Event venue in downtown Toronto for workshops, meetings, weddings, and celebrations. A 1,870 sq ft furnished venue with kitchen, sound system, and flexible layout. Book The Jamii Hub. A Creative Event Space A warm, 1,870 sq ft heritage venue in Downtown Toronto for workshops, celebrations, meetings, and community events. Address: 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 • Contact: info@jamii.ca HOW BOOKING WORKS PRICING OPTIONS BOOK A TOUR PHOTO GALLERY VENUE REQUEST FORM SIZE & CAPACITY SURFACE SIZE | 1870 sq ft CAPACITY STANDING | 100 people AUDOTORIUM | 50-60 people CLASSROOM STYLE | 40 people AMENITIES Fridge, freezer, dishwasher, toaster oven, microwave, kettle, and coffee maker A red couch set, seven folding tables (6-ft long by 36-in wide), one folding table (4-ft long by 26-in wide), one kitchen table (6-ft long by 36-in wide), one wooden table (8-ft long by 24-in wide), 43 chairs, coat hangers, red metal bistro set with five 30" round tables and 10 chairs High-speed internet Projector and 75" Screen A sound system An executive stage (add-on) PRICING Flexible and affordable rates for different occasions. Scroll down to see full pricing list. SEE FLOOR PLAN 11 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BOOK THE JAMII HUB NOW: The Jamii Hub is more than an event venue – it's where creativity meets community. Whether you're looking for the best party venue in Downtown Toronto for workshops, meetings, celebrations, a birthday party, wedding, photoshoot, or artistic events, our space is designed to inspire. All in the heart of the vibrant St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and only a few steps away from the Distillery Historic District of Toronto. The Jamii Hub is surrounded by cafés, parks, and cultural landmarks, making it one of Toronto’s most accessible venues. Located steps from the Distillery District and David Crombie Park, within a CommunAuto Flex Zone , and just 1.7 km from Union Station , it’s easy to reach by TTC, GO Transit, bike, or car with the parking lots nearby. 1 UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE Exposed brick, wood beams, and an open-concept layout in the historic Berkeley Castle, part of Old Town Toronto's St Lawrence Neighbourhood Swipe or tap the arrows to navigate. Most dates book 1–3 months in advance. Submit a request early to secure yours. We’ll confirm availability, pricing, and next steps within 1–2 business days. SUBMIT A BOOKING REQUEST Swipe or tap the arrows to navigate. BOOK A 15-MIN VENUE TOUR RENTAL OPTIONS & PRICING REGISTERED CHARITIES Available for registered charities hosting community events at The Jamii Hub. Rate (4 hrs*): $250**  Extra hour: +$50** This option helps support local organizations working toward community impact. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Same rate applies for weekdays and weekends, except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for statutory holiday pricing. A warm evening of music and community at The Jamii Hub, a welcoming Toronto venue that offers affordable rentals for registered charities and nonprofit events. COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES For corporate, ticketed, or profit-generating events. Weekday Rate (Mon – Thu, 4hrs*): $500**  Extra hour: +$100** Weekend Rate (Fri – Sun, 4 hrs*): $750   Extra hour: +$150 Professional space in a heritage building — ideal for launches, team gatherings, meetings, team bounding activities, and holiday celebrations. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for statutory holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. A City of Toronto press conference with Former Mayor John Tory held at The Jamii Hub in 2023. EQUITY-DESERVING GROUPS Reduced rental rates are available for groups who experience barriers to equal access, opportunity, or resources, and who actively work toward social justice, inclusion, reparation and community representation. To be eligible as an equity seeking group you must meet all the requirements below. Rate (4 hrs*): $250**  Extra hour: +$50** This option supports groups whose events reflect Jamii’s values, from arts-based practices to gatherings that strengthen equity and belonging in our community. Requirements: You, or your group, identify as part of an equity-deserving group*** You, or a group member of the event, lives in The Esplanade neighbourhood The space will be used for an arts-based practice The event being held is free or at an entrance price with the only intent to recover costs The event is aligned to Jamii’s values (these include: intention, care, curiosity, inclusivity, responsiveness, collaboration) The event is open to the Jamii community to attend *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for statutory holiday pricing. ***Equity-deserving groups are those that identify barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage and discrimination and actively seek social justice and reparation. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. A joyful gathering at The Jamii Hub, a safe, inclusive Toronto venue supporting equity-deserving groups and cultural communities through accessible space rentals. PERSONAL USE Perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and private gatherings (excluding weddings). Rate (4 hrs*): $500**  Extra hour: +$100** A welcoming venue to celebrate life’s special moments with friends and family. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Same rate applies for weekdays and weekends, except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. A joyful birthday celebration at The Jamii Hub, a cozy, modern Toronto venue perfect for personal gatherings, milestone parties, and special occasions. WEDDINGS For wedding ceremonies or receptions, with weekday and weekend options. Weekday Rate (Mon – Thu, 4hrs*): $500** Extra hour: +$100** Weekend Rate (Fri – Sun, 4 hrs*): $750   Extra hour: +$150 A charming downtown venue with rustic beams and warm atmosphere. Ideal for intimate weddings. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. **Except on Public Holidays. Check the last dropdown for holiday pricing. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. PUBLIC HOLIDAY RATES Holiday rates apply on statutory holidays (New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve). Rate (4 hrs*): $750  Extra hour: +$150 Public Holiday Rates apply for all rental types. *Minimum rental period: 4 hours for all options. Each booking includes access to the space, available furniture and amenities, and on-site support from a Jamii site representative. Renters are required to pay a deposit fee of $300 to safeguard any damages. This amount will be e-transferred back to you within 5 business days after your rental. A cozy holiday gathering at The Jamii Hub, a bright, welcoming Toronto venue available for seasonal rentals and festive celebrations. BOOK YOUR VENUE NOW Space Rental Tour Book a 15-Min Venue Tour Check out to see if The Jamii Hub is a good fit for your event. Calendar opens 1 week in advance. This calendar is only for 15-minute venue tours and doesn’t reflect rental availability. Calendar opens 1 week in advance. If you can’t find a time that works for you, email info@jamii.ca and we’ll do our best to help. WHAT PEOPLE SAY The moment we walked in, it felt like home. The Hub has this calm, welcoming vibe that makes people instantly comfortable. Our community gathering turned into something really special because of how thoughtful the space feels. - Neighbourhood Member We hosted our team retreat at The Jamii Hub, and it was the perfect setting to think, collaborate, and recharge. The layout encouraged conversation, the tech setup worked flawlessly, and everyone appreciated being in a space that supports creativity and community instead of feeling corporate. - Social Committee Team We used the Hub for an arts workshop, and it was perfect. The space is bright, flexible, and fully equipped, from sound and lighting to tables and kitchen access. Everything worked smoothly, and the team was a joy to collaborate with. - Art Facilitator SUBMIT A BOOKING REQUEST HOW BOOKING WORKS STEP 8: We return your deposit STEP 1: You fill out the form Start by completing the venue request form. If you’d like to see the space, you can book a 15-minute venue tour before or after submitting the request form. STEP 2: We follow up We’ll confirm availability within 1 to 2 business days and send the booking form plus all important policy information, such as cancellations, cleaning, access, overtime, noise, decorations, alcohol licence, and insurance. STEP 3: You c onfirm STEP 4: We send contract and invoice Once you’ve reviewed the information, you will fill out the booking form. We’ll send a rental contract and invoice for you to review and sign. STEP 5: You make the payment Your booking is confirmed once payment is received. STEP 6: You submit documents One week before your event, please send proof of insurance and, if applicable, your alcohol licence (SOP) and smart serve. STEP 7: Your event day! A Jamii site representative will be on site throughout your rental to open and lock the space, welcome your group, and assist with any questions. Access is through the main entrance at 264 The Esplanade, and all guests are required to enter and exit through the same doors. After your rental, the space will be inspected to make sure everything is in good condition. Your $300 security deposit will be returned by e-transfer within five business days. BOOK YOUR VENUE NOW VENUE REQUEST FORM Most dates book 1–3 months in advance. Submit the booking form early to secure yours. We’ll confirm availability, pricing, and next steps within 1–2 business days. First Name Last Name Email PURPOSE: What is the intended use of the space? For personal use For equity-deserving group* use For commercial / business / registered charity use What type of business is this event for? Please choose one of the options *Equity-deserving groups are those that identify barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage and discrimination and actively seek social justice and reparation. To be eligible as an equity deserving group, you must meet all the requirements. Click all that apply. * Required Myself, or my group, identify as part of an equity-deserving group* Myself, or a group member of the event, lives in The Esplanade neighbourhood The space will be used for an arts-based practice The event being held is free or at an entrance price with the only intent to recover costs The event is aligned to Jamii’s values ( these include; intention, care, curiosity, responsiveness, collaboration) The event is open to the Jamii community to attend EVENT TYPE DATE * required START TIME: Including prep time 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM END TIME: Including cleaning time 12:00 AM 12:15 AM 12:30 AM 12:45 AM 01:00 AM 01:15 AM 01:30 AM 01:45 AM 02:00 AM 02:15 AM 02:30 AM 02:45 AM 03:00 AM 03:15 AM 03:30 AM 03:45 AM 04:00 AM 04:15 AM 04:30 AM 04:45 AM 05:00 AM 05:15 AM 05:30 AM 05:45 AM 06:00 AM 06:15 AM 06:30 AM 06:45 AM 07:00 AM 07:15 AM 07:30 AM 07:45 AM 08:00 AM 08:15 AM 08:30 AM 08:45 AM 09:00 AM 09:15 AM 09:30 AM 09:45 AM 10:00 AM 10:15 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:15 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 01:00 PM 01:15 PM 01:30 PM 01:45 PM 02:00 PM 02:15 PM 02:30 PM 02:45 PM 03:00 PM 03:15 PM 03:30 PM 03:45 PM 04:00 PM 04:15 PM 04:30 PM 04:45 PM 05:00 PM 05:15 PM 05:30 PM 05:45 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 PM 06:30 PM 06:45 PM 07:00 PM 07:15 PM 07:30 PM 07:45 PM 08:00 PM 08:15 PM 08:30 PM 08:45 PM 09:00 PM 09:15 PM 09:30 PM 09:45 PM 10:00 PM 10:15 PM 10:30 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 11:15 PM 11:30 PM 11:45 PM 02:30 PM Are you flexible with your event date depending on the venue availability? Choose an option What is your back up date? NUMBER OF ATTENDEES Will you serve alcoholic drinks at the event? Choose an option ALCOHOL LICENCE (SPECIAL OCCASION PERMIT) If you plan to serve alcohol, you’ll need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP ). The permit costs $50 if alcohol is not being sold, and $150 if alcohol is being sold. EVENT INSURANCE Event insurance is required for all rentals. The policy must include third-party bodily injury and property damage coverage of at least $2,000,000, and must list Jamii Esplanade as an additional insured. You’ll need to provide us with a certificate of insurance showing this coverage. You’re welcome to use any insurance provider you like. If helpful, our partner Duuo Event Insurance offers policies that typically range from $7 to $150, depending on your event and whether alcohol is served. Please confirm by checking the box that you will provide Jamii with your certificate of insurance and Special Occasion Permit (only required for events where alcohol is served) not less than 1 week prior to the rental date. SUBMIT Looking for a birthday party place for your kids? We have something for you! CHECK ART BIRTHDAY PARTIES Address: 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 • Contact: info@jamii.ca "The Jamii Hub" is a creative space where Esplanadians share agency over the multidisciplinary artistic interventions and our collective storytelling. Gratitude to the Canada Council for the Arts for making this endeavor possible. SUBMIT A VENUE REQUEST

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. 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 TINA ABDELBASIT Visual Arts & Murals MORE INFO JONELLE SILLS Music MORE INFO AMBERLEE KING Visual Arts MORE INFO GILLIAN MAPP Photography & Videography MORE INFO emergingartists

Jamii is a charitable arts organization, whose intent is to enhance social cohesion in The Esplanade's David Crombie Park in Toronto. An Arts Organization based in The Esplanade Community 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! GIRLS' MOVIE NIGHT ABOMINABLE For 6+ year-old girls December 5 - 6pm to 8pm MORE INFO BELONGING OLDER ADULTS WORKSHOPS Movement, Visual Arts and more! Various Dates MORE INFO SEWING STUDIO SERIES 2 DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS For Beginners and For Advanced Beginners MORE INFO 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? Sold Out Girls' Movie Night Dec 05, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada We’ll be watching Abominable with plenty of pizza and popcorn to share. It’s a free, easygoing evening where girls can spend time together in a warm and friendly space. If you know a young girl who’d enjoy it, we’d love for her to come by! Details Multiple Dates 4 days to the event Belonging Older Adults - Movement Dec 09, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Movement workshop series for older adults Multiple Dates 4 days to the event Tuesday Belonging - Visual Arts Dec 09, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Visual arts workshops for older adults Learn more Multiple Dates 6 days to the event Thursday Belonging - Sing-Along Dec 11, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5A 4J6, Canada Sing-Along workshop series for older adults Load More 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 Arts workshops at The Jamii Hub for three weeks every month, daily at 7pm during the week. 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

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / SEWING STUDIO SERIES SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising For Beginners and For Advanced Beginners SEWING STUDIO SERIES January 11 / January 25, 2026 - 10am SEWING STUDIO SERIES: LEARN • CREATE • MASTER Facilitated by Diséiye Thompson DATES & LEVELS Sunday, January 11 – Beginners – Denim Tote Bag – 10AM to 3:30PM Sunday, January 25 – Advanced Beginners - Kimono – 10AM to 3:30PM TIME: Includes a 30-minute lunch break (12:30 PM to 1:00 PM). Please bring your own lunch. The Jamii Hub provides cutlery, a fridge, and a microwave if needed. LOCATION: The Jamii Hub – 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON M5A 4J6 COST: $150 per session This is a fundraising initiative for Jamii. By participating in these workshops, you are helping sustain Jamii’s free arts programming. Thank you for supporting creative opportunities in our community! Your payment includes $75 for the workshop cost and a $75 donation toward Jamii’s future free programs eligible for a tax receipt. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS BEGINNERS | Sunday, January 11 | 10am to 3:30pm Learn essential sewing techniques, including how to operate and thread a sewing machine, and practice foundational stitches. You’ll apply these new skills by creating a simple patchwork denim tote bag! Cut your patchwork pieces from recycled jeans, follow a pattern, and construct your own bag - a fun introduction to sewing while making something practical for everyday use. No prior experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm! ADVANCED BEGINNERS | Sunday, January 25 | 10am to 3:30pm We’ll begin with a quick review of basic sewing skills before jumping straight into creating your very own kimono - a large-scale project that lets you practice straight stitches while making something wearable at home. You’ll work from a pattern, sew the pieces together, and focus on finishing touches to complete your garment. Prior experience required: Participants should be confident using a sewing machine, familiar with basic stitches, and able to follow a pattern. Previous completion of a few sewing projects is a plus! WORKSHOP’S SESSIONS BREAKDOWN: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30pm: First session of the day 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch break (bring your lunch) 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Second session of the day CAPACITY: Maximum 10 participants per session. Each participant will have their own sewing machine provided. You are welcome to bring your own machine if preferred. SUPPLIES: All materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own fabric if they wish to personalize their project. Questions? Email us at info@jamii.ca Please click the button below for the beginners workshop on January 11. Please click here for the advanced beginners workshop on January 25. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Photos by Ghader Bsmar Born in Nigeria, Diséiye Thompson discovered her love for tailoring by repurposing fabrics with her mother’s tailor. She moved to Toronto at 15 and studied Contemporary Arts at Ryerson University, then trained in design at The Toronto Academy of Design, graduating in 2016 and showcasing her collection at Toronto Fashion Week. Drawing on her Nigerian heritage and involvement in the ballroom community, Diséiye’s designs celebrate vibrant colors, bold silhouettes, and self-expression. She has honed her skills through apprenticeships with Greta Constantine, designing for Lea-ann Belter Bridal, and creating her own line showcased at Fashion Art Toronto and Brosche Bridal. Now specializing in custom, made-to-order clothing to reduce the fashion industry’s impact, Diséiye also works as a celebrity stylist, styling artists such as Aiza, SATE, Ceréna, and DVSN for music videos and live performances.

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to singing workshops on Fridays! Experience the dynamics of group singing in a welcoming atmosphere. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS EVENTS Special Explore these special experiences Join us at Jamii’s one-time events, designed to offer unique and memorable experiences for the community. Whether it is a fundraising event or a community party, each event is an opportunity to engage with something new and exciting. By attending Jamii's fundraising events, you're not only enjoying a special event but also contributing to the growth and development of a vibrant, local community. Subscribe to our newsletter to be on the loop for upcoming special events! Sewing Studio Series January 11 / January 25, 2026 - 10am MORE INFO Sewing Workshop September 14, 2025 - 10:30am MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night June 20, 2025 - 6pm MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night November 28, 2025 - 6pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop August 17 - 10:30am to 5:30pm MORE INFO The French Wine Raffle June 4-30, 2025 MORE INFO Jamii's Thrift Market November 15, 2025 - 9am to 5pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop July 20 - 9:30am to 4:30pm MORE INFO An Evening of Opera and Mécénat May 30, 2025 - 7pm MORE INFO Jamii's Bingo Night October 6, 2025 - 6pm MORE INFO Jamii's Thrift Market July 12, 2025 - 1pm to 5pm MORE INFO Sewing Workshop May 11 , 2025 - 10am MORE INFO Calendar UPCOMING DATES

INDOOR ACTIVITIES / SPECIAL EVENTS / JAMII'S BINGO NIGHT SPECIAL EVENTS Fundraising Play hard, FUN'draise harder! JAMII'S BINGO NIGHT November 28, 2025 - 6pm Bring your holiday cheer and your lucky charm to Jamii’s Holiday Bingo Night. It will be an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the spirit of giving back to our community. This festive edition of Bingo comes with the same joyful energy you love, with a seasonal twist. 🎁 Each of the 4 games in the round comes with a prize valued at $100 or more, donated by generous local businesses. You might even find the perfect gift to pass on to someone you love this holiday season. 🍷 There will also be a special raffle for a bottle of wine from France that isn’t available in Canada. 🍽️ New this time, you can enjoy homemade finger foods catered by a community member, available for purchase at affordable prices. Every ticket sold helps fund Jamii’s free arts programs , so while you play, you’re also giving back to your neighbours and our shared community. IMPORTANT: Everyone attending, including children under 12, must have their own ticket. Each ticket includes one Bingo card, and you can buy more cards online or at the event using cash, debit, or credit. *Players and winners must be 18 or older due to City of Toronto by-law. Youth and children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. PRIZES: Sweet treats at Roselle Desserts and Demetres Theatre tickets from Théâtre Français de Toronto A photoshoot from local photographer Laura Dittmann (Either by yourself, with your loved one(s) or your pet) 1-year membership from TIFF 2x1hr piano lessons from local pianist Stephen Targett Vouchers from Cobs Bread (St Lawrence Bakery) A gift basket of hair products from Untitled Hair Salon in Riverside Refund and Cancellation Policy All admission tickets and bingo cards are non-refundable. If you can’t make it, feel free to pass your ticket on to a friend or family member—or consider it a donation to Jamii. If you purchased more than one ticket and choose not to attend, we’re happy to provide a charitable tax receipt for your donation. Please contact us at info@jamii.ca by November 25. OOPS, THIS EVENT IS OVER Photos by Iris Unlu and Collean Chau

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

With our series of Live Events, our intent is to activate our public space and create opportunities for our community not only to discover and enjoy amazing artistic performances, but also to connect and spend quality time together, in our local park. Joy in the Park Concerts, theatre performances, dance shows, and more! Through our array of live events, we aspire to activate both our community space, The Jamii Hub, and our public space, David Crombie Park with The Kisanii Hub, in order to provide our community members with opportunities to not only experience outstanding artistic performances but also to foster connections and cherish quality time together. 2025 EVENTS JOY IN THE PARK: RODA DE SAMBA & HERCINIA October 4, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: MELTEMI ORCHESTRA May 16, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY AT THE MARKET: CORPUS & MELAT MENGESHA July 19, 2025 Market St. MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: CELEBRATING CULTURES June 27, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO JOY IN THE PARK: NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY June 21, 2025 David Crombie Park MORE INFO PAST EVENTS October 2024 Joy in the Park: Moskitto Bar MORE INFO May 2024 Joy in the Park: Fórro MORE INFO May 2023 Svaha MORE INFO June 2021 Écoute pour voir MORE INFO Aug and Oct 2020 Hisia MORE INFO October 2019 I am me. I am heart MORE INFO August 2024 Joy in the Park: SummerWorks MORE INFO December 2023 Mudlark MORE INFO 2021 and 2022 LuminUs MORE INFO Mar - Apr 2021 Allegra MORE INFO August 2020 Lua Shayenne Dance MORE INFO August 2019 I am me. I am home. MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: Celebrating Cultures MORE INFO September 2023 Flamenco on The Esplanade MORE INFO Aug to Sep 2021 La Bulle MORE INFO March 2021 Red Rhythm & Blues MORE INFO 2020 Itinerant performances MORE INFO July 2019 Drag Queen Story Time MORE INFO June 2024 Joy in the Park: National Indigenous Peoples Day MORE INFO July 2023 To My Past Present and Future MORE INFO July 2021 Becoming Garden MORE INFO March 2021 Giizhig MORE INFO Summer 2020 Wind Stories MORE INFO SEE MORE

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

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

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program MORNINGSTAR QUILL, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Booshoo, my name is Morningstar Quill. This summer, Jamii displayed my photos in Toronto, as part of the Mashkiki exhibition in partnership with Contact, Photography Festival. I had the honour of working with and getting to know photographer Sabrine S. Hakam during my week-long stay in The Esplanade neighbourhood. Between visits of artistic institutions, Sabrine and I had the opportunity to work together to produce an image of two women of various ethnic backgrounds coming together and are able to become friends - a self-portrait. I've gained a great deal of knowledge from Sabrine and her photographic work, and I believe she has gained the same. For me, Jamii adds to my experiences and helps me make a name for myself and my art so that maybe someday I'll be able to walk through doors. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE MORNINGSTAR QUILL: Morningstar Quill is a self-taught photographer who has developed a unique style and approach to photography through years of experimentation and exploration. Born and raised in Pikangikum, she discovered her passion for photography at a young age and has been refining her skills ever since. Without formal training in photography, Morningstar turned to books, online tutorials, and experimentation to hone her craft. She spent countless hours studying the work of other photographers, analyzing their techniques and styles, and incorporating what she learned into her own work. Morningstar's work is characterized by capturing just anything nature and wildlife. She has a keen eye for capturing the essence of detail, whether it be landscapes, portraits, or street photography. Morningstar Quill continues to push the boundaries of her craft, always experimenting with new techniques and approaches to capture the world around her. She remains committed to her passion for photography and looks forward to sharing her unique perspective with the world for years to come. FUNDERS:

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

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program NOOSA ZEIN, DANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Since Fall 2024, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Emerging Artist Programme through Jamii, a program designed to support emerging artists, particularly those who are BIPOC and women-identifying. This program offered me a unique opportunity to work alongside Emilio Esteban, a choreographer and dancer with whom I’ve shared the stage since 2019 as part of theTEAM . Emilio was not only my teammate but also our dance director, and his mentorship felt like the perfect fit for me. We worked together from September to October 2024 on a dance performance to be showcased at Pulse, a local event. The process of curating the performance from scratch was super interesting and eye-opening. I never realized how much went into creating a dance piece for an event—it wasn’t just about the choreography or the moves, but the entire concept; recruiting your people for a performance (Which are 99.9% of the time unpaid gigs), conforming to the event’s theme, selecting the music/order of music, picking costumes, and ensuring everything aligned with the story we wanted to tell. Being on the other side of the performance by supporting Emilio in this role gave me a deeper appreciation for the logistical and creative work that happens behind the scenes. I began to understand that choreography is not just a reflection of personal expression but also an intricate, collaborative effort that requires a thoughtful approach to every detail. Seeking to further expand my knowledge and skills, I decided to invest in myself by purchasing a 5-class pass at Studio North Toronto. This dance studio is known for offering classes with independent teachers, and I was eager to learn from a variety of perspectives rather than sticking to comfortability. The classes challenged me in new ways by pushing me to become a more versatile dancer. I was exposed to different teaching styles, and classes introduced me to new techniques and approaches to movement. It felt like a refreshing journey of discovery as I honed my skills and broadened my understanding of dance. I learned not only how to approach different styles from different teachers, but also how to push my body and mind to explore new creative possibilities. The experience at Studio North made me realize how important it is to seek out new challenges, to step outside of your comfort zone, and to continuously seek growth as an artist. One of the most impactful learning experiences came from a private lesson with Carl Mandac, one of my closest choreographers who was our former director on theTEAM. Carl is known for his creative choreography, and he crafted a performance-worthy piece for me to learn for fun. This was an intense but rewarding experience, as I had to fully immerse myself in the piece, focusing on both precision and expression, especially due to the 1 on 1 setting. What made the lesson even more enriching was Carl’s collaboration with Kristina, a talented videographer who works closely with choreographers and performing artists in the dance community. Carl granted me permission to showcase my take on his choreography while working alongside Kristina. Kristina’s expertise added a new dimension to my learning. While Carl taught me the moves to the choreography itself, Kristina coached me on how to translate my performance for the camera. I had never fully realized how nerve-wracking it could be to perform a solo act on film until I was in front of the camera myself. Kristina taught me grounding techniques, such as breath control, sensory grounding, and the importance of feeling my feet firmly planted on the ground when my anxiety spikes a bit. These techniques supported me in calming my nerves and improving my focus. Kristina also emphasized how nerves and emotions are incredibly readable to an audience, both in-person and on-screen, and she taught me how to stay present and grounded, even when under pressure. Through these experiences, I came to realize that performing is about much more than just executing choreography—it’s about truly embodying the song and its emotional message. Kristina’s guidance helped me understand the importance of interpreting the music as if I were the artist singing it, connecting with its emotional depth and expressing that through my movement. This concept completely shifted my approach to dance performance, as I began to see performances not just as a series of steps, but as a way of telling a story and connecting with the audience on an emotional level. I had always believed I was a good dancer, but learning how to channel emotion and intention into my performance took it to a whole new level. The physicality of dance was now intertwined with the emotional aspect of the music, and I learned how to bring both together to create a compelling performance. This experience also reminded me of how dance is both personal and universal. Dance is a way to communicate with others without words. It’s about vulnerability, emotion, and connection. It's a never ending journey of learning; there is always something new to learn. This realization has deepened my love for dance, and I’m now excited to approach every upcoming performance with a better sense of intention and awareness as a performer not just through my physical movies, but of the emotional story I want to tell through them. I am incredibly grateful for this experience presented to me through Jamii with the support of the RBC Emerging Artist program, and I am excited to bring this back full circle in my own journey as a leader in dance. PROJECT LINK COMING SOON ARTIST'S PAGE NOT AVAILABLE NOOSA ZEIN: Coming soon! FUNDERS:

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

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program SABRINE S. HAKAM, PHOTOGRAPHY & CURATION LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Since the start of 2023, I have successfully exhibited two portrait series with Jamii, one of which was created directly through my involvement with Jamii. The first exhibit (Power in Portraits) in January was an opportunity for me to introduce myself to the community ahead of the self-portrait workshop that I hosted from Feb-May 2023. The self-portrait workshops culminated in an exposition titled Calyx that was created by community participants with my artistic guidance. Over the summer, I also had the experience of mentoring a young Indigenous photographer, Morningstar Quill, who was working with Jamii at the same time. This experience was an important and critical interaction for me to have as a newcomer to Canada in order to engage with someone with a similar passion from a radically different community. Together, we brainstormed ideas, techniques and created a portrait series together. This year, I also got the chance to experience being the subject of a video interview which was a first for me. Through this experience, I had the chance to rehearse my introduction as an artist, which is a necessary skill to master in order to connect to an audience. In late summer/early fall of 2023, I launched an exhibit/talk series centered on the uniqueness and importance of cloths, fabrics and prints across different cultures through displays and community-engaged talks. Recently, I completed a talk series titled ‘The Jungle Book: A Postcolonial Analysis’, which explored the ways in which Rudyard Kipling's classic novel has been read through a postcolonial lens through a series of discussions and viewings of the many adaptations of The Jungle Book. Jamii also offered a unique opportunity to play the role of a mentor for another artist: During the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to act as a mentor for Morningstar Quill, a young photographer from Pikangikum. Together, we discussed our techniques, subjects, and goals as photographers. During her time in Toronto, Morningstar and I worked on developing her ‘brand’ as a photographer by designing a logo for her social media profile and drafting an artistic resume. Despite a busy schedule, we managed to create a portrait series in which Morningstar had the chance to express anything she chose through my method. The results are my favourite collaboration yet as the series, featuring the two of us, is evocative of the profound connection we made with one another through our shared passion for photography and for our respective cultures. On a more personal level, I learned a lot from Morningstar about her community, her culture, and her inspiration. Having never been formally educated on the history of the Indigenous people of Canada, it was truly a learning experience for me to spend time with her and learn about the Canada that she comes from. All of these new activities and experiences have given me the opportunity to develop my own understanding of my role as an artist. It has given me the aptitude and opportunity to network with people from different backgrounds and to gain a better understanding of their artistic journey. Most importantly, it has integrated me into the community through my art and created opportunities for connection that I never had before. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE SABRINE S. HAKAM: Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. FUNDERS:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program JONELLE SILLS, MUSIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII As part of the RBC Emerging Artist Program at Jamii, Jonelle Sills was invited to be Jamii’s Lead Artist for the month of February. This role offered her the opportunity to take on responsibilities similar to that of a programming director and curator. Jonelle chose a theme that resonated deeply with her, designed the month’s programming around it, and selected a diverse and inspiring group of artists to collaborate with. Together, they facilitated workshops and created content that reflected her vision and values. Throughout the month, Jonelle played an active role in leading and participating in numerous community events hosted at The Jamii Hub. These included the weekly series of activities such as Monday Dancing , Tuesday Discovering , Wednesday Sewing , Thursday Creating , and Friday Singing . She also hosted a special Connector event—an evening dedicated to gathering all participating artists to share a meal and reflect on their experiences throughout the month. To close her residency, she produced a culminating event that brought together artists and community members in a joyful celebration filled with conversation, connection, and shared food. Her chosen theme, “Mirrors,” served as a powerful metaphor, encouraging both literal and emotional reflection. In her words, “A mirror is more than a surface—in its reflection we see ourselves, not only physically but emotionally. We see the facade of how we present ourselves while dealing with the truth of our inner reality. Through them we confront our past, face our present, and dream of the future. They remind us that our reflection is a dialogue and a chance to see our worlds in a new way. When we look into a mirror, we are faced with an opportunity to discover what is and what could be.” This experience allowed Jonelle to grow as an artist and leader, while developing valuable skills in curatorial planning, collaborative leadership, and community engagement. She was mentored throughout the process by Isorine Marc, whose guidance and support played a significant role in helping Jonelle step confidently into this leadership position. In addition to her curatorial work, Jamii produced a short video featuring Jonelle discussing mental health for artists, which is now available on both her website and Jamii’s platforms. She also received a new set of professional artistic headshots by photographer Sabrine S. Hakam, adding another layer of professional development to her time as Lead Artist. Reflecting on her experience, Jonelle shared, “Being a Lead Artist in February with Jamii Esplanade allowed me to gain invaluable insight into curatorial practice while deepening my connection to community-based art. The opportunity helped me strengthen my network of artists and collaborators. It was truly empowering to give my colleagues work opportunities and create space to grow community. Creating and executing the theme of Mirrors allowed me to amplify my voice and artistic vision in meaningful ways. With the generous support of the Jamii team, I felt both empowered and uplifted, enabling me to step into this leadership role with confidence. The experience also offered a powerful platform for visibility, allowing me to share my voice more widely and authentically while working deeply within the community. It was a transformative and inspiring chapter in my artistic journey.” We believe this opportunity will open new doors in Jonelle’s career by expanding her professional network, enhancing her programming and facilitation experience, and strengthening her connection to community-based art practices. It was an honor to have Jonelle as part of Jamii’s RBC Emerging Artist program and lead programming at The Jamii Hub. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE JONELLE SILLS: Canadian Soprano Jonelle Sills (pr. Ya-Nell) is one of the most exciting young sopranos of her generation. A JUNO Award nominee with The Canadian Art Song Project for Known to Dreamers: Black Voices in Canadian Art Song for Classical Album of the Year (Small Ensemble), she has also been named one of CBCs Music’s 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30. Jonelle has made acclaimed debuts with leading companies, including the Canadian Opera Company as Mimi in La bohème, a performance that was lauded as being a “beautifully sensitive Mimi with careful control and colour” (The Globe and Mail). Other notable roles include Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus) and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Edmonton Opera, Micaëla (Carmen) and Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) with Vancouver Opera, and Anna Glawari (The Merry Widow) with Toronto Operetta Theatre. She has also appeared in recital with the Viano Quartet at the Prince Edward County Chamber Festival. Her company debut with Toronto’s Against The Grain Theatre in Vivier’s Kopernikus earned her a 2019 Dora Award as a member of the ensemble. Jonelle has been an integral collaborator with Jamii since 2020, beginning with a performance alongside Jeremiah Sparks in Wind Stories. Over the years, her creative contributions have spanned various projects, including performing in Wayo (2021), starring in the short film series The Wedding, producing Stolen (2023) and Butterfly Ballet (2023), performing in An Evening with David Crombie (2024), and leading Jamii's February 2025 cycle with the theme of Mirrors. FUNDERS:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program SHILPA SHAH, VISUAL ARTS LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII From mid-2024 into early 2025, artist Shilpa Shah took part in an enriching mentorship through Jamii, supported by the RBC Emerging Artist Program. Guided by lead mentor Isorine Marc, and with additional support from social media strategist Iris Unlu and peer artists Alejandra Higuera, Laura Dittmann and Sabrine S Hakam, Shilpa’s experience was rooted in collaboration, community, and creative empowerment. “This mentorship program helped me establish foundational steps to build an art career upon. My time with Isorine gave me invaluable skills around planning artistic goals and cultivating my artistic voice with greater clarity.” - Shilpa The mentorship began with the foundational work of defining Shilpa’s artistic mission and vision. With Isorine’s guidance, Shilpa developed a brand identity and the name for her creative business, Huereign . Together, they crafted her artist statement and carved out intentional time for Shilpa to focus on her body of work. This first stage laid the groundwork for what would become a broader and more public-facing artistic journey. Over the following months, Shilpa launched her own portfolio website and began developing a thoughtful social media strategy to build her online presence. With mentorship from Iris Unlu, she learned to navigate digital platforms with confidence—overcoming initial hesitations and discovering creative ways to share her art with the world. Shilpa describes this phase as transformative, crediting Iris for helping her feel empowered and inspired to use online spaces meaningfully. In parallel with her digital growth, Shilpa also participated in a professional photoshoot with photographer Sabrine S Hakam and was the focus of a video portrait by Laura Dittmann. The video beautifully captures Shilpa’s creative intent and process, offering audiences an intimate look at the heart behind her work. Community engagement became another powerful pillar of this mentorship. Through Jamii’s “Belonging” program for older adults, Shilpa facilitated two workshop series - one centered on watercolor landscapes and another exploring color theory through mandala-making. These workshops not only allowed her to refine her teaching and facilitation skills but also offered a meaningful way to integrate her background in mental health with her evolving artistic voice. Storytelling, emotional expression, and a sense of connection were all woven into her approach. Throughout the mentorship, Shilpa also engaged in valuable conversations with fellow artists. A walk-and-talk with artist Alejandra Higuera offered her insights into the realities of balancing motherhood and a creative practice, especially as a newcomer to Canada. The exchange reminded Shilpa of the importance of community, self-compassion, and honoring one’s drive to create even amidst life’s transitions. This period of growth revealed not only a deepening of Shilpa’s artistic identity but also her expanding role as an artist-educator and community builder. The support she received helped her refine her vision, strengthen her public presence, and begin actively shaping a career rooted in creativity, connection, and care. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE SHILPA SHAH: Shilpa Shah is a visual artist and former psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner whose work is deeply rooted in themes of mental wellness, emotional landscapes, and spiritual creativity. She chose the name Huereign to honour the sovereignty of God’s colours and the sacred unfolding of creativity through her art. Shilpa’s love for drawing and painting began in childhood and remained a quiet constant alongside her professional journey in mental health. Her lived experiences, both personal and clinical, have given her an intimate understanding of the invisible battles many face, and this lens now shapes the heart of her artistic practice. Returning to life as a full-time artist, she continues to explore the intersections of inner healing and expressive colour. Working primarily with watercolor crayons, coloured pencils, pigment pens, and even Crayola markers, Shilpa brings vibrant, layered compositions to life. Her pieces often explore the themes of abundance, home, belonging, emotions, and possibility. Through rich colour palettes and detailed imagery, she invites viewers into visual conversations that evoke a sense of hope, reflection, and connection. Shilpa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from the University of California at Irvine and a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University. During her undergraduate studies, she was selected for an honors studio and received the Steven Criqui Memorial Scholarship Award. Her artwork has been featured in exhibitions across California and New York, including solo and award-winning shows at UC Irvine, El Camino College, the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, and the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, where she received Best in Show. Currently based in Toronto, Shilpa is a 2024-2025 participant in Jamii’s RBC Emerging Artist Program. FUNDERS:

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

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

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program YASMINE OMAR, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Going to Kenya as a young photographer changed me a lot. I had never experienced anything like this trip before. As a photographer it was my first time stepping into a whole new side of the world; This trip was a transformative experience that would shape both artistic vision and personal growth. I never imagined myself going to Africa due to a lack of funds and opportunity, even though it was my motherland. Just taking my first international flight was so exciting. From the moment I arrived in Kenya, it felt like a new world. It wasn't like what I'm used to – the sounds of people talking in their mother tongue so openly and proudly, something I only did at home in Toronto. I was amazed by how different things were. Although I was the farthest I've been from home, I was lucky to be with three incredible women – Isorine Marc, Aline Morales, and Takako Segawa – they always made me feel at home. I was fortunate to learn from them on this trip, and I'm grateful they are who I'll remember when I look back at this unforgettable memory. Exploring Kenya was a beautiful experience. One of my favorite moments was learning about the vibrant world of Kenyan art through muralist Douglas Smoki Kihiko. He gave us a tour around the city where we were able to check out different murals and learn the stories about the talented artists in the city. I loved genuinely connecting with people in Kenya with the help of Jamii. We were able to actually get to know artists and hear their stories, and as a storytelling photographer, it allowed me to capture things in Kenya in an honest and real way. A highlight was showcasing my photography in a Kenyan cafe. At the showcase, my images were printed and framed by Kenyan Artist Vinny, which was very special. I was grateful to be able to show my work on a whole different side of the world and see how it connected with people. It was a moment I would never forget as an artist. The Rubiri School in Naivasha left an unforgettable mark. It was so beautiful to see Aline, Takako, and Isorine lead workshops with youth and teach them the arts and dance. After workshops, curious students learned to use my cameras, taking test shots, and I ended up capturing class photos for them as a memorable keepsake for my new friends. Experiencing how art connects us was beautiful. I was inspired daily by talented artists and warm-hearted individuals I met in Kenya. These transformative weeks had a crazy impact on my journey, making the experience unforgettable. It was truly a dream come true. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE YASMINE OMAR: Yasmine Omar, based in Toronto, is a photographer and director who tells meaningful stories through her art. Her goal is to inspire by creating emotional connections in the portraits she captures. Yasmine is drawn to genuine moments, aiming to freeze them in time for everlasting impact. Yasmine was one of the 4 artists traveling to Kenya in 2023 with Jamii. FUNDERS:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program GILLIAN MAPP, PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII Through the RBC Emerging Artist project: I created a new body of work and presented my first solo exhibition titled Journey From… a photo and audio exhibit featuring the stories of 7 immigrant women, accompanied by intergenerational conversations with their children about the journey to Canada and their unique experiences. This project allowed for mentorship, which was a huge proponent for the evolution of my work, and allowed me to explore and expand on the kind of work I love to do: storytelling. The support from Jamii’s team was an incredible resource and provided me with the necessary tools, like audio recording equipment and studio space, to create this work. Also, working with Jamii - a hub for Esplanadians - allowed me to tap into the community they have built and focus this exhibit on sharing the stories of members of The Esplanade. This collection of stories is now a part of the community's history. Collaborating with Jamii, also brought me to Pikangikum First Nations community, to curate and produce a video project that invited its residents to record their intimate stories. We met with interested community members, and recorded interviews with them that we edited into short videos that share insight on who they are, and what their community [Pikangikum] means to them. The key thread in both of these projects is the importance of highlighting stories that usually go untold. I’m grateful to have been able to foster the development and completion of both these projects. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE GILLIAN MAPP: I started seeing images early on when I was younger, way before I even held a camera to conspire to make images I’d use my eyes to capture moments and make them permanent treasures in my mind’s eye. Back then, I saw the importance of documenting my story because it was clear that no one else would do it for me. The importance of recording history was instilled by my mothers determination to document every moment of our childhood. I remember every trip we made to drop off film roles, and patiently waiting for their development to reveal what she had captured. Since then, I’ve made photography a way to record history in an effort to change the way people see and remember the world. My photography is grounded in showcasing the beauty in the moments and people around me, and bringing untold stories to the forefront. My work includes portraiture, editorial and documentary style stills, and more recently film (motion). FUNDERS:

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

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program KURRI QUILL, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII In the spring of 2025, Jamii collaborated with emerging photographer Kurri Quill from Pikangikum First Nation to create Mong'Kah'Job , a photo exhibition unveiled in David Crombie Park on June 21, 2025, as part of Jamii’s Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program, supported by the RBC Foundation. As part of the project, Kurri joined Jamii for a week-long residency in Toronto in June 2025. During this time, he participated in the exhibition unveiling and took part in a series of one-on-one mentorship sessions with local photographers, fostering artistic exchange, dialogue, community connection, and creative growth. This experience contributed to shape his artistic practice in meaningful and lasting ways. With Jae Yang, Kurri explored photography through simplicity and observation. Using basic point-and-shoot cameras, they walked through the St. Lawrence Market area capturing moments that “caught our attention.” Kurri shared, “I was kind of struggling a little, but it was fun. I wished we had more time - he made photography fun.” Jae encouraged him to begin a “Project 52” challenge to develop intentional storytelling. Jae reflected, “I noticed how naturally Kurri gravitated toward street signage and textures - he was already developing his own style. I learned as much from him as he did from me.” Gillian Mapp met with Kurri twice, focusing on portrait work and editing. She introduced him to film photography, lending him her own camera. Kurri said, “It was quite the challenge, but I realized I want a film camera of my own!” Gillian shared, “We explored how editing shapes narrative. Introducing film allowed Kurri to slow down and become more intentional with each shot.” With Murphy Owusu, the focus was artistic identity and confidence. Murphy encouraged him to remain rooted in portrait photography: “It made sense to me - my love for portraits brought me here.” Laura Dittman expanded Kurri’s technical and creative experimentation, introducing him to an 85mm lens and playful effects using glass. “It made me fall in love with that lens,” Kurri noted. Across all four mentorships, Kurri found inspiration, encouragement, and artistic clarity. The mentors, in turn, were moved by his openness, curiosity, and growing strength as a storyteller. Kurri photographic exhibit is displayed in David Crombie Park as part of this project us to learn more about Indigenous culture and offers a window into the lives and spirit of Pikangikum First Nation. Isorine Marc, Jamii’s Artistic and Executive Director says “Curating this exhibition with Kurri has been a delight. I’ve been deeply impressed not only by his photographic talent, but also by his clarity of vision and gift with words. His work speaks volumes. It calls on us to see the people of Pikangikum - individuals of all ages navigating their own life journeys - while celebrating their culture and way of being. Kurri’s message is a quiet yet powerful invitation to grow closer, to bridge gaps in understanding, and to honour the dignity of each story captured through his lens.” For Kurri, this photo exhibit is important “because it allows me to connect with diverse stories and experiences, promoting empathy and understanding through powerful visual narratives. To see the world in new ways, and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human experience. By sharing these photos, we can build bridges of understanding and foster a more compassionate and connected world.” Thank you to the RBC Foundation for supporting Jamii’s Emerging Artist program. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE KURRI QUILL: Kurri Quill is a self-taught photographer from Pikangikum First Nation. Inspired by the work of local artists and the beauty of the natural world, he first picked up a camera to share his own perspective through images. He is drawn to capturing the small details that often go unnoticed — the way light falls on a leaf or the texture of a flower petal — and believes photography is a way to see the world anew. Kurri’s practice spans portraits, landscapes, sports, and wildlife, shaped by dedicated self-learning and an eagerness to grow his creative vision. Through his work, he hopes to connect people with diverse stories and encourage a deeper appreciation for everyday moments and shared human experience. FUNDERS:

EMERGING ARTISTS Jamii's RBC Emerging Artist Program LEAH KING, PHOTOGRAPHY LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH JAMII In June 2024, Jamii was delighted to welcome Leah King, a talented photographer from the Pikangikum First Nation, to Toronto for a week-long residency as part of the RBC Emerging Artist program. This enriching experience, held on The Esplanade, was a celebration of artistic growth, community connection, and cultural exchange. Koshki'Zi Photo Exhibition: Leah's artistic statement for her photo exhibition talks about Indigenous empowerment: "Our culture and our connection to Mother Earth has been deep in slumber. We were made to forget. We began to fear it. Now we are awake. Restless. We see with new eyes. Reborn. We are taking back our culture. We wear the ribbon skirt that connects us with Mother Earth. We dance because we have reclaimed what we lost. We are awake. And we will relearn and rebuild. " The exhibit was unveiled in June 2024 and displayed in David Crombie park through the year for thousands to enjoy. Leah shared that unveiling Koski'Zi was significant both personally and for her community back home. “It was important for me to go because it’s my work, and I’m showing people back home that big opportunities do happen. The Esplanade felt like home, with welcoming people, laughter, and bonding,” she said. Click here for more information about Koshki'Zi. Toronto Residency - Artistic Growth and Mentorship Leah’s residency in The Esplanade was marked by valuable mentorship from local artists who shared their unique insights and techniques: Jae Yang introduced Leah to the art and philosophy of street photography during a photo walk in the Distillery District. “It was amazing to hang out with Leah, discuss photography basics, and learn about her life in Pikangikum,” Jae reflected. Laura Dittmann reignited her own passion for photography while working with Leah. “We experimented with light, color, and playful techniques. I was thrilled to gift her a glass prism to inspire future creativity,” Laura shared. Sabrine S. Hakam focused on self-portraits and branding. “We explored the technical aspects of photography, like lighting and composition, while emphasizing personal expression. Our discussions about self-branding and portfolio building were particularly rewarding,” said Sabrine. Murphy Owusu taught Leah practical skills for composition and space-filling. “She has a keen eye and is eager to learn. I advised her to embrace her culture in her work as she’s a powerful voice for the youth,” Murphy commented. Gillian Mapp guided Leah around the city, sharing tips on street photography and introducing her to hidden gems in Toronto. Leah’s Perspective For Leah, the highlight of her week was the vibrant interactions and community engagement. “The mingling was unforgettable. I met people, tried traditional foods, and listened to music and poetry. I learned to step out of my shell, seek help when needed, and have confidence in my work,” Leah said. She fondly recalled learning not to preview her photos while shooting—a lesson from Jae Yang—and embracing spontaneity. Reflecting on her mentors, Leah appreciated the varied guidance: “Laura taught me to experiment with what I have; Sabrine emphasized the importance of branding and portrait techniques; Murphy’s advice on grid lines and composition was invaluable. Gillian showed me the city and the cool spots for street photography.” A Community Connection Maddy’s participation extended beyond her mentorship. She attended Jamii’s celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canada Multiculturalism Day, where she unveiled her photographic exhibition, Koshki'zi. The experience was significant both personally and for her community back home. "It was important for me to go because it’s my work, and I’m showing people back home that big opportunities do happen. The Esplanade felt like home, with welcoming people, laughter, and bonding,” she said. Looking Ahead Leah’s week in Toronto was more than an artistic journey; it was an experience of personal growth, inspiration, and connection. “Chi mii’gwetch for having me and for this amazing opportunity,” she concluded. Jamii is proud to have hosted Leah and looks forward to her continued success and future collaborations. SEE PROJECT SEE ARTIST'S PAGE LEAH KING: Leah King, an emerging photographer from Pikangikum First Nation, is self-taught. She began with macro and landscape photography, later exploring astrophotography by capturing images of the moon and northern lights. Through her photos, she expresses herself, capturing moments and images that hold deep meaning for her and her community. FUNDERS:

The Wedding Series. DUETS. At Heart. Unlocked. These are some of the most recent film projects we produced. We love inviting artists and community members to embark on the adventurous journey of producing short films to be shared with our community through social media, film festivals, and screenings in our community. COMMUNITY PROJECTS / FILMS PROJECTS FILMS PROJECTS Short films, shared journeys The Wedding Series. DUETS. At Heart. Unlocked. These are some of the most recent film projects we produced. We love inviting artists and community members to embark on the adventurous journey of producing short films to be shared with our community through social media, film festivals, and screenings in our community. Video Portraits from Pikangikum 2023 - 2025 READ MORE Mix 2021 READ MORE At Heart (docu-film) 2018 READ MORE The Wedding 2021 READ MORE Seven 2021 READ MORE Feetprint Documentary 2017 READ MORE Duets 2021 READ MORE Unlocked 2020 READ MORE

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

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

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

2021 Community Projects / Film Projects / Seven 2021 A series of daily 7-min dance solos (structured improvisation) A project supported by the Government of Ontario. Jamii launched its 2021 theme, “LOOKS LIKE US”, with “SEVEN”, a series of 7 different dance solos, which were live-streamed on its Facebook page from Feb 1st to 7th at 7pm. “LOOKS LIKE US” is an invitation for everyone to step into Jamii’s world, tapping into our personal empathy reservoirs and to ask ourselves important questions like ‘what do we see in the “other”?’, ‘how much of “us” is in “them”?’, and ‘how do we mix?’. “SEVEN” featured seven professional dance artists who were invited to offer the audience a retrospective through movements and words, reflecting on how they have been shaken to the core through the past year. As a mirror to their movements and words, we invite audiences to reflect on how their core had been shaken in the past months, as we are approaching a year of life in a pandemic. February 1st: Michael Caldwell Michael is a Toronto-based choreographer, performer, curator, director, producer, and arts advocate, working in site-responsive and community-engaged contexts to subvert traditional ways of viewing and experiencing dance and performance. Music by James Bunton. February 2nd: Yvonne Ng Peranakan Chinese descent, Yvonne Ng, B.F.A., M.A. artistic director, choreographer, performer and arts educator of tiger princess dance projects. February 3rd: Jaz Fairy J Jaz Fairy J is a Creative Entrepreneur, Healer, Performing Artist and Mother. She is the founder and CEO of her luxury natural skincare brand ‘Rub of Luv’ She believes that art is a portal to the divine and in that she is in a constant investigation around how her work can create more space for healing. February 4th: Irma Villafuerte Irma Villafuerte is a dance artist, educator and first-generation daughter of refugees from Nahuat Pipil Territory Kuskatan, post-colonial El Salvador, based in Tkaronto. She’s had the honor to perform at renowned festivals in Canada, Cuba and the U.S.A. and work with outstanding dance companies. As a Latin American woman, her passion for social justice and human rights, is the driving force for creation in Irma’s choreographic and performance work. February 5th: Lua Shayenne Lua is artist who tells stories, through dance, song and word. Her goal is to “effect a spiritual conquest” by establishing a relation with the human hearts and create art that is original but preserves the authentic spirit of her culture and Faith. February 6th: Jane-Alison McKinney Jane-Alison McKinney is a dancer, choreographer, and producer whose work has been presented nationally at a variety of festivals and residencies. A recipient of a Metcalf Foundation Internship with adelheid under the mentorship of Heidi Strauss, who she currently works with as a dancer and producer; and co-director of the collective Bare Nerve with Emma Kerson. February 7th: Nicola Pantin Nicola Pantin is an independent dance artist, choreographer and dance instructor based in Toronto, Canada. PRODUCTION TEAM: Filmed by Isorine Marc.Stage hand: Afnan Yakot Jamii team: Isorine Marc, Artistic & Executive Director - Jasmin Linton, Program Manager – DeeAnn Sagar, Philanthropy Manager. SUPPORTED BY Seven 2021

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

2021 Community Projects / Film Projects / The Wedding 2021 A celebration of multiculturalism, an invitation for self-reflection on how wedding ceremonies can trigger different emotions, and an exploration of the emotional roller coaster of wedded life. Short film series The Wedding - PART I Co-created by: Alejandra Higuera, Aline Morales , Ana Maria Higuera, Carmen Romero, Indrit Kasapi , Isorine Marc, Jim Adams , Jonelle Sills, Kaitlin Torrance , Leen لين , Ryan Graham Hinds, Yvonne NG Peck Wan Filmed and Edited by: Alejandra Higuera Ana Maria Higuera Sound by: Amye Sagar Performed by: (alphabetical order) Aela Kuria - Aline Morales - Amye Sagar - Carmen Romero - Danilo Caribé - Erina Aurora-Tran - Indrit Kasapi - Jim Adams - Jonelle Sills - Juanita Garces Restrepo - Kaitlin Torrance - Karen Lam - Leen Hamo - Mira Ghabiel - Omer Yukseker - Pierre Gravel - Raecheal Goddard - Raquel Romero - Ruthmarie Williams - Ryan Graham Hinds - Susan Cuthbert - Yvonne NG Peck Wan - Zelia Kuria Music and Vocals by: Aline Morales, Jim Adams, Jonelle Sills, Leen Hamo (June 2021) The Wedding - PART II Co-created by: Alejandra Higuera, Aline Morales , Ana Maria Higuera, Indrit Kasapi , Isorine Marc, Jim Adams , Jonelle Sills, Leen لين , Lua Shayenne, Ryan Graham Hinds, Yvonne NG Peck Wan Filmed and Edited by: Alejandra Higuera, Ana Maria Higuera Sound by: A mye Sagar, Isorine Marc, Darwa Naim Sound design and audio mix by: Matthew Maaskant Performed by: (alphabetical order) Aela Kuria - Aline Morales - Chloe Henderson - Cynthia Cella Ruso - Erina Aurora-Tran - Indrit Kasapi - Isorine Marc - Iris Unlu - Jennifer Ramsay - Jim Adams - John Abou Chacra - Jonelle Sills - Karen Lam - Leen Hamo - Lua Shayenne - Nicole Ramsay - Omer Yukseker - Ryan Graham Hinds - Khatra Haji - Yvonne NG Peck Wan - Zelia Kuria Music and Vocals by: Aline Morales, Jim Adams, John Abou Chacra, Jonelle Sills, Leen Hamo (July 2021) The Wedding - PART III Co-created by : Alejandra Higuera , Aline Morales, Ana Maria Higuera, Carmen Romero, Edz Gyamfi, Gina Tantalo, Isorine Marc, Jonelle Sills, Lauren Barnett, Katy Moonbean, Maysam Ghani, Paulina Anthony O’Kieffe, Rachana Joshi, Tangi Lion, Veronica Lee, Yvonne Ng Filmed and Edited by: Alejandra Higuera and Ana Maria Higuera Sound by: Dawar Naeem Sound design and audio mix by: Matthew Maaskant Lighting design: Dawar Naeem, Isorine Marc, Matthew Maaskant Performed by: (alphabetical order) Aela Kuria, Aline Morales ,Angel Narick, Carmen Romero, Edz Gyamfi, Eman Hillawi, Erina Aurora-Tran, Gina Tantalo, Jim Adams, Jonelle Sills, Juanita Garces Restrepo, Karen Lam, Katy Moonbean, Lauren Barnett, Maysam Ghani, Mikhael Bornstein, Paulina Anthony O’Kieffe, Rachana Joshi, Raquel Romero, Ruthmarie Williams, Tangi Lion, Tim Wong-Ward, Veronica Lee, Yvonne Ng, Zelia Kuria, Zhenmei Wong-Ward. Spoken word poetry “Return to Love” by: Maysam Ghani, Paulina Anthony O’Kieffe Music and Vocals by: Aline Morales, Carmen Romero, Gina Tantalo, Katy Moonbean, Jonelle Sills, Lauren Barnett, Rachana Joshi, Tangi Lion, Veronica Lee Original songs: Spanish Gitano Oral Tradition interpreted by Gina Tantalo, “Squeeze Your Love” by Katy Moonbean, Original music by Tangi Lion, “Float” by Lauren Barnett Dance choreography: Carmen Romero, Edz Gyamfi, Isorine Marc, Rachana Joshi, Yvonne Ng Aerial Choreography: Eman Hillawi Lumin Puppets: Clay and Paper Theatre Puppet and movement coach: Alexa McDougall Props: Amye Sagar Props Assistants: Afnan Yakot, Ammar Salem, Anhar Salem, Asma’a Salem, Juanita Garces Restrepo, Usama Mohamednur PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CREDITS "The Wedding" is a three-part project that invited professional artists and members of The Esplanade community to explore what a mixed-culture wedding looks like (PART I), what are the emotional triggers of wedding ceremonies (PART II) and the emotional roller-coaster of wedded life (PART III). Part I was filmed in June, Part II in July and Part III in October - all filmed as a one-shot, at the heart of The Esplanade community - David Crombie Park. With Part I of this wedding you will see, we explore different ceremonial traditions, based on the artists and participants' own cultures. Amongst other traditions, we brought together a Brazilian procession, a Chinese tea ceremony, an Indigenous blanket ceremony, and an Albanian shami burning dance. Even though it is now considered normal to recognize each other’s cultural heritage, do we actually celebrate and acknowledge intercultural mixing, and if so, how? Can we bring our cultures together while retaining our cultural traditions, our sense of identity and uniqueness? "The Wedding" is an invitation to explore these questions, together. Produced and presented by: Jamii Esplanade A PROJECT SUPPORTED AND FUNDED BY: Canada Council for the Arts Canadian Heritage Ontario Arts Council Government of Ontario ShowLoveTo - City of Toronto Canadian Stage St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Concept and Direction by: Isorine Marc Jamii Team: Isorine Marc, Jasmin Linton, DeeAnn Sagar, Cynthia Cella Ruso Mira Ghabiel. Photos by: Omer Yukseker and Jae Yang jamii.ca -@jamiiesplanade Filmed in The Esplanade neighbourhood - Toronto, Ontario The Wedding 2021

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

2018 Community Projects / Film Projects / At Heart (docu-film) 2018 Citizens of The Esplanade Premiered Nov 2018 - Toronto, CA Awards: Best Editing, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019Best Cinematography, short documentary film category - Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela) - 2019Award of Merit - IndieFest Film Awards (USA) 2019 OFFICIAL SELECTION: Alternative Film Festival (Canada)Docs Without Borders Film Festival (USA)Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela)IndieFEST Film Awards (USA)Diversity Feedback Film Festival (Canada) Canadian Diversity Film Festival (Canada) Project Genesis: In 2018, more than 150 Esplanadians of all ages (people who live, work, study and play in The Esplanade neighbourhood – downtown Toronto) embarked, with a team of artists, on a co-creative process to produce a participatory community-engaged docu-film. At Heart, Citizens of The Esplanade shines a light on our neighbourhood, the St Lawrence, and invites people to reflect on the values that drive community development and city planning. Artistic team: Producer: Isorine Marc Film director: Ayelen Liberona & Joseph Camí Assistant Project Coordinator: Yasmin Harris, Afsheen Chowdury, Nadifa Daud Mohamed Creative Process MARCH 2018: A total of 39 people joined a series of circle discussions to share personal stories or stories from our community which we feel are untold, silenced or represent a challenge. MAY 2018: A series of exciting workshops during which 32 people brainstormed, shared ideas and took artistic directions for the film with a creation of a series of shots. FILM PRODUCTION - JULY & AUG 2018: More than 100 people stepped in front of the camera as talents of our project. Another 20 people worked long hours behind the camera to bring this project to life. EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION: SEPT & OCT 2018 PREMIERE OF THE FILM - SOLD-OUT Nov 26, 2018 - Berkeley Theatre SECOND SCREENING: Nov 28, 2018 - Performing Arts Lodge At Heart (docu-film) 2018

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to sing-along, movement, and visual arts workshops for older adults. Register now to join! Belonging Older Adults INDOOR ACTIVITIES / BELONGING Tuesday Workshops for Older Adults WHEN MOVEMENT | Tuesdays from 10am to 11:15am VISUAL ARTS | Tuesdays from 11:30am to 1pm SING ALONG | Thursdays from 4:45pm to 6pm POTLUCKS | Various Dates OUTINGS | Various Dates WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade AGE GROUP | 55+ FREE ADMISSION | REGISTRATION REQUIRED | NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED Initially, the Belonging program was created to respond to the isolation that older adults experienced and expressed to the Jamii team during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program has steadily grown since 2020 and is now designed to promote healthy aging, social participation, and a sense of belonging through the arts for older adults across The Esplanade neighbourhood and beyond. Belonging offers year-round movement and visual arts workshops, as well as various short-term programs to accommodate the diverse interests of our community members. These workshops provide opportunities for learning new skills, social interaction, and fostering new friendships. With a regular schedule, Belonging workshops have become something for older adults to look forward to every week. Belonging's programming is defined by our Programming Committee, composed entirely of Belonging's participants. The Committee meets every three weeks for an hour on Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am. Would you like to be a part of the Programming Committee? Send us an email at info@jamii.ca or talk to one of the Jamii staff. We are grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, New Horizons for Seniors Program, as well as the Canada Council for the Arts. Programming is free for all participants. Special thanks to Caroline Co-Op and Woodsworth Co-op for supporting this program and to all the participants who are walking the 5k on October 19th, 2024, to fundraise for this program. You too can support this program with a financial donation. Click here. REGISTER Movement Tuesdays 10am to 11:15am MORE INFO & REGISTER Potlucks Various Dates MORE INFO SOON Visual Arts Tuesdays 11:30am to 1pm MORE INFO & REGISTER Sing-Along Thursdays 5 pm to 6 pm MORE INFO & REGISTER Outings Various Dates MORE INFO

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BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation A journey between Pikangikum First Nation and The Esplanade neighbourhood since 2018 Relationships ground us as individuals, families, and communities. The connection between The Esplanade community in Toronto’s St. Lawrence neighbourhood and Pikangikum First Nation began in 2018, when Jamii initiated an intra-provincial project involving local residents with ties to other communities across Ontario. Jamii’s first visit to Pikangikum, led by Asmita—an Esplanade resident and our ambassador—focused on forging connections. Since then, we have collaborated annually with the Pikangikum Education Authority and Eenchokay Birchstick School on arts projects centered on youth, storytelling, and well-being. Notable highlights include a 2021 exhibition in The Esplanade showcasing the work of four Pikangikum photographers. In June 2023, Darwin Peters created a mural on the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre in Toronto, while Morningstar Quill exhibited her photographic work in a local park. In 2023 and 2024, Jamii worked with the Pikangikum community to create a series of video portraits featuring artists, community leaders, and Elders. This project emerged from the community’s expressed desire to document and share their stories. In 2024, Jamii invited Leah Maddy King to exhibit her photographic work in our community. Her exhibit, Koshki'zi, was displayed in David Crombie Park from June 2024 and throughout the year. We also welcomed Amberlee King for a one-week residency on The Esplanade, where she connected with Jamii's family of painters. These opportunities were supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Program. Over time, trust and mutual appreciation between our communities have deepened, and we are honoured to continue sharing the stories of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Looking ahead, we are committed to sustaining these artistic collaborations through annual visits to Pikangikum and annual invitations for Pikangikum artists to The Esplanade. We believe these partnerships will continue to grow in impact, fostering greater understanding of Indigenous cultures and stories in Toronto while enriching artistic opportunities for the Pikangikum community. A heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Arts Council for supporting this initiative since 2018. VIDEO PORTRAITS TORONTO PIKANGIKUM DECEMBER 2024 VIDEO PORTRAITS WATCH NOW JUNE 2024 AMBERLEE KING'S VISIT MORE INFO JUNE 2024 "Koshki'zi" PHOTO EXHIBITION LEAH KING'S VISIT MORE INFO JANUARY 2024 VIDEO PORTRAITS IN THE MAKING II MORE INFO JUNE 2023 "MASHKIKI" PHOTO EXHIBITION MORNINGSTAR QUILL'S VISIT MORE INFO JUNE 2023 "MASHKIKI" MURAL CREATION DARWIN PETERS'S VISIT MORE INFO APRIL 2023 VIDEO PORTRAITS IN THE MAKING I MORE INFO OCTOBER 2022 DARWIN PETERS'S VISIT MORE INFO SEPTEMBER 2022 ARTS WORKSHOPS MORE INFO OCTOBER 2021 ILLUMINATED PERSPECTIVES PHOTO EXHIBIT MORE INFO FEBRUARY 2020 "WIND STORIES" MORE INFO 2018 & 2019 JAMII'S FIRST AND SECOND VISIT MORE INFO JUNE 2025 KURRI QUILL'S VISIT MORE INFO OCTOBER 2025 DRUMMING & VIDEO PORTRAITS MORE INFO

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 Photo 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. 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 HEARTISTRY Visual Arts Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH BRUSSAUX ART GROUP, AND SISTERS CIRCLE CHECK OUT

WINDSTORIES BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation Wind Stories in Pikangikum 2020 WINDSTORIES 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 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

Join Jamii’s monthly Cycle Programs: community arts workshops, artist residencies, and collaborative events at The Jamii Hub in Toronto. CYCLES Jamii's MONTHLY THEMED WORKSHOPS 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 during the week, 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 artists prioritize 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 of 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. Check out each workshop's page below and register ti your desired month. SEE LEAD ARTISTS MONDAY DANCING MORE INFO THURSDAY CREATING MORE INFO TUESDAY DISCOVERING MORE INFO FRIDAY SINGING MORE INFO WEDNESDAY SEWING MORE INFO SATURDAY MINGLING MORE INFO

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

VIDEO PORTRAITS I BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation Creation of a video series of local artists 2023 VIDEO PORTRAITS I From April 5th to 12th, Isorine and Gillian Mapp returned to Pikangikum. Building on this story and Darwin’s portrait created in the Fall of 2022, during this visit, Isorine Marc (Alchemist at Jamii) and artist Gillian Mapp worked on a creating a series of 6 videos. Our intent was to shine a spotlight on the talented artists of the community in Pikangikum. We are incredibly grateful for the support of art teacher Vanessa Hazel at Eenchokay Birchstick School, who was instrumental in supporting us through this project. With her precious help, Isorine and Gillian are (re)connecting with the community members of Pikangikum. Morningstar Quill Filmed in both September 2022 and April 2023. In this portrait, Morningstar speaks about how photography helps her mental health as she has been dealing with grief, and how she hopes to inspire the next generation of artists, including her son. She talks about the many talents in Indigenous communities and how she is there to answer any questions people may have. Click here to watch Morningstar Quill's video portrait. Lindsay King Lindsay, who is a staff at Eenchokay Birchstick School, has written a children book, “Storyteller Skye”. In the interview, she recounts the journey to bring this book to life, its meanings, and how important representation matters. Lindsay is also sharing how her (re)learning of medicine is inspiring her next book which is about a young girl learning about plants as medicine. Click here to watch Lindsay King's video portrait. Amberlee King Amberlee shares how grief influence her work and how painting is a way to express her dreams she has visions of. She also talks about housing issues in the community and ways she thinks it could be addressed. Click here to watch Amberlee King's video portraits. Maddy King Maddy discusses how photography has given her ideas of opening her new business and inspiring other youths to find their own passion. She talks about grief and how some photos she takes represent people she has lost. She mentions alcoholism problems she sees in the community and her hope for change. Click here to watch Maddy King's video portraits. Travis G Peters Travis recounts how he picked up his first guitar and how music guided him through his life. He mentioned problems with youths and gas sniffing and how he would love to share his passion of music with them in the hope they would find a direction in their life. Click here to watch Travis G Peter's video portraits. Chief Shirley Keeper The Jamii Team was also honoured to meet with and create a portrait of Chief Shirley Keeper. Chief Shirley Keeper, in her video portrait, shares how she accepted the invitation to become Chief and how she consulted her people to make this step. She shares why it is so important to take on this role, and what some of her responsibilities are. She explains how much she cares about the young generation, especially young parents, hoping to help them through the path and parenthood and breaking cycles of grief. Click here to watch Chief Shirley Keeper's video portraits. When we traveled to Pikangikum in Fall 2022, we were honoured to be allowed to video record two stories shared by Elder Matthew Strang. He told the stories in his mother tongue, Ojibwe. Community members of Pikangikum had shared with us that stories of Elders had been captured years ago but it was lost in a fire. It was expressed that supporting capturing these stories for the community is something that would be precious to locals. During our 2022 visit, we filmed Elder Matthew Strang, who recounted a childhood memory of when there were only seven families in Pikangikum. When people heard the sound of bells coming through the forests, they hid all their precious belongings. The bells meant white men on dog sleds were coming to rob them of their rabbit fur, plant-based medicine for colds and coughs, and tools they had made. When we visited Pikangikum in April 2023, we were able to sit with Dannye Peters to work on the translation of these stories to English. With this project, the intent is to preserve these stories, as told by the Elder, and to share with the community at large, and especially with the youth. We are grateful for Dannye's time and care in doing such important work, and while Isorine and Dannye found laughter together, it was tedious work to honour Matthew's words. To animate the stories and trigger our imagination, we invited Jenna Quill to create illustrations to accompany these stories. Jenna is a young women from the community who attends Eenchokay Birchstick School. Within minutes of listening to the stories, she started drawing landscapes and women on an Ipad - and we were stunned by her natural talent. The illustrations will be integrated within the video of Matthew Strang. Local musician Travis G Peters created music to go with the story, and in all that, we aim at doing our best to honour the words and the talent at play. The intent is that this is a story that can be shared with the Eenchhokay Birchstick School students as well as in our community for all to continue learning. SUPPORTED BY INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

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 / Monday Dancing DANCING Monday 7 pm A new dance form each month! WHEN | Mondays 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 If you have a passion for dancing and a curiosity to explore various dance forms, our Monday Dancing workshops are tailored just for you. Join us throughout the year and immerse yourself in a new dance form guided by seasoned experts each month. Together, we will delve into fundamental dance techniques, explore diverse repertoires, rhythms, and musicality, all while having fun and sharing the joy of dancing. For those willing, the workshops culminate in a short dance routine presented at the Saturday Mingling night, every 4th Saturday of each month! You can choose to join us for the entire year or pick a specific monthly series that captures your interest. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED May 2025 BUTOH May 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Facilitator: Mayumi Lashbrook MORE INFO November 2024 DABKE FROM PALESTINE November 4, 11, 18, 2024 Facilitator: Mona Ayesh MORE INFO May 2024 YOSAKOI FROM JAPAN May 6 - 13 - 20, 2024 Facilitator: Takako Segawa MORE INFO April 2025 CACHARPAYA AND TINKU April 7 - 14 -21, 2025 Facilitators: Carolina Rojas, Ximena Loayza MORE INFO October 2024 IGAL FROM PHILIPPINES October 7 - 14 - 21, 2024 Facilitator: Candace Kumar MORE INFO April 2024 KUKU FROM GUINEA April 8 - 15 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Mabinty Sylla MORE INFO March 2025 LEARNING TAP DANCE March 3 - 10 - 17, 2025 Facilitator: Elise McGrenera MORE INFO September 2024 STORYBEING September 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 Facilitator: N. Jayarajan, B. Buan, R. Joshi MORE INFO March 2024 FLAMENCO FROM SPAIN March 4 - 11 - 18, 2024 Facilitator: Tamar Ilana MORE INFO February 2025 CONTEMPORARY DANCE February 3 - 10 - 17, 2025 Facilitator: Ysabel Garcia MORE INFO June 2024 AFROCARIBBEAN DANCE MOVES June 3 - 10 - 17, 2024 Facilitator: Nickeshia Garrick MORE INFO February 2024 FORRÓ FROM NORTHERN BRAZIL February 5 - 12 - 19, 2024 Facilitator: Vinicius and Joseane MORE INFO Calendar No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

VIDEO PORTRAITS I BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation Creation of a video series of locals 2024 VIDEO PORTRAITS II Amie Owen In this video portrait, Amie Owen shares the importance of preserving traditions and passing down cultural customs. As a long-time resident of Pikangikum First Nation, Amie reflects on his experiences with cultural assimilation, including attending residential schools and witnessing the influence of Catholic churches in his community. Despite these challenges, Amie has steadfastly maintained his customs and finds joy in practicing his culture and language, and in sharing them with his family. He urges his community to continue these traditions and ensure they are passed on to future generations. Click here to watch Amie's video portrait. Brent Pascal In this video portrait, Eenchokay Birchstick High School’s teacher Brent Pascal shares his experiences of using education to pass down tradition and create safe spaces for students in Pikangikum. As the native language teacher, Brent teaches students their native language which helps them maintain their cultural identity but also brings them closer to their ancestors. Brent also focuses on growing his own education so he can better facilitate the cultural reclamation of his students. As an educator Brent plays many important roles, but none is more important to him than ensuring his classroom is a safe space for all his students to express their own identities. Brent is a vital member of the Pikangikum community who works hard to help students grow closer with their culture but also provides a safe environment for them to express themselves. Click here to watch Brent's video portrait. Angel Quill In this video portrait, young adult Angel Quill, states the importance of maintaining her cultural identity and asserting that Pikangikum's Indigenous heritage is “Still Here”. Angel shares a deep compassion for her community and loved ones. She shares this by taking part in traditional activities like communal dances. Angel is also an artist and designer herself working with beads and sewing ribbon skirts. Angel is a strong example of the passionate youth who live in Pikangikum and pride themselves on maintaining their community and heritage. Click here to watch Angel's video portrait. Harold Keeper Harold Keeper is a Pikangikum resident who focuses on healing his community through passing down knowledge of traditional medicines. Harold first learned of traditional medicine through canoe rides with his grandparents. From those experiences he has cherished the value of traditional herbs and passes down his knowledge in the same way his grandparents once did. Harold created a book of traditional herbs and medicines distributed throughout Pikangikum schools. The way to cure the sick, but also maintain the cultural identity of Pikangikum can be found within these traditional medicines. Click here to watch Harold's video portrait. Amberlee King In this video portrait, Amberlee King, an artist from Pikangikum, Ontario, discusses her journey with art. She began drawing characters in her childhood, which evolved into painting landscapes and cabins. Amberlee finds peace in painting, using it as a form of self-expression. However, she has struggled with grief after losing her father in 2019, followed by her grandparents, which impacted her motivation to paint. Despite the challenges, she sees potential in teaching art and is inspired by her son, who has brought her joy and hope for the future. Click here to watch Amberlee's video portrait. Kyle Peters Kyle Peters is the education director for the Pikangikum Education Authority. He is a strong community leader who believes in the beauty and strength of Pikangikum. Kyle works to improve the perceptions and quality of education at his school for the older residents of Pikangikum, and the youth who attend his school. His passion for healing his community can be heard in this portrait: he implores others, especially parents, to put in more effort to achieve a stronger community. Kyle is adamant in the beauty within Indigenous communities and will work to see that this beauty is felt within all members of his community. Click here to watch Kyle's video portrait. Denzel Quill Denzel Quill is a young emerging photographer from Pikangikum First Nation, Ontario, Canada. In this video portrait, Denzel shares his story of building a community through photography and using photography as a tool for empowerment. Denzel found photography at an early age, and it has allowed him to express his individuality and the beauty of his town. Using this tool to uplift his own voice, Denzel has also created a community of photographers that use the artform to bond closer together. He uses photography to navigate through the hardest times of his life and to express his greatest joys, and continues to spread his message and uplift his community with his craft. Click here to watch Denzel's video portrait. INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

VISIT BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation First and Second Jamii visits to Pikangikum 2018 - 2019 VISIT Jamii first visited Pikangikum First Nation in September 2018. We were extremely grateful, humbled, and honoured for this opportunity, thanks to Asmita Pal connection to this community. We were warmly received by a community that not only opened their doors, but also their many stories to us. We met with Elder Amie Owen, who shared a meal of moose meat and bannock with us, and told us about his experiences in residential school; David, who kept an eye on us in the hotel; Lucie Strang, who shared both her experience as a Native Language teacher in both oral Ojibwe and slavics, over multiple generations in the community, as well as her gift as a star quilt maker. We also met with Shirley Keesic, who is leading Restorative Justice Circles throughout Northern Ontario communities; Walter Latt and Marvin McKay-Keenan, who are managing the impressive new school, Eenchokay Birchstick School; Daniel Keeper, the Assistant Director of Education for the Pikangikum Education Authority; gifted visual artist Mario Peters, who showed us his studio and shared his artistic process and the teachings within his work; Ryan Saunders, who works at Project Journey and facilitates outdoor education engagement and employment opportunities for local youth; Andrew Mattacchione, whose hospitality helped us feel at home; Anne Warner, who treated us to breakfast during the power outage; Last but not least, we met with Elder Matthew Strang, who was ready to share with the creation stories connected to the water, land and people of Pikangikum. Little did we knew that we would reconnect with Matthew in 2022! In a short week, we had a taste of life in Pikangikum with a busy orientation week for the 200+ teachers before the first day for students, a 2-day fishing derby, a power outage, a fiddler and country rock concert hosted at the Community Centre, a 2-day water outage, visits to the community centre, the nursing station, the school, the Northern, a walk around the lagoon, and many, many meals at the one and only restaurant in town.While the reserve faced many challenges, we were grateful to those who openly shared their heartfelt, sincere experiences living and/or working in Pikangikum. In December 2019, Jamii visited Pikangikum a second time. Our intent was to confirm with Pikamgikum, leadership the coordination of "Wind Storiees". Both Jamii's Director Isorine Marc and Indigenous Spoken Word Artist Mahlikah Awe:ri were on this trip and met with several community members to discuss how to bring this project to life in February 2020. The intent of the proposed project was to create bridges between 4 communities in Ontario by sharing our stories together. People participating in the project were invited to make a portrait of someone else in their community through creative writing, photography and visual arts. SUPPORTED BY INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

WORKSHOPS BARAZA / BARAZA PIKANGIKUM / BARAZA Pikangikum First Nation Arts Workshops in Pikangikum 2022 WORKSHOPS In 2022, from September 28th to October 9th, Isorine, along with artists Gillian Mapp and Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone traveled to Pikangikum once again and led a series of artistic workshops for the local youth - with a focus on young women. As part of these workshops, we collaborated with local artist Morningstar Quill, whose work was exhibited at our local Toronto public Library - St Lawrence branch. The photography workshops engaged 7 youth in daily two-hour workshops (for a total of 8 workshops). During these workshops, photographer Gillian Mapp and local artist Morningstar Quill had the opportunity to teach the basics on how to operate a camera and do practice sessions outside, working on both landscapes and portraits. Artists engaged the youth in exploring a theme for an exhibition, and what kind of photos they would like to explore. They chose “Nature” as a theme and the group had different outings to capture the nature surrounding Pikangikum, with a focus on both immensity and details offered all around us. The group had photographic sessions in the forest, by the water, in the quarry. Once a collection of photos the youth were proud of was produced, the group started a curation process for each youth to include three of their photos in the exhibit. As a group, they had a chance to look at the entire selection, make adjustments and decide how they would be presented to the public. Each youth contributed to the exhibition artistic statement: This exhibit is important to us as we dive into the theme of Nature and take the time to admire its beauty, its many surprises, its colors, and how alive it becomes when we take the time to listen to it. These photos were taken in and around our community and that’s important to us as it is our home. In this exhibit, we showcase powerful animals like the bear, our culture like the photo with the children’s hands painted in orange, and the way we come in and out of our community with the images of planes flying above our heads. Nature is poetry and takes us on a beautiful journey - especially at the change of seasons; within a few days, the leaves went from bright yellow to brown, and we got to capture the transformation. Nature shows us the opposite sides of beauty and the wide range of colors within it. Details like the photo with the feathers represents our culture, the beauty of our land, the wild animals and the colored leaves. Every details are here and it touches us softly, with care and with love. The wonderment of nature left us speechless but offered infinite beauty to capture with our cameras. We are proud to share this exhibit with you. The rhythmic gymnastics workshops, led by Isorine Marc, were a movement-based exploration getting comfortable with our bodies, learning how to stretch and strengthened our core, explore coordination, choreography, musicality, hoops artistic decoration and collective performance. 15 girls (10-yrs old) were committed to daily 2-hr workshops (for a total of 8 workshops) that culminated in creating a 3-min choreography that was presented to the community on October 8th alongside the photographic exhibition. We visited Pikangikum during Cultural Break, which is a time of the year when the school is closed and locals go to their cabins to hunt before the Winter. During Culture Break, some community members are left behind with nothing to do (especially that there is no school during that time). Fortunately, the school opened its doors to us so that we could run workshops. The 15 young ones who were involved in Rhythmic Gymnastics were grateful for the opportunity as they had nothing else to do during that time. They were very proud to showcase their performances to their parents on the last day. Artist Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone offered a variety of workshops to adults and youths including drumming circle, hand drum making workshops and birthing ceremony, visual arts and craft. 5 youths and 5 adults participated in these workshops which created a safe space “to be”. In total, we offered 23 2-hrs workshops during out visit. CULMINATION: The workshop series culminated in a presentation to the community On October 7th, which was attended by Chief Shirley Keeper and the vice-principal of our partnering school Eenchockay Public School, along with 30 community members. During the presentation, our young participants had the opportunity to share their movement-based routine (rhythmic gymnastics), and our youth presented their photo exhibition to the community. The project was very well received and open doors for continued collaborations. SUPPORTED BY INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / CRAFTING NIGHTS / Photos by Isorine Marc

COMMUNITY PROJECTS / PARTNERSHIPS / DRAWINGTO DRAWINGTO Visual Art Workshops PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTISTS Ongoing 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 Photo Credit Unknown Juliana Bandeira Juliana is a Sagittarian, a mother, and never says no to a good book with some cake and a (large) cup of coffee. She always keeps a notebook close by to capture ideas that pop up out of nowhere and deeply believes in the beauty of genuine connections with people. Passionate about feminism, culture, and art, she’s constantly diving into new research and sources of inspiration. Monday to Friday she’s a Senior Graphic Designer at OOSTF/FEESO and an illustrator, bringing vibrant colors, lines, and stories to life. Luiza Albertini Luiza is a Brazilian-born, Toronto-based artist, architect, and illustrator who just can’t resist playing with colors, textures, and new materials. From digital prints to watercolor splashes to cozy textile art, she loves experimenting and turning ideas into something you can see, feel, and connect with. She also helps people bring their own visions to life—because creativity is more fun when it’s shared. A curious traveler, Luiza never goes anywhere without her sketchbook—capturing the scenes, places, and little moments that inspire her along the way. Taurus sun, Pisces moon. Rock climber, adventure seeker. Forever chasing the perfect croissant + coffee combo.

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 Photo by Laura Dittmann About Curtia Wright: Curtia Wright is a multidisciplinary Fine Artist, Mural Artist and Arts Educator based in Toronto, Ontario. She received her BFA at OCAD University in the Drawing and Painting program in 2015. Her murals fuse elements of fantasy, sci-fi and surrealism with vibrant transportive colours used to animate their environments. Her work uses the human figure to showcase narratives often centering around her lived experience. The work she creates looks at mental health, metaphysics, and the ephemerality of dreams and memory through a sci-fi lens. She has collaborated on public art projects with Community organizations, Commercial and Private mural commissions across Canada and Internationally. About Brussaux Art Group: Brussaux Art Group, founded by multidisciplinary artist and advocate Sophie Brussaux, is a Toronto-based creative collective that merges art, sustainability, and technology to drive social impact. The group has partnered with institutions like the UN and GoChain, and has been featured in Forbes for its work in using creativity to influence positive change. Brussaux Art Group has a strong presence in Toronto’s cultural scene and a mission to amplify underrepresented voices through visual art and storytelling. Find out more: Brussaux Art Group About Sisters Circle: Sister’s Circle is a Toronto-based organization that empowers Black and racialized Muslim girls and women through workshops and support services. They foster personal growth, cultural connections, and mental wellness in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Founded to create a dedicated space where women are truly seen and heard, Sister’s Circle is committed to empowerment, cultural enrichment, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of young Black women. Find out more: Sister's Circle

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

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 Photo by Iris Unlu