold to Jamii’s upcoming visit to Pikangikum in 2025! So bring your best shopping buddy, your shopping bag/cart, your wallet (cash, credit, and debit accepted), and your love for a great find. First come, first served—don’t miss out on the cutest, most stylish, and most useful steals of the season! We take cash, credit, and debit, so no excuses. We will not be providing any shopping bags, please bring your own! See you there for a fun, feel-good shopping spree! OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Isorine Marc and Iris Unlu

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

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

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 / SANKOFA - MARCH 2025 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club SANKOFA March 2025 March 4, 2025 Facilitator: Glodeane Brown Join us on March 4th for an enriching session of Jamii's Book Club, facilitated by Glodeane Brown. This month, we're discussing "Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo, a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of identity, heritage, and personal growth. "Sankofa" follows Anna, a middle-aged British woman of mixed race, who embarks on a transformative journey to uncover her father's identity. Her quest leads her to a small West African nation, where she confronts complex truths about her heritage and herself. This exploration resonates deeply with lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded" as we reflect on the anchors in our lives that sustain us through various phases. Our discussion will blend structured insights with open, informal conversations, creating a welcoming environment for participants aged 16 and above, regardless of their prior experience with book clubs. While reading the book beforehand enriches the experience, we encourage everyone to join, even if you haven't completed your read. This book club is part of Jamii's March Cycle evolved around with our lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded", which includes workshops like Monday Dancing, Tuesday Creative Writing, Tuesday Culture Cloths-Artist Talks, Wednesday Sewing, Thursday Crafting, Thursday Painting, 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. "Sankofa" is available at the Toronto Public Library in print , e-book , and audio book formats and can be purchased at most bookstores. The workshop is free to attend. Come and connect with a community of readers and creatives as we journey through literature and art to discover what grounds us. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Glodeane Brown Glodeane Brown is a Mississauga based arts and culture writer, arts administrator and cultural manager, visual arts curator, and an avid reader. Her great grandmother taught her to read at age four and instilled in her a love of books and reading. Glodeane is looking forward to connecting with other bibliophiles who love good conversation. Photo by Edwin Maina

2023 - 2025 Community Projects / Film Projects / Video Portraits from Pikangikum 2023 - 2025 Pikangikum is an Ojibway First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, home to over 3,000 people. Since 2018, Pikangikum and Jamii have partnered on various arts initiatives, including photo exhibitions, video portraits, and murals in both Pikangikum and Toronto’s Esplanade community. In 2023 and 2024, Jamii collaborated with the Pikangikum Education Authority and Eenchokay Birchstick School to create a series of video portraits. These portraits feature Elders, emerging artists, established artists, and community leaders, produced by artists Isorine Marc, Gillian Mapp, and Eray Guler with support from the Jamii Team, including Iris Unlu. We are proud to share these powerful video portraits with you. They explore themes such as growing up in disconnected communities, youth struggles with addiction, the fight against suicide, and the challenge of accessing clean water. Yet, they also tell stories of hope, dreams, and a beautiful future, celebrating healers and artists who are creating meaningful change within their communities. Video Portraits from Pikangikum 2023 - 2025

d131a719-398b-4b01-806a-545f3ee0fe31 < Back Pikangikum Island In February 2020, the Jamii team traveled to Pikangikum First Nation in Northern Ontario to bring to life "The Stories The Wind Carries", Jamii's intra-provincial project. We partnered with the Pikangikum Education Authority and Eenchokay Birchstick School to invite people to create a portrait of fellow community members. In total, we created 18 portraits, involving 36 people in the project. Through sharing our stories together, the project intends to create bridges between 4 communities: Toronto, Wawa/Michipicoten First Nation, Wolfe Island and Pikangikum First Nation. This initiative was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. PROJECT TEAM Director: Isorine Marc Lead Artists: Mahlikah Awe:ri & Gillian Mapp Community Ambassador: Asmita Pal Filmed by Isorine Marc; Edited by Laura Dittmann; Music by Mahikah Awe:ri SUPPORTED BY Previous Next

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / SEWING WORKSHOP - BEGINNERS SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Sewing Studio Series SEWING WORKSHOP - BEGINNERS July 20 - 9:30am to 4:30pm SEWING STUDIO SERIES - BEGINNERS Presented by Jamii Facilitated by Mariam Ahmad Sunday, July 20 | 9:30am to 4:30pm TIME: Includes a 30-minute lunch break (12:30–1:00 PM). Stay for up to one additional hour afterward to work on your own projects or alterations 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: Learn essential sewing terminology, how to operate and thread a sewing machine, and practice foundational stitches like straight stitch, backstitch, flat-felled etc. You will get to practice these stitches and apply these new skills by creating a simple tote bag. As a bonus if time allows, you’ll make a scrunchie - great for practicing circular stitching and working with elastic. No prior experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm! OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Ghader Bsmar

< Back Rimbala Workshops for Seniors Rimbala combines music with fun movement activities to help seniors improve mobility and memory. Tuesdays - FROM MARCH 1st to APRIL 5th. 9:30am to 10:30am OR 11am to 12noon St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (Toronto) 2022 - MARCH 1 and APRIL 5 Funded by Jamii. Do you worry about falling – especially during this in-between season? Have you noticed that your movements are becoming more difficult as you age? Are you concerned that risk of memory loss may spoil your golden years? If yes, then Rimbala workshops might be for you, and Jamii is offering them for FREE! Rimbala combines live, improvised music with simple and fun movement activities to help seniors improve balance, mobility and memory. Similar programs in Europe have been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of falls by 54%! Scientists are also researching how these programs are effective in the prevention and control of Alzheimer’s disease. Rimbala has been developed by Dr. Daniel Rubinoff, PhD, Music Director at Jubilee United Church in Toronto and a professional performer, composer and teacher. Daniel has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in France, Canada and the United States, and his saxophone recordings have received airplay and acclaim on CBC Radio and in the American Record Guide. WORKSHOPS ARE FREE EVERY TUESDAY FROM MARCH 1st to APRIL 5th. 1st group: 9:30am to 10:30am 2nd group: 11am to 12noon At the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade, Toronto) SPACE IS LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS PER GROUP. Register now. To register, click below: http://www.jamii.ca/register

OUTDOOR EVENTS / WIND STORIES - 2020 WIND STORIES Summer 2020 “Wind Stories” is a project that connects the communities of Toronto, Wawa, Michipicoten First Nation, Pikangikum First Nation, and Wolfe Island. Community members are invited to co-create a series of portraits of fellow neighbours through creative writing, photography and visual arts. The first part of this project took place in Toronto in February 2020, with more than 50 people participating in this co-creation under the guidance of a beautiful artistic and production team: Isorine Marc, Andrew Patterson, Dan Bergeron, Zarita Adhiambo, Angel Narick. Click here to find more information about this project Wind Stories Wawa Wind Stories Wolfe Island