Wayo is a children’s festival produced and presented by Jamii. It is the ultimate compensation for all the live art children and young audiences have been deprived off lately. The three day festival gives attendees an intimate multi-arts experience through a journey of performances at Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage’s Berkeley Theatre. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations Celebrating Indigenous peoples and cultures since 2019 in The Esplanade! WHEN JUNE 21, 2025 SHOW TIMES TBD WHERE DAVID CROMBIE PARK More to come for the 7th annual celebrations in 2025! The National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration takes place on June 21st at David Crombie Park and Jamii has been celebrating it since 2019! Every year this event brings the community together to honor Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contributions through live performances, art exhibitions, storytelling, and more. Experience the richness of Indigenous music, dance, and art, while learning about the heritage and resilience of Indigenous peoples. This event is a chance for all ages to come together in solidarity, reflection, and joy. CHECK OUT PREVIOUS YEARS' OF INDIGENOUS DAY CELEBRATIONS 2024 MORE INFO 2020 MORE INFO 2023 MORE INFO 2019 MORE INFO 2022 MORE INFO 2021 MORE INFO

2023/05 < Back to Events Diversity of the African Culture through Music Live Event - Musical performance and discussion May 5, 2023 The Jamii Hub Waleed Abdulhamid, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, producer and film-maker, took the audience on a journey diving into the diversity of the African culture through music, and exploring how it has influenced modern music and songs, from Jazz to Pop. Waleed shared different ways to play rhythms, as well as how the rhythms shape composition and performance sensibilities. Waleed was accompanied by Sarah Lounsbury, on keys. CREDITS: Live music and host: Waleed Abdulhamid. Accompanied by Sarah Lounsbury on keys. WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

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

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade is home to a new dance form guided by Toronto dance artists each month. Join our dance workshops and enjoy being around a community! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / BOOK CLUB / REUNITING WITH STRANGERS - OCTOBER 2024 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Book Club REUNITING WITH STRANGERS October 2024 October 8, 2024 Facilitator: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio Join us on Tuesday October 8th at 7pm, for a fascinating conversation on the impacts of separation and reunification many families deal with, with a focus on Filipino communities. Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio will share her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers , with you along with her experience as a community worker supporting with over 1200 Filipino youth. Using a mix of humour and heart, Jennilee will share her journey from the settlement sector to the publishing world, and lead a discussion geared towards community-minded readers and aspiring writers. Reuniting with Strangers connects closely with the theme of TEKA LANG because the book was created due to a need for self-care under the pressures of frontline work. Reuniting with Strangers , which was longlisted for Canada Reads 2024, named one of CBC's Best Books of 2023, and was a finalist for the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award and the 2024 Toronto Book Awards. A fascinating conversation you don't want to miss! We will also share Filipino childhood snacks mentioned in the book. Readers are encouraged to read the whole novel before this session. If you are short on time, readers can focus on Chapters 1, 7, 8, and 9. Reuniting with Strangers is available in print and e-book at the Toronto Public Library , independent bookstores such as Queen Books , and more retailers . REGISTER NOW! Photos by Jeeya Gandhi Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio After working in multiple school boards as a settlement worker, public speaker, and researcher, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio founded Filipino Talks-- a program that builds bridges between educators and Filipino families. Her work with 1200+ Filipino youth inspired her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers, which was longlisted for Canada Reads 2024, named one of CBC's Best Books of 2023, and was a finalist for the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Writers Award and the 2024 Toronto Book Awards. Photo Credit: Unknown

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

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nicola Pantin Dancer website Nicola Pantin is an independent dance artist, choreographer and dance instructor based in Toronto, Canada. << BACK TO ARTISTS

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

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

The Jamii Hub on The Esplanade, Toronto is home to sewing workshops on Wednesdays! Open for beginners to intermediate, come connect with fellow enthusiasts! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / Wednesday Sewing SEWING Wednesday 7 pm Beginner and Intermediate Sewing Workshops WHEN | Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm - Check the dates below for each month's sessions 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 Explore the art of sewing in our weekly workshops. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hand, join us for hands-on sessions guided by skilled instructor Anita Boey. Acquire essential sewing skills, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and relish a supportive environment. We provide fabric, and you're welcome to bring your own. Come with your curiosity, and let's sew together! IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Each month we work on different projects. Registered participants shall commit to all four workshops to complete the project. REGISTER NOW May 2025 PATCHWORK PADDED TOTE BAG April 30 - May 7 - 14 - 21, 2025 Artist: Mariam Ahmad MORE INFO November 2024 TWO-TONE DRESS WITH BELT Oct 30 - Nov 6 - 13 - 20, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO May 2024 KIMONO-STYLE CARDIGAN May 5 - 12 - 19 - 26, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO April 2025 AGUAYO MINI PURSE April 9, 16, 23 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO October 2024 BUCKET HAT AND BANDANA Oct 2 - 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO April 2024 MOTHERLAND CIRCLE TOP April 7 - 14 21 28, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO March 2025 QUILTED PILLOWCASE SET February 26 - March 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO September 2024 HOODED SCARF Sept 4 - 11 - 18 - 25, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO March 2024 MIGRATION WRAP TOP March 3 - 10 - 17 - 24, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO February 2025 MIRROR BAG Jan 29 - Feb 5 - 12 - 19, 2025 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO June 2024 WRAP SKIRT June 2 - 9 - 16 - 23, 2024 Artist: Mariam Ahmad MORE INFO February 2024 FREE STYLE February 4 - 11, 2024 Artist: Anita Boey MORE INFO Calendar No events at the moment UPCOMING DATES

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

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

2021/06 < Back to Events Écoute pour voir CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

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:

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

Culture Cloths HEADWRAPS - MARCH 2025 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / CULTURE CLOTHS / DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Culture Cloths HEADWRAPS March 2025 March 11, 2025 Lead Artist: Sharon Zarita Adhiambo Headwraps have long been more than just a fashion statement. Across cultures, they symbolize identity, heritage, resistance, and self-expression. Worn with pride, headwraps tell stories of belonging, defiance, spirituality, and resilience. For this edition of Culture Cloths, we invite you to a conversation that unfolds through fabric. Join us as we explore the deep cultural and historical significance of headwraps in a community-engaged talk moderated by Sabrine S. Hakam with guest speaker and March Cycle lead artist by Sharon Zarita Adhiambo. This is an experience for anyone interested in the cultural and historical significance of headwraps—whether you wear them, admire them, or simply want to learn more. Open to everyone 16+, with a special welcome to fashion enthusiasts and cultural explorers. No materials are needed—just bring your curiosity! Come for the conversation, stay for the connections (and of course, tea and snacks!). Culture Cloths is part of Jamii's March Cycle evolved around lead artist Sharon Zarita Adhiambo’s theme "Grounded", which includes workshops like Monday Dancing, Tuesday Creative Writing, Tuesday Book Club, Wednesday Sewing, Thursday Crafting, Thursday Painting, and Friday Singing. “Through these workshops, we let art and community exchanges guide the discovery of what grounds us, or what we need to find grounding on, and pass this discovery to someone else's journey.” - Sharon Zarita Adhiambo. REGISTER NOW Photos by Afnan Yakot, Jae Yang Sharon Zarita Adhiambo | Instagram Sharon Zarita Adhiambo is a Kenyan arts administrator, consultant and creative leader whose heart beats for holistic development of people and communities through artistic experiences. Zarita has worked in the arts sector in Kenya and Canada producing projects centered on self expression, social integration, and cultural celebration. Her work is grounded in creating barrier-free spaces where everyone can explore the artist in them while remaining authentic in their identity and stories. Apart from being an arts worker, she strengthens the industry as a mentor and advocate for arts progression. Zarita holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Humber College and is currently the Arts Program Officer at Assembly Hall, City of Toronto. She is also the founder of Sekoya East Africa, a non-profit that provides emerging crafters and other artists in Kenya accessible professional development resources and mentorship to advance their careers locally, produce artwork with a global influence and have a peer community to belong to. Since 2019, she has worked with Jamii in various capacities and projects with the most recent being The Little Esplanade. She is delighted to join Jamii’s community this March as a guest curator alongside other incredible artists.  Sabrine S. Hakam | Instagram Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

The Jamii Hub turns into a creative writing sanctuary once a month on Tuesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / CREATIVE WRITING / EXPLORING OUR EMOTIONS - SEPTEMBER 2024 DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Creative Writing September 2024 EXPLORING OUR EMOTIONS September 24, 2024 Facilitator: Asha P Exploring our emotions through creative writing Asha P sees stories in everything, embodies stories in all her art practices whether acting or writing. Join a 2-hour session where participants will be led through the journeys our emotions and thoughts take through the art of writing. Participants will get to see their stories come alive on paper, enjoy the senses as they form into words creating an immersive experience. REGISTER NOW Photos by Shaimaa Yakout Asha P is a writer, dancer, theatre artist with a successful career in Arts management. She is the bestselling author of two poetry books that gained international fame. Her acting career spans many theatre productions on Canadian stage as well as short films. Asha has experience educating youth through the arts and she volunteers her time to raise awareness about mental and emotional health. Photo Credit: Unknown

MULTICULTURAL DAY CELEBRATIONS / 2022 MULTICULTURAL DAY Jamii's Annual Celebrations Celebrating Cultures: A Tribute to Canadian Multiculturalism Day! 2022 4th Annual Event of Celebrating Cultures June 27, 2022 David Crombie Park | The Esplanade & Princess St In light of nationally recognized Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Jamii invited community members to engage with the rhythm and sounds of music and dance from various parts of the world. The event included dance by Ballet Creole accompanied by Carribean steel pan music by Trevor Redhead and Susette Vidale, Japanese Yosakoi dance led by Takako Segawa and performed by Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team, Indigenous hoop dancing by Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat, and clarinet performence by Majd Sekkar. The event was wrapped up with a photo exhibit unveiling by Murphy Owusu and panel discussion with the photographer who responded to our 2022 season theme "Water is Memory" through the lens of his camera. In Partnership with Video and Edit by Recro Digital Marketing "Water No Get Enemy"Photo Exhibition Jamii produced and unveiled a photo exhibition featuring Murphy Owusu's work as part of Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrations in David Crombie Park. This exhibition, presented from June to December 2022, is a selection of 8 photos and it takes us on a journey with Murphy as he reflects on his travels from his home country Ghana, to São Tomé, Ethiopia, and Turtle Island. Through his lens, Murphy reminds us that, despite colonial legacies that separate us from it, we are a part of Nature – the land, its waters and other-than-human life forms. Visit Water No Get Enemy for more information about the photo exhibition! CREDITS Live at the Kisanii Hub Produced & Presented by Jamii Jamii Team: Afnan Yakot, Hadeal Karrar, Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Maysam Ghani, Nadifa Daud Mohamed, Yusra Yacout Host: TrudyLee Gayle "Water No Get Enemy" Photo Exhibit: Murphy Owusu Live Performer: Trevor Redhead, Suzette Vidale, Allan Ramsaran Dancer: Ballet Creole Japanese Yosakoi Dance: Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team Clarinet: Majd Sekkar Indigenous Hoop Dance: Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat Stage Manager: Julia Beaulieu Event Photographer: Abel Tesfaldet Event Videographer: Recro Digital Marketing Photos by Abel Tesfaldet, Delphy Photography

Culture Cloths STORYBEING - SEPTEMBER 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / TUESDAY DISCOVERING / CULTURE CLOTHS / DISCOVERING Tuesday 7 pm Culture Cloths STORYBEING September 2024 September 17, 2024 Lead Artist: Nova Bhattacharya A sari is more than a piece of fabric; it is a woven tapestry of culture, heritage, and family history. It can carry stories passed down through generations, reflecting the traditions, values, and artistry of the region from which it originates. In this edition of Culture Cloths , we explore the world of saris and the intricate stories they tell. REGISTER NOW Photos by Ghader Bsmar, Jae Yang Sabrine S. Hakam | Instagram Sabrine S. Hakam is a Toronto-based artist and thinker whose style of symbolism-infused portraits foster discussions on identity, representation, and power. Sabrine holds a PhD in Geography (Arts) from King’s College London, as well as an MSc in Urbanisation and Development from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, and a BSc from New York University. Her work situates itself at the nexus of academia and art in order to humanize the subjects of academic work. Photo by Sabrine S. Hakam

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Nickeshia Garrick Dancer, Choreographer, Director website Nickeshia Garrick is a settler on the stolen land of Tkaronto and has performed on this land for over 25 years. They are unapologetically a Black, Queer Artist, who believes in the healing power of breath through raw emotion and movement. Nickeshia received their dance training at the NYIDE (New York Institution of Dance and Education), National Ballet School of Canada (Tkaronto), Toronto Dance Theatre (Tkaronto), and Simon Fraser University (Vancouver). Nickeshia is a Dora Mavor Moore, winning and multi-nominated artist who holds a BFA in Dance from Simon Fraser University and is a Movement Teacher at the Toronto Film School. << BACK TO ARTISTS

2019/07 < Back to Events Drag Queen Story Time CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

October 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / MONDAY DANCING / IGAL FROM PHILIPPINES -OCTOBER 2024 DANCING Monday 7 pm A new dance form each month! October 2024 IGAL FROM PHILIPPINES October 7 - 14 - 21, 2024 Facilitator: Candace Kumar Discovering Igal Dance Candace Kumar is offering a series of creative Filipino cultural dance workshops rooted in Igal dance. Igal is a meditative dance form originating from the Sama Indigenous communities across the Philippines and Maritime Southeast Asia. Igal connects us to land and the environment around us, encouraging us to slow down, move intentionally and listen to our breath. Participants will be guided through a sensory meditation, and exploratory movement exercises, and will learn a short structured piece. Embodying the theme TEKA LANG, come explore slowing down in the community and movement! We expect you to come and join us to discover (or explore further) Igal dance in this series of unique dance workshops for all levels. REGISTER NOW Photos by Jae Yang, Hadeal Karrar Candace Kumar Candace is a Filipino cultural dance artist, educator and choreographer. She has trained for over 18 years in Filipino dance, researching and performing diverse styles from all across the Philippines. Candace has toured throughout North America and Europe, sharing and teaching Filipino dance traditions. Her work aims to reimagine traditional dance forms from the Canadian diaspora. As a diasporic artist, Candace believes cultural dance can guide us through the future as we navigate life on land that is not our ancestral home. Photo Credit: Unknown

2019/10 < Back to Events I am me. I am heart CREDITS: WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / EXPLORING KAPWA - SEPTEMBER 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights EXPLORING KAPWA September 2024 September 12, 2024 Facilitator: Blessyl Buan Exploring "Kapwa" through painting This workshop welcomes all with endless opportunities for self-discovery! Multi-disciplinary artist Blessyl Buan’s visual art draws inspiration from Philippine Indigenous traditions and the concept of "Kapwa" – the intricate interplay between Self, Community, Nature, and the Cosmos. Join Blessyl for a creative painting class that promises to be engaging and inspiring, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore these profound themes through hands-on artistic expression. You will begin with embodied movement to connect to the Land and transfer that energy into drawing and acrylic painting: Dive into a world of colors and strokes, letting your inner artist run wild on the canvas. Next you will write down what you wish to see in the future for the collective and for yourself, weaving this intention into painting. As you create, you will learn the intricate art and tradition of the Banig (Philippine Mat) and create a masterpiece that tells your unique story. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Blessyl Buan, a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and visual artist, crafts colourful interdisciplinary works echoing rhythm, movement, and land-based spirituality. With a Kinesiology degree (2001) and a Chiropractic doctorate (2005), her academic background provides a deep understanding of the human body. Blessyl combines in her practice both her academic backgound with over two decades of professional dance experience. Photo Credit: Unknown

The Jamii Hub turns into a movie and performance sanctuary on Wednesdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / WEDNESDAY WATCHING / COMING SOON - OCTOBER 2024 WATCHING Wednesday 7 pm Live performances, films and documentaries Coming Soon! October 2024 October 9, 16, 23 Lead: Stay tuned We are currently working on the content for this program and will update this page as soon as we are ready to share the exciting happenigns with you! Please stay tuned. REGISTER NOW Photos by Isorine Marc, Karen Lam The artist's bio coming soon! Stay tuned.

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Brescia Nember Reid Puppetry website Brescia is a queer multifaceted artist and birthworker, with a focus on large-scale shadow puppetry and paper cut-outs. Passionate about community and local arts, Brescia has worked solo and in collaboration on projects with Summerworks Performance Festival, Buddies in Bad Times, Victoria Mata Productions & Aluna Theatre, and more. She/They was one of the minds behind Mudlark, the theatrical shadow puppetry performance Jamii perfermed on December 2023, and described the history of a young girl who seeks a place to call home among the enchanting stories of the Esplanade neighbourhood. << BACK TO ARTISTS

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

2011 - present International Arts Experience 2011 - present With dance/theatre company CORPUS With the support of individual donations from The Esplanade community, Maysam, Pauline and Kai were offered the amazing opportunity to travel to the other side of the planet with professional artists, attending international arts events (festivals, showcases, community performances, workshops...). The three youth joined the company on tour alongside Isorine Marc. These life-changing experiences were unique cultural and artistic opportunities to explore, learn and grow. Upon their return to The Esplanade, Maysam, Pauline and Kai shared their experiences with their families, classmates and the local community-at-large. A lot of gratitude to all the donors who brought these experiences to life. Kai - 2017 - South Africa Pauline - 2015 - China Maysam - 2011 - Cambodia

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Jonelle Sills Opera Singer website 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. << BACK TO ARTISTS

"Wind Stories" invited residents of 4 communities to create "portraits" of fellow community members. These portraits started with a one-on-one conversation and materialize through photography, visual arts and creative writing.  Wind Stories 2018 - 2019 - 2020 Toronto READ MORE Pikangikum Island READ MORE Wolfe Island READ MORE Wawa and Michipicoten Firts Nation READ MORE In September & October 2018, with the intent to build new bridges between 5 communities in Ontario through the arts and community engagement, the Jamii team visited Pikangikum First Nation, Wawa, Michicipoten First Nation and Wolfe Island. We visited each community with an open mind to allow organic conversations. Our intent was to listen and share our journey with local community arts organizations, meet people, artists and community activists and potentially create something wonderful together in a near future. Why these communities? Because three Esplanadians have strong ties in each of them: Darren Marshall is from Wawa, Asmita Pal taught in Pikangikum and Kerryn Graham lived with her family in Wolfe Island. All three are our ambassadors on this project and act as connectors between all our people to create genuine dialogue. Indigenous spoken word artist Mahlikah Awe:ri, Enml'ga't Saqama'sgw has been accompanying Isorine Marc, Executive and Artistic Director of Jamii, along with the ambassadors on each of the visits to these 4 communities. From this initial visit, Jamii invited each community to take part in an intra-provincial artistic collaboration between our 5 communities. Together, we would bring to life "Wind Stories". This project invites residents of each community to create "portraits" of fellow community members. These portraits start with a one-on-one conversation and materialize through photography, visual arts and creative writing. In November 2019, the Jamii team (composed of Isorine Marc, Darren Marshall, Georgia Reynolds, artist Kara Spencer and artist Dan Bergeron) traveled to Wawa to create the first 22 portraits of the project. The project was enthusiastically received by the community ending in a celebration on November 16th at the Lakeview Hotel with 60 people in attendance, sharing their portraits and experience through the project. In both November and December, the Jamii team (Isorine Marc, Kerryn Graham, Scarlett Graham, artist Kara Spencer and artist Andrew Patterson) traveled to Wolfe Island. More than 50 people have been involved in the project on the island with a beautiful series of portraits created. In February 2020, the project took place in Toronto where 22 Esplanadians created portraits of neighbours, friends, and family members. We completed the project with a get-together at Performing Arts Lodge, sharing the portraits with each other. The portraits were displayed at the Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre on February 13th and 15th 2020. The Jamii team (Isorine Marc, photographer Gillian Mapp, spoken word artist Mahlikah Awe:ri) visited Pikangikum from February 18 to 28 2020. 18 portraits were created by students of the Eenchokay Birchstick School and community members. We were warmly received and honored to spend time creating together. This project was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council. The WInd Stories exhibit was first presented at the Canadian Opera Company in February 2020 to hundreds of youth and their parents. In the Summer and Fall of 2020, Wind Stories, was first presented in Toronto then in Wawa and next Wolfe Island. In Toronto, the exhibit was displayed in Crombie Park and St James Park, on June 29th, July 17th, July 18th, July 24th and 25th. In parallel to the exhibit, we invited 8 artists from Toronto to bring these portraits to life through the creation of a series of mini-performances inspired by some of the portraits. Here is a video of the live streaming of one of these performances: https://www.facebook.com/Jamii.ESP/videos/3101391096612028 We then reconnected with our contacts in Wawa and Wolfe Island and together decided to bring the exhibit to these communities in September. In each of these two communities, we invited 8 local artists to repeat the wonderful experience we had in Toronto by choosing a portrait and bringing it to life through dance, musical and visual performances. We had about 100 audience members in Wawa and 50 in Wolfe Island. These performances were also streamed online: Wawa: https://www.facebook.com/Jamii.ESP/videos/3348335508584251 Wolfe Island: https://www.facebook.com/Jamii.ESP/videos/3364122230338912

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

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

OUTDOOR EVENTS / ITINERANT PERFORMANCES - 2020 Itinerant performances 2020 As you may guess, since 2020, COVID-19 has shaken Jamii to its core values by greatly limiting social connection. At Jamii, we believe it is our social responsibility to care for our community during such extraordinary times. With the intent of keeping our social cohesion vibrant and contribute to our neighbours' mental health, Jamii continues to offer a series of free live performances to your doorstep. In the Spring of 2020, Jamii’s mobile theatre, the Kisanii Hub, traveled the residential streets of The Esplanade neighbourhood in the early evening, while delivering a musical performances. March 30th: Domanique Grant April 1: Leen Hamo & Iman Abdul Razzak - co-presented with Canadian Stage April 3: Jeremiah Sparks - co-presented with Soulpepper Theatre Company April 6: Sara Luey April 21: Johnny Toronto April 23: Alessandro Montelli - co-presented with Canadian Stage May 3rd: Jeremiah Sparks - co-presented with Canadian Stage, in partnership with Building Roots May 13th: Lua Shayenne & Cece Haba - co-presented with Canadian Stage, sponsored by RBC May 20th: Arlene Paculan - co-presented with Canadian Stage, sponsored by RBC June 4th: Cleon Wong, Ayelen Liberona, Malavika Santhosh, Ekaterina - co-presented with Canadian Stage, sponsored by RBC No outside gatherings took place during these performances, as neighbours were encouraged to watch from their home windows, balconies, doorsteps or front yard. The Kisanii Hub rode by at a slow pace for all to enjoy the magic of music, while celebrating the importance of staying home during these extraordinary times, practicing physical distancing and slowing down the spread of COVID-19. However, people were encouraged to make some noise as we passed by. We hoped to uplift the spirits and contribute to better mental health for us all as we face the challenges of social isolation. Back then, we believed that such live itinerant performances had the potential to trigger a wide range of heartening emotions, encouraging a sense of community while generally letting people know that we were here for each other. We could not cover every single streets of our community, but we are always trying our best to cover as many as possible. Keep an ear out for musical magic happening in your street! The Kisanii Hub was produced in 2019 by Jamii. Jamii is grateful for the support of the diverse organization who contributed to bring this project to life: Canadian Heritage - financial support Canada Council for the Arts - financial support Laneway Project - financial support Charlie Freewheels - cargo bike donation St Lawrence Market BIA - financial support St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association - financial support A special thank you to all those who contributed to make this project possible, including: Isorine Marc - Original Idea (first as a Roulotte (2014), then Caboose (2015) then Kisanii Hub (2018)) Jacque Fortier - Original Concept Caboose CORPUS Dance Projects - Co-production for the Original Concept as a Caboose Arnaud Vidal - Contribution to original design for the Kisanii Hub Raji Aujla - Consulting for the Kisanii Hub Gurpreet Ghana - Consulting for the Kisanii Hub Arthur Klimowicz - Consulting for the Kisanii Hub Fred Dilkes - Consulting for the Kisanii Hub Vindent's Custom Ebikes & Batteries - Building of the bike trailer & install of e-power for the Kisanii Hub Andrew Patterson - Artwork for both cargo and trailer for the Kisanii Hub Jamii is grateful for the financial support of the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association who supports visibility for artists local to the St Lawrence Neighbourhood. Jamii is honored to be co-presenting some of seven performances with Canadian Stage , our local theatre. Jamii is proud to have RBC as a sponsor for three of these performances. Supported by PHOTO CREDITS

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:

April 2024 INDOOR ACTIVITIES / MONDAY DANCING / KUKU FROM GUINEA - APRIL 2024 DANCING Monday 7 pm A new dance form each month! April 2024 KUKU FROM GUINEA April 8 - 15 - 22, 2024 Facilitator: Mabinty Sylla Join us to learn the basic steps and movements of Kuku, a traditional West African dance from Guinea. Originally danced by women celebrating the fishing harvest, Kuku has evolved into a popular rhythm featured at various festivals, including full moon celebrations. This women's dance is performed in a circle, and under the guidance of dancer Mabinty Sylla, participants will delve into not only the steps and rhythms but also the cultural significance of this traditional art form. For those inclined, participants will have the opportunity to share a short choreography at our Thursday Mingling event on May 2nd. REGISTER NOW Photos by Isorine Marc, Mariana Hernendez Mabinty Sylla Originally from West Africa Guinea, Mabinty Sylla has been dancing in Africa for sixteen years, beginning her dance training at the age of 12 in Conakry with Mamadouba Camara her dance instructor, who is the first soloist for the Ballet Djoliba and former soloist for the Ballet Africans-two of West Africa’s most respected traditional groups. Also she learnt and performed with a group Ballet Tayelly directed by Fode Gassama. She moved to Toronto Canada since 2008 and continued her dancing & networking in Toronto with associations such as A.F.C.Y.. ..now named vibe arts and Lula Lounge french schools african dance program. She has presented her work in most of Canada’s provinces and cities e.g sunfest London Ontario and Halifax African festival. In Toronto she performs at numerous festivals such as Afro Fest from 2009 to the present and Muhtadi International Drumming. She also performs in most of the mega-city's African and Caribbean cultural programs such as Oshawa African Pavilion fiesta week, Carrisaga, Habari African Festival at Harbour Front and is a member of the extraordinary Okavango orchestra. Mabinty Sylla teaches and choreograph West African dancing in many areas e.g. schools and community programs, she also does private workshops for individuals and groups. Instagram Photo Credit: Unknown

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:

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

< Back to Artists page featured at Jamii's events & workshops Artists Erin Ademoglu Arts Facilitator website Erin Ademoğlu weaves elagance through the wreckage of forgotten factories and graveyards of oyr favourite things. Handcrafted jewelry for women and men. Wearable. Modern & timeless. -Basic Jewellery workshops are available for educational centers and parties for all ages. -Jewelry Styles and techniques: Up-cycled, costume, lost wax carving and silver smiting . << BACK TO ARTISTS

Summer 2022 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ THE RED CHAIR SESSIONS THE RED CHAIR SESSIONS Summer 2022 Summer 2022 As part of Jamii's 5th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations Exhibited at The Esplanade & Princess St. David Crombie Park Nadya Kwandibens’ The Red Chair Sessions showcases Indigenous Peoples inextricable relationships to the land, ancestral bloodlines and waterways through a striking series of portraits. The photo exhibition, unveiled on National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21, 2022, is a selection of 8 portraits from the wider series. This selection was made with the intent to highlight the importance of water, memory and intergenerational stories. Unveiled on Monday, June 21, 2022 On display from June to November 2022 Filmed and Edited by Recro Digital Marketing Jamii Statement: Jamii’s 2022 theme is titled “Water is Memory”. It is an invitation to (re)connect the memory cells of water to the stories of our community. In “water” we recognize and honour that our neighbourhood, the Esplanade, was under water less than 200 years ago, and the meaning of “Esplanade” is “boardwalk by the water”. We also embrace the unseen waters that bring life to our surroundings as we acknowledge the river that crosses underneath our community. This theme is an opportunity to bring “water” to the forefront of our programming, addressing both issues of environmental degradation, climate change and access or lack thereof to clean drinkable water in many Indigenous communities across so-called Canada, such as our partnering community in Pikangikum First Nation. In “memory”, we dive into exploring how the shared and life-changing memories we create with our community can impact and enhance social cohesion and health outcomes of our community members. You belong to a community if you share its collective memories and thus, memory works as an important agent of social cohesion. All of the artists and contributors to Jamii’s 2022 season are invited to enrich this theme with their own perspective and interpretation. Nadya Kwandibens’, The Red Chair Series showcases Indigenous Peoples inextricable relationships to the land, ancestral bloodlines and waterways through a striking series of portraits. The photo exhibition is a selection of 8 portraits from the wider series. This selection was made with the intent to highlight the importance of water, memory and intergenerational stories. About Photographer Nadya Kwandibens: Nadya Kwandibens is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario. She is an award winning self-taught portrait and events photographer, a Canon Ambassador, and has travelled extensively across Canada for over 10 years. In 2008 she founded Red Works Photography. Red Works is a dynamic photography company empowering contemporary Indigenous lifestyles and cultures through photographic essays, features, and portraits. Red Works specializes in natural light portraiture and headshots sessions plus event and concert photography. Red Works also provides image licensing, workshops, presentations and print products. Nadya’s photography has been exhibited in group and solo shows across Canada and the United States. In 2018, Nadya won the Ontario Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Award. Jurors stated, “Nadya is an intrepid, ground-breaking and influential artist. She has brought an Indigenous voice to portrait photography that recontextualizes images and shows us our true selves.” In addition to commissioned works, Nadya delivers empowering photography workshops and presentations for youth, universities, and community groups. She currently resides in Tkarón:to on Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga of the Credit River & Dish With One Spoon Territory. Filmed and Edited by Recro Digital Marketing Artistic Statement by Nadya Kwandibens: The Red Chair Sessions is an ongoing open-call portraiture series that places importance on the acknowledgement and reclamation of Indigenous lands and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. This series ultimately disrupts colonial narratives, centres Indigenous Peoples who have been here since time immemorial, and reminds us that we are all guests on Indigenous land. The colour red represents Indigenous Peoples on the Medicine Wheel and, in this series, signifies Indigenous Peoples’ inherent connection to the land and to ancestral bloodlines. Whether sitting on or standing beside the red chair, one feels grounded and firmly rooted; the act itself and the resulting portrait serves as a reminder of our responsibility to steward the lands upon which we walk. Accompanying each photograph is text in the subjects’ respective Indigenous language, or a mix of languages, and can include: names gifted/given in ceremony (written in either English or syllabics), the Nation to which they belong, and the placenames of traditional and Treaty areas that each session occurs. In this way, Indigenous voices are amplified and become a refusal of the colonizer’s language while pointing out the erasure of Indigenous history. The series is also a celebration honouring the many achievements of Indigenous Peoples and presents a positive perspective for future generations. Supported by:

2015 Forty-One 2015 A book, a mural, a dance performance & a visual exhibition The BOOK "Forty-One Neighbours" From our immediate neighbors to people living in neighboring countries, there are unique, moving and beautiful stories to be discovered, to be shared, and to be enlivened. Each story is a component of an ensemble. Written by 53 students from The Esplanade , FORTY-ONE Neighbours is a portrait book of 41 people, each one currently living in one of the countries participating in the 2015 Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Am Games and having a personal link to The Esplanade neighbourhood. 39 photographers from the Americas participated in the project. 600 copies were printed and distributed locally and internationally. After its launch on April 14th, 2015, FORTY-ONE Neighbours became a source of inspiration for a visual arts installation, a dance performance and a mural project – all unveiled in our park on July 4th 2015. Credits Book creative team: Curator: Isorine Marc Project Coordinator: Zoie Browne Editorial Coordinator: Rosemary Doyle Graphic Designer: Joseph Harbans Cover illustration: Yasmin Harris International Outreach Coordinator: Kerryn Graham Translator: Alvaro Blanch Co-produced by Jamii & CORPUS; In partnership with St Lawrence Market BIA , St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association , St Lawrence Recreation Centre , Toronto Public Library -St Lawrence Branch , Young People’s Theatre , St Michael’s Catholic School, Market Lane Public School, Canada Running Series , Prologue to the Performing Arts , Berkeley Castle ; With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation , Ontario Ignite, Ontario Arts Council , Toronto Arts Council . Partnering schools: St Michael’s Catholic School Market Lane Public School FORTY-ONE embarked Esplanadians on a one-of-a-kind journey that contributes to defining our common identity and embracing our differences. The MURAL"Forty-One" To all the constellations that shine above us, wherever we may be. This mural embraces our neighbours from all point of the compass. In spite of the physical distance, we all remain connected. Inspired by the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours”, a mural was created during an 8-week process under artistic leadership of Nick Sweetman. Seven Esplanadian painters designed and painted the mural at the “Circle/Stonehenge” (The Esplanade & Frederick St). It represents all landmasses in a mixed arrangement, with 41 dots spread throughout and all connected to each other by a ribbon. The artists involved in this project celebrated our connections in spite of physical distance. Artistic Team: Lead artist: Nick Sweetman Esplanadians: Suzanne Barnes, Kerryn Graham, Marina Hanacek, Andrew Patterson, Julian Periquet, Dan Philips, Ivan Blagojevic, Diana Portokalidis Curator: Isorine Marc Project Coordinator: Zoie Browne Produced by Jamii @jamiiesplanade The DANCE"Forty-One" Based on the concept of ÉCOUTE POUR VOIR, each dance solo was inspired by a portrait from the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours”. This dance performance was presented on July 4th on The Esplanade, at the opening of the St Lawrence Market on July 11th, and at the Ontario Celebration Zone at the Harbourfront Centre on both July 11th and 13th. Artistic and Community team: Original concept: Emmanuel Jouthe/Danse Carpe Diem Lead artists: Michael Caldwell, Laurence Fournier Campeau, Emmanuel Jouthe, Indrit Kasapi, Jolyane Langlois, Alix Sideris Esplanadians: Mumina Aden Hussien, Karam Aly, Christine Andrews, Athan Belasco, Farid Dastmalchi, Iraj Dastmalchi, Amber Ebert, Yossef Kurdi, Hiba Kurdi, Nasir Robertson, Jacqueline Tarne, Pauline Williams, Kenan Yousef The VISUAL EXHIBITION"FORTY-ONE The Esplanadian Connection" “FORTY-ONE The Esplanadian Connection” celebrated our similarities and shared our stories with a series of 33 installations along The Esplanade’s promenade. A mirrored reflection of each original picture from the book “FORTY-ONE Neighbours” was re-enacted by 7 local photographers and 104 Esplanadians. This photo exhibit was designed by 9 Esplanadians during a two-month creative process, under the artistic leadership of Jacques Fortier. The exhibit was on display from July to October 2015. Artistic and Community team: Lead artist: Jacques Fortier Esplanadians: Nancy Barber, Nancy Brown, Gabrielle Franke, Raecheal Goddard, Mia Hesse-Fernandes, Mike Hutchinson, Margot Mercier, Majeeb Zafar, Ribqah Zafar Graphic designer: Gus Morainslie Photographers: Grant Cockburn, André Daley-Wiltshire, Laura Dittmann, Cyesha Forde, Charlie Lindsay, Aleshia Nigh-Neverson, Nick Spector PARTNERS

Winter 2021 Community Projects/ Photo Exhibits/ WIsdoM ripples WIsdoM ripples Winter 2021 Winter 2021 An exciting photo exhibit featuring 3 Toronto-based photographers, curated by 9 young women from The Esplanade community. Exhibited at The Esplanade & Sherbourne David Crombie Park This exhibit features the work of the three Toronto-based powerful photographers Roya DelSol, Brianna Roye, Zahrah Siddiqui, and is curated by 9 young women of The Esplanade community. Together, and as a way to leap into next year, photographers and curators explored Jamii’s 2022 season theme: WATER IS MEMORY. Unveiled on November 2021 On display November 2021 to February 2022 Project Video by Noshin Hussain, mentored by Alejandra Higuera CREDITS Produced and presented by Jamii @jamiiesplanade Featured photographers: Roya DelSol Brianna Roye Zahra Siddiqui Curated by our Laini youth: Lydia Embaye, Mira Ghabiel, Aela Kuria, Tenzin Paldon, Anhar Salem, Morgan Tortolo, Nada Yakot, Hanna Yusuf, Leena Yusuf Curation process facilitated by: Gilian Mapp, Isorine Marc Project Management: Jasmin Linton, Isorine Marc Graphic design: Iris Unlu Video documentation by: Noshin Hussain (student), mentored by Alejandra Higuera (videographer) Supported by: RBC Foundation, Rama Gaming House, Government of Ontario’s Reconnect Festival & Event Program, Ontario Arts Council Curation Process: Our group of young women curated this exhibit and crafted its title and artistic statement. They were initially presented with 30 photos, 10 by each of the three photographers. Through a series of 8 workshops, under the artistic leadership of Gillian Mapp and Isorine Marc, they worked together to select 10 photos only. Through the exchange of ideas, perspectives and opinions, they explore the “why” and "how" to present this exhibit to their community and to you. Artistic Statement by the 9 young women who curated this exhibit: Water is memory. Water, like memory, has a rhythm; it ripples in water like time and music on a page. A souvenir from a trip taken long ago. The scents from childhood. The familiar sound of laughter from your loved ones. Memories from the past rushing in and out like waves, crashing and flowing like a storm of culture. From the storm one experiences a sinking feeling that leads to the calmness and serenity; water represents an infinity of emotions. Never knowing the depth of memories, their light, or how dark they can appear. Bodies of water come in different forms. Bruce Lee once said: “Be formless, shapeless, like water. Put water into a cup, it becomes a cup”. Project Video by Noshin Hussain, mentored by Alejandra Higuera Supported by:

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

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

The Jamii Hub turns into a painting sanctuary once every month on Thursdays! INDOOR ACTIVITIES / THURSDAY CREATING / PAINTING NIGHTS / TEKA LANG - OCTOBER 2024 CREATING Thursday 7 pm Painting Nights TEKA LANG October 2024 October 10, 2024 Facilitator: Ephraim Velasco In this workshop, inspired by the theme of TEKA LANG , participants will explore the value of slowing down and taking time to reflect through painting techniques. Under the leadership and guidance from Ephraim Velasco, the group will focus on using acrylic paint and pencil crayons, learning how to control the amount of water and paint applied to create various desired effects, from rich and bold opaque layers to soft, translucent washes. Doing this process, specifically waiting for the paint to dry, mirrors that theme of patience and mindfulness taken from TEKA LANG . Participants will also experiment with creating gradients and using tape to create clean, satisfying shapes! During the workshop, Ephraim will share personal stories related to the theme. For example, his mother would remind me as a child to find his “happy place,” when feeling overwhelmed which for him was the beach in the Philippines. Through this exercise, participants are able to discover and draw back to their own stories and emotions, using color as a means of expression. The goal is to create meaningful, yet simple pieces that reflect our individual journeys while grounding us in the present moment. Join us on this workshop on Thursday, October 10th at 7pm for a beautiful painting night together. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Photos by Afnan Yakot Ephraim Velasco Ephraim Velasco is an interdisciplinary visual artist and aspiring illustrator who specializes on identity formation, concept art, self expression, empowerment, gender & sexuality in the realm of fashion, pop culture, ancestral stories/designs, nostalgia, consumerist desires and cultural hybrids. Through traditional and digital drawing, painting, and collage, he creates playful, bold, unapologetic, dramatic and vibrantly coloured compositions of hybrid identities and characters. Recently graduating with a BFA in Visual Arts at York University, he seeks to facilitate conversations around belonging and culture through his work relating to personal experiences of Filipino diaspora and neurodivergence. Photo Credit: Unknown

2023/04 < Back to Events Stolen Live Event - Opera, Classical Music, and Discussion Challenging the themes of “Art & Ownership” April 3, 2023 The Jamii Hub On April 3rd, a beautiful crowd joined us at The Jamii Hub for an evening of engaging music featuring Jonelle Sills, Dior Quartet and in-depth conversation on theme of Stolen led by community member Sarah Ahmad. This will be an opportunity to explore and challenge the idea of Art and what is deemed worthy of being Stolen. Through the generous support of the Metcalf Foundation's Performing Arts Internship Program Jonelle has been working with Jamii as a Connector since September. Her goal through this internship has been to grow as an administrator and producer and as a classically trained soprano she wishes to explore how opera experiences could become part of the social fabric of communities and a tool for engagement and community building. Jonelle is a Canadian Soprano and currently a part of Jamii team as a Connector. Jonelle was named one of York University’s top 30 alumni under 30 for 2022 and in 2020 was one of CBC Music’s classical “30 under 30” performers and is a 2019 Dora award winner for “Outstanding performance of an Ensemble” in Vivier’s Kopernikus with Against the Grain Theatre. Jonelle holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University. Jonelle was recently a member of the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program at Vancouver Opera for their 2021 and 2022 season. Joined together from Israel, Korea-Canada, Saint Lucia, and the USA, the Dior String Quartet was the 2023 Quartet-in-Residence at the Glenn Gould School, Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. The conversation was moderated by Sarah N Ahmad. Sarah is a multidisciplinary urbanist currently based in Toronto. As a fierce advocate for inclusive, sustainable and equitable cities and public spaces, Sarah has worked in the government, private and non profit sector on diverse projects aims at improving city life. At heart, Sarah believes in the power of community programming, public art and public space in bridging gaps and fostering meaningful, tolerant and inclusive associations with place. Sarah holds an Msc in Building and Urban Design for Development from the University College of London, U.K. and a Bachelor of Arts in Growth and Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College, U.S.A. CREDITS: Host: Jonelle Sills Live Performance: Dior Quartet (Noa Sarid, Tobias Elser, Caleb Georges, Joanne Yesol Choi) Soprano Singer: Jonelle Sills Moderator: Sarah N. Ahmad Photos: Isorine Marc WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

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