MAY 8

KEEPING KENSINGTON WEIRD

1:00 PM

Eastern Standard Time

MODERATOR

CATHLEEN CALICA

Multi-disciplinary Artist

Artist

Multi-disciplinary Artist, Writer, and Activist

JERROLD MCGRATH

Managing Director, UKAI Projects

This panel discussion will examine the intersection between public space, technology, and community development, exemplified in Kensington Market artists’ responses to the pandemic. Kensington Market is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto where engaged artists and community groups work together to prevent gentrification and celebrate the sense of place. Through participatory projects, the people of Kensington have found creative ways to address their needs, keep weirdness thriving, and redefine public spaces. Weird, in this case, is a reflection of the extraordinary character of a neighbourhood and its people.

MAY 9

WHOSE PARK IS IT ANYWAY?

1:00pm

Eastern Standard Time

MODERATOR

Outreach Worker

 Sanctuary

ESN Volunteer and Urban Planner 

Co-Founder

Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin (They Feed the People)

Whether it's encampments or supervised injection sites, choosing a parking lot over affordable housing units, there are prevalent notions of what are proper and acceptable uses of land and space in our cities. Through a discussion on community, belonging, notions of safety, and concepts of ownership, this panel seeks to understand tensions that exist in societal and political realms about just who exactly public spaces are for.

Jane once said, "Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” By hearing from those doing the work on the ground, we will aim to find out how Toronto (and the Jane's Walk audience) can walk this walk.