91��ɫ U AMPD Archives - News@91��ɫ

Filipino Canadian trailblazers share experiences of success and overcoming obstacles

suhasini — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 16:27:07 +0000

91��ɫ and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted the public forum and a reception to mark 75 years of diplomatic relationship between Canada and the Philippines

From academics to laypersons, more than 100 Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at 91��ɫ recently, to attend a public forum on achievements and challenges that are unique to members of the diaspora in Canada.

The panel discussion followed by a reception was facilitated by 91��ɫ and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, marking the 75th anniversary of Canada -Philippines diplomatic relations.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

The turnout for the October 28 event at 91��ɫ’s Tribute Communities Recital Hall indicated attendees’ interest in learning more about their own community, while taking it as an opportunity to meet fellow diaspora members, even though it was a weekday.

Welcoming the guests and panelists, immediate past Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Phillips noted that as an academic institution, diversity and inclusion are 91��ɫ’s core values and that through teaching, research and community-engagement activities, the University is embracing differing perspectives and fostering global fluencies and cross-cultural knowledges. “Through global partnerships on shared goals and values, 91��ɫ is committed to addressing global challenges and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable planet for all.”

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona said, “Many Filipinos I met since I arrived here told me that their migration experience to Canada was not easy. But migrating to another land is never easy. It takes hard work, adapting to a new culture and way of life, learning new knowledge, skills and possibly another language, as well as personal and financial sacrifices. But most of all, it is a commitment … a commitment to a better future. A commitment to contribute to Canadian society. I am happy that even though their start was not easy, many Filipinos in Canada eventually became successful. Others, whose parents were Filipino migrants, also became very successful.”

Titled “Public Forum on the Filipino Diaspora in Canada: Celebrating Successes and Addressing Persistent Challenges,” the panel of Filipino and Filipino-Canadian leaders and changemakers shared their thoughts on the success of Filipino professionals in Canada and the barriers that persist.

From left: 91��ɫ U Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design; Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University; Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; and Professor Philip Kelly, and Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs.

Panellists – Manitoba Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler; Justice Steve A. Coroza, Court of Appeal for Ontario Professor Glenda Bonifacio, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lakehead University and Dance Professor Patrick Alcedo, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD), also highlighted contributions for the diaspora members in academia, politics, arts, culture and society. Professor Philip Kelly, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate & Global Affairs moderated the panel, while Assistant Professor Marissa Largo, Visual Art and Art History, AMPD served as the emcee for the evening.

“Tonight’s discussion, led by our speakers and panellists has given us much to think about. Hopefully, the points raised will form a springboard from which we can build platforms and programs for action, to make policies that are responsive to building better communities for our community here,” said Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate, addressing the audiences.

The Philippine Studies Group at 91��ɫ Centre for Asian Studies organized the public event with the support of 91��ɫ International, which leads the University’s global engagement initiatives and partnerships.

In her remarks closing the event, Associate Vice President Vinitha Gengatharan at 91��ɫ International said that the challenges overcame by the panellists resonated with many, including herself, who immigrated to Canada at an early age. “We learned so much from your insights and experiences as you navigated your careers and professions enriched by the unique cultures, systems, and contexts of both Canada and the Philippines.

The event concluded with a reception, where community members also had an opportunity to meet with diplomats and panellists and share with them personal experiences in an informal setting.

Speaking to OMNI Television’s Paula Saraza during the reception, Philipps said there is a strong representation of Filipino students at 91��ɫ. “We're very proud to have more than 400 Filipino heritage students here at 91��ɫ… some have come directly from the Philippines. That number has been growing and we hope to see it grow further.”

In the same , Consul General Escalona pointed out that it’s an excellent time to highlight the fact that the Canada-Philippines relationship is the strong people-to-people linkages. “What we actually want to see is, more Filipino Canadian leaders. More Filipino Canadian trailblazers.”

The post Filipino Canadian trailblazers share experiences of success and overcoming obstacles appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

91��ɫ U offers most culturally diverse performing arts education in Ontario, study reveals

suhasini — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:09:29 +0000

Community Researchers’ report highlights the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, says Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2023 – 91��ɫ’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) is ranked No. 1 among Ontario universities and colleges, for offering the most culturally diverse music and dance undergraduate programs, in a recent report by Toronto-based non-profit organization .

The research report, , analyzed 77 performing arts programs and more than 6,000 performing arts courses available in colleges and universities in the province.

91��ɫ U ranked No. 1 among Ontario universities and colleges for offering the most culturally diverse music and dance undergraduate programs

“We are proud to see the longstanding work of our faculty, staff and students reflected in this report, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to expand the visibility of 91��ɫ’s performing arts to reflect the great diversity of our University and communities,” says Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of AMPD. “We look forward to welcoming audiences to attend and witness the great talent here,” she says, noting the accolade affirms 91��ɫ’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and positive change in performing arts education.

Bay-Cheng adds, “It’s not only about better training for performing arts majors, but also offering elective courses to a broad demographic of learners. We know that diverse cultural offerings can support greater mental and physical health for diverse student populations and within society in the long run.” 

The study was conducted by Queen’s University student Sarah Yee through the federal Canada Summer Jobs program at the Community Researchers. The organization connects young researchers and sector mentors, aiming to serve communities and support the career development of young individuals.

The study Yee conducted in collaboration with reveals that universities surpass colleges in offering performing arts programs, and that university performing arts programs make more references to cultural diversity than those in colleges. Course descriptions more frequently mentioned racialized groups such as Black, Indigenous and Latin American communities, according to the report.

The report also identifies areas for expansion and further development, highlighting South Asian, Chinese and Southeast Asian communities as underserved within performing arts programs across Ontario universities.

Bageshree Vaze, artistic director of Pratibha Arts, who mentored Yee on the project points out, “One in ten Ontarians are South Asian, yet there is very little training in South Asian performing arts at the post-secondary level.”

Working to improve diversity, AMPD will be offering a forthcoming Philippine Folk Dance & Culture Summer Abroad course, furthering 91��ɫ’s commitment to inclusive excellence and promoting diverse identities and perspectives though art.

Bay-Cheng believes that the study demonstrates potential for Ontario’s post-secondary institutions. “We hope that this study will help both academic leaders and the broader public appreciate the importance and opportunities for cultural diversity in performing arts education.”

-30-

About 91��ɫ:

91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

About Community Researchers:

Established in 2020, Community Researchers is a nonprofit research organization which connects young researchers with established mentors to conduct important community projects. Its official mandates are to provide career opportunities for emerging researchers, while serving community organizations and nonprofits which are unable to access professional research services. Community Researchers prioritizes initiatives involving underserved analysts and communities.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-464-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

The post 91��ɫ U offers most culturally diverse performing arts education in Ontario, study reveals appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

Hariri Pontarini Architects wins bid to design new stand-alone Art Gallery of 91��ɫ

roshanp — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 13:49:43 +0000

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2020 – The Art Gallery of 91��ɫ’s (AGYU) new, stand-alone art gallery, to be designed and constructed by winning architectural firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, will embrace a vision of art and connectedness.

The bold new winning design will help the art gallery magnify its reach into the local community and the world beyond, enhancing its visibility and prominence, as well as increasing its accessibility.

(HPA) was one of three shortlisted firms out of a wide show of interest from the architecture community. The online design competition invited community members from 91��ɫ faculty and students to extended community members to attend and comment on the shortlisted proposals before a committee selected the winning design.

The new stand-alone art gallery is possible through a five-million-dollar donation in October 2019 by philanthropists and art collectors Joan and Martin Goldfarb, igniting this expansion and re-centering the arts on campus. The gallery will also carry their name, the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery, in honour of their long history of supporting the arts at 91��ɫ.

“The new, stand-alone art gallery at 91��ɫ will be an important hub for artistic engagement and the pursuit of creative excellence at the University, in our community and beyond. The new design reflects our vision of an accessible and collaborative art gallery that serves as a space for creation, exhibition and appreciation of diverse art and culture. I would like to thank the Goldfarbs for their generosity and unfaltering commitment to the arts, which made this project possible,” says President & Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton.

Rendering of Hariri Pontarini Architects’ winning design, façade

The new building will sit at the heart of the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and become a centerpiece at 91��ɫ’s Keele Campus. Just steps away from the 91��ɫ subway station and adjacent to the Harry W. Arthurs Common, between the Accolade East Building and the Centre for Film & Theatre, the gallery will stand out as an icon with Hariri’s signature curves.

The three-storey building will highlight architectural innovativeness and define a space for the exhibition of contemporary and historic art, including a ground level event space with four separate gallery spaces set within a redefined xeriscape garden.

“The AGYU has a long history as a leader in presenting and supporting artists. As a contemporary art gallery, it strives to serve an aesthetic and social function,” says AGYU director/curator Jenifer Papararo. “Our goal with this ambitious new building is to establish both liveness and legacy by maintaining a critical contemporary art program and giving prominence to the University’s collection.”

The gallery will be a versatile yet distinctive space for a multiplicity of artistic voices and forms. It will also enhance the gallery’s ability to continue its advocacy of underrepresented communities, contribute to artistic production and help amplify artists’ voices.

“We are thrilled to be working with 91��ɫ to build upon the AGYU’s rich history and help reimagine its future,” says Siamak Hariri, founding partner at Hariri Pontarini Architects. “To signify this transformation, we were inspired by metaphor and nature. Like a butterfly, each of the five wings of the new gallery extend their reach out to the campus and of course beyond. Responding to the AGYU’s aspiration to expand the social and civic role of the gallery, the building will have a powerful presence, a new presence, embracing the full University Common, and welcoming and attracting visitors to all the wonder it has to offer."

Rendering of Hariri Pontarini Architects’ winning design, aerial view

HPA’s design, led by Hariri, was selected for its visual strength and magnetizing draw with a vision to generate flow and connection while centering the arts on campus. The design expressed a nuanced understanding of art, its role in society, and the framework needed to support art and the curatorial process.

HPA has worked with many Canadian universities and cultural organizations, most recently opening the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford, which has received high accolades. In addition, Hariri has received international praise for his design for the Bahá’í Temple of South America, which won several awards including the RAIC International Prize.

and were also on the shortlist for their designs for the gallery. All three firms have received Governor General Medals in Architecture.

Combined with the AGYU’s current spaces, the new building will form a unified art institution that will magnify the breadth of the gallery’s scope, with a re-envisioning of the University’s art collection.

The AGYU opened in 1988 and moved into its current 3,000-square-foot space in 2006.

The art gallery’s collection currently contains 1,700 works, including a donation by the Goldfarbs of 76 artworks in the early 2000s. It includes prominent donations of works by Norval Morrisseau and Andy Warhol, 200 prints and sculptures by renowned and influential Inuit artists including Kenojuak Ashevek and Kananginak Pootoogook, as well as paradigmatic work by Canadian “Automatistes” Jean-Paul Riopelle and Paul-Emile Borduas. American Modernists such as Helen Frankenthaler and Kenneth Noland are also part of the collection, as is the recent acquisition of RISE, an internationally acclaimed film by Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca, featuring performances from some of Toronto’s most influential spoken word and rap artists.

Images of new design: and

-30-

91��ɫ champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. 91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact:

Sandra McLean, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 416-272-6317, sandramc@yorku.ca

The post Hariri Pontarini Architects wins bid to design new stand-alone Art Gallery of 91��ɫ appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

What does it take for a leader to muster collective action?

roshanp — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:10:18 +0000

91��ɫ U theatre expert available on the role of performative leadership in COVID-19 containment effort

TORONTO, Friday, March 20, 2020 – The COVID-19 has created a new world order, in which heads of states, businesses and health organizations need to speak directly to their communities daily, and with transparency like never before.

Be it to convey to individuals the importance of social distancing and self-quarantine or to ask businesses to allow their employees to work from home to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, effective communication is seen as crucial.

But can that be done without adding to the confusion and fear?

“Performative leadership can play a major role in reinforcing our collective responsibility, at the same time reducing panic,” according to in the Theatre Department of 91��ɫ’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. “For example, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s sombre tone when addressing the nation can offer reassurance and ease some fear in the current situation.”

She can comment on:

How a leader’s performance contributes to collective action
The effect of body language and gestures on audiences
How political leaders are performing, to lead by example during coronavirus crisis

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-463-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

The post What does it take for a leader to muster collective action? appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

What does it take for a leader to muster collective action?

roshanp — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:10:18 +0000

91��ɫ U theatre expert available on the role of performative leadership in COVID-19 containment effort

But can that be done without adding to the confusion and fear?

She can comment on:

How a leader’s performance contributes to collective action
The effect of body language and gestures on audiences
How political leaders are performing, to lead by example during coronavirus crisis

91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647-463-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

The post What does it take for a leader to muster collective action? appeared first on News@91��ɫ.

91��ɫ recognizes filmmaker Deepa Mehta with honorary degree

roshanp — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 20:09:05 +0000

TORONTO, June 18, 2018 ─ Filmmaker Deepa Mehta received an honorary doctor of letters today from 91��ɫ during Spring Convocation in recognition of her accomplishments as a director and screenwriter dedicated to battling cultural intolerance.

A legend in the Canadian and international film industries, Mehta was born in Amritsar, Punjab (India) in 1950. She graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of Delhi before joining a production company, making educational films and documentaries for the Indian Government. Soon after, she began producing her own documentaries before moving to Canada. Since then, she has created numerous television series, and directed and produced many critically-acclaimed documentaries and feature films.

Much of Mehta’s career has reflected the duality of her cultural identity, as well as her tendency to cast light on more proscribed or taboo topics. This is noted in her celebrated Elements Trilogy: Fire (1996); Earth (1998); and Water (2005). While these films elevated her reputation and status, they also brought criticism and protest from certain groups.

Mehta’s works have been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. She has received both Genie Awards and an Oscar nomination. In 2012, she received Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. She was made a Member of the Order of Ontario in 2013 and was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. She has received 16 honorary degrees.

An artistic leader, Deepa Mehta’s accomplishments inspire filmmakers to push the boundaries.

Media Contact: Janice Walls, Media Relations, 91��ɫ, 416 455 4710, wallsj@yorku.ca

The post 91��ɫ recognizes filmmaker Deepa Mehta with honorary degree appeared first on News@91��ɫ.