AMPLIFIED: December 2021 Edition
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Faculty
Newsletter
York University
Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Happy Winter!
Just when it seemed as if fall would last forever, it snowed on the York campuses. It didn't stick around very long, even as I write this, but it was a great reminder of the upcoming winter break. As someone who grew up in California valleys, I still think snow is magical because of the ways that it transforms the world around us.
This is a bit what the fall term has been like around the AMPD spaces. We've seen and heard our studios, labs, galleries, classrooms and hallways reanimated by the sounds of students, faculty and staff working and chatting. Thanks to upgrades made during the pandemic, livestreamed shows from Dance, Theatre and Music have been newly accessible to audiences both near and far. Design students have been demonstrating their social impact through vivid projects across typography, books, motion, branding and others. Cinema & Media Arts have been telling stories across a multitude of screens and the visual art galleries have been buzzing. Digital Media continue their work in creative world building across virtual reality, games and more. As always, it's an exciting time to be in AMPD!
As we near the end of the year, please take a moment to read through all of the recent accomplishments detailed below. It's been an exciting year for our students, alumni, faculty and staff. From exciting student projects, to exemplary faculty research and creativity, to our enduring commitment to community-engaged work across the arts and design, AMPD continues to thrive. Although the recent public health announcements are sobering, I look forward to staying connected to you through our collective commitments to all of the arts, media, performances and design at York and beyond. In the meantime, I wish you and yours a happy, safe and joyous winter season and new year.
You can always get up to date information on events, activities and opportunities to connect through our social media channels:
Web: https://ampd.yorku.ca/
Twitter: @YorkUAMPD
Instagram: @YorkUAMPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkuAMPD
Notes from the Dean | EDI Update
As 2021 ends, we reflect on changes made and work still ongoing at AMPD. The School continues its work to integrate more thoroughly equity, diversity and inclusion within all its pursuits, including our commitments to York University's Indigenous Framework and Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion. Over the past year, we have heard from many in our community -- students, staff and faculty -- calling on us all to critically reflect on our institution's role through the classroom, on-campus and in the greater arts community.
While there is still much to learn and work to do, it is important to reflect on where we are and where we plan to go. The following presents some of our actions over the past year. I am grateful for the leadership, courage and commitment of those who have worked tirelessly to advance equity throughout the School. With many more updates to come, we will continue to work across domains to create a space for all artists to thrive honestly and openly.
Please note that the following is not a complete list of work being done by AMPD and does not detail all of the important AMPD-adjacent work done by community members, alumni, and other partners. For updates, please visit ampd.yorku.ca.
Making Space at the Table
The Dean's Student Advisory Committee is a joint venture between students and senior administration to break down communication barriers and implement student-driven social change at AMPD. Beginning in April 2021, the committee has been a monthly meeting space for open and honest dialogue.
AMPD departments have taken calls to action seriously. For example, this year the Department of Theatre launched the Theatre Department EDI Committee and Season Building Committee with an explicit mandate to diversify show selection. Read more about their action plan here: https://theatre.ampd.yorku.ca/eddi/.
Educational Opportunities
Programs across the School facilitated learning opportunities, including anti-oppressive practices training with the York University Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and an introductory first-year workshop on microaggressions, among others. Departments have brought exciting guest lectures and speaker featuring equity-focused open public lectures, such as the Department of Cinema & Media Arts' Open Forum/Action Plan on Anti-Racism and Decolonization, among others throughout the School.
Critical Third-Party Review
AMPD engaged the KOJO Institute to conduct a thorough assessment of equity and inclusion throughout AMPD and to assist in developing an Equity Framework with recommendations on our next actions. The Institute collected community feedback through the spring and summer terms and has developed a thorough report. Formalized findings will be shared in January 2022.
It is paramount the experiences, ideas and stories of our equity-deserving community members remain centered through this work. We also must acknowledge those same individuals are often unfairly tasked with the burden and brunt of this work. We will ensure the AMPD community is an equal partner, not just a participant, while respecting the boundaries of those asked to give far too much and too often. This is why colleagues in the School have created a standing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion committee in Faculty Council with representative committees in all of our respective departments. The goal of these groups is to ensure that the necessary work is shared throughout the School.
Only together can we do our communal and continuous job of making AMPD a space where we all can openly and honestly create for everyone.
Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Gratitude
The end of the year is always a special time of giving and recognition. To all of those who have and continue to donate to AMPD and its students, thank you. Your contributions go directly to supporting our students, including those most affected by the pandemic. Thanks to your generosity we are able to provide support both to those facing severe circumstances, such as housing insecurity, as well as offer newly refreshed student spaces, such as Alumni Fireside Lounge, and supporting student services such as OAISS (noted below) and the Final Mile Club to help students transition from the university to professional careers.
Special thanks to the new and renewing members of the AMPD Dean's Circle. Your ongoing contributions ensure that we will continue to provide an excellent education and support for world-leading research and creation. Sign up here and your gift will be automatically made every month, with one coordinated annual tax receipt for all of your giving.
As we near the end of the year, thank you for all you do in support of our students and community.
Resources for Success, However You Define It
What makes AMPD such a special place is the true sense of community amongst students, faculty, and staff. Here, collaboration creates much more than beautiful art. It’s at the core of our resources available to help everyone achieve their definition of success.
So, as exam time stressors pile up, I ask you to take a moment to check-in and reach out. The community is here to support your creative, academic and wellness journey. Outlined below are some resources you may find helpful this exam season.
Mental Health and Wellness Supports
The transition back to campus has been filled with a range of emotions - from excitement to nervousness. As exam season presents new challenges, I want to remind students they do not need to navigate these experiences alone.
While reaching out to those you hold close to support works for some, we understand sometimes different support may be needed. From 24 hour professionally staffed support line Good2Talk to in-person health services at Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW), York is here for you.
I encourage all of you to take 10 minutes to familiarize yourself with York’s mental health resources, if not for yourself, then for those around you. Outlined below are just some of the supports available to you:
Outlined below are just some of the supports available to students:
Good2Talk: free, confidential and anonymous service for post-secondary students in Ontario
Big White Wall: free online mental health and wellbeing service offering self-guided programs and creative outlets that includes a space to express, connect, learn and remain anonymous.
Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW): helps York students to realize, develop and fulfill their personal potential in order to maximally benefit from their university experience and manage the challenges of university life
Student Accessibility Services (SAS): provides educational support to students with documented disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and York Senate Policy on academic accommodation for students with disabilities
The Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services (OAISS)
University is a time where students are encouraged to try new things, develop new skills and explore new pathways. Sometimes they may discover a hidden passion or take a slight stumble on their journey to graduation. Whatever the case, The Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services (OAISS) is here to support students along the way.
OAISS is here for academic advising, resources, workshops and information to support you throughout your degree journey. OAISS has in-person academic advisors and 24hr support with AskSavy – a digital assistance system ready to connect you to resources around the clock. So, whether it's 2AM in Toronto or Singapore, you're never alone at AMPD.
OAISS is here to support you with the following topics:
Academic Petition
Degree progress
Academic standing/Academic Decision
Faculty/Degree/Program Changes
News from Sensorium
While physical borders may have only recently opened, the Sensorium has been busy forging virtual partnerships, partnering with the Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan to bring Re[new]All to life. The virtual space exhibition provides cultural context to today's public health crisis, focusing on mobilization and its effects on creation.
From exhibits on Anishinaabeg ontologies and microscopic imagery to exploration of Asian Futurist Diasporic aesthetics. Re[new]All is hosted online in purpose-built Mozilla Hubs 3D “rooms." The exhibit asks participants to view the pieces from a place of discomfort by providing sensory (dis)pleasure to contrast in-world for comfort, allowing a deeper reflection.
Re[new]All opened September 30 curated by York’s Melanie Wilmink (co-curator), Ian Garrett (co-curator), Joel Ong (co-curator) and Simon Lynch (digital design support). Exhibits feature AMPD community members including Prof. Jane Tingley and Patrick Alcedo, students Michael Palumbo and Ilze Briede [Kavi] and alums Mariel Belanger (Ph.D. '20), Ella Morton (MFA ‘15), Jonathan Scott (Ph.D. ‘19) and Dan Tapper (MFA ‘20).
Make sure to view the unforgettable exhibit here.
In the Community
Meet the 2021 Helen Carswell Research Team
Assistant Professor of Music Amy Hillis is the Helen Carswell Chair for Community-Engaged Research in the Arts. As the Helen Carswell Chair, she leads a team supporting a long-term research partnership between York University and the Regent Park School of Music (RPSM) in the Jane & Finch community. The partnership seeks to support RPSM in its mission, while also working in support of the goals and ambitions of Jane & Finch community through shared academic research.
Every year, researchers apply for funding to support research projects dedicated to these goals. The researchers for 2021/22 funding are:
Uzo Anucha: "Re-imagining Music Education After a Pandemic" helps RPSM-Jane & Finch develop a revised strategic plan for a more substantial presence in the Jane-Finch community using online virtual programming tools.
Sophie Bisson: "Black Opera: A Showcase of Black Opera Companies, Works and Artists" dissects Canadian operatic history through an inclusive lens to develop a curriculum focused on Black opera in Canada.
Patty Chan: "Cultural Connections Through Music" is a workshop series introducing Jane-Finch students to Chinese music with a culminating performance between students and the Toronto Chinese Orchestra members.
Sharon Hayashi and Barbara Evans: "Programming Youth Media Arts via Sight, Sound, & Storytelling Modules," where RPSM-Jane & Finch students and BIPOC filmmakers/media artists co-create workshops about modes of production, music videos, advocacy stories, and cinema-verité films.
Pratik Gandhi: "Improvisation and Creativity Workshop for Wind, Brass, and Percussion students (featuring guest composers)" is a one-day workshop for Jane-Finch music students to collaborate with York Music students and explore diverse composers.
For a desciption of all projects, visit helencarswell.ampd.yorku.ca.
Teaching Innovations
Dance department professor Tracey Norman leads a visually stunning example of cross-faculty collaboration with this year's edition of Dance Innovations "Liminal Spaces". Featuring original works by AMPD students and faculty members.
Liminal Spaces focuses on the transitory moment of collective disorientation. United under the theme of "Intersection" that is being explored through the Dance Department's events and performances for 2021-22, choreographers investigate the overlaps, counterpoints and margins they have experienced throughout these past 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The showcase featured three works by student artists. Sydney Cobham's Charged Motion takes a more biological approach to the forces that propel us. While Coleen Satchwell's Forward choreographed in collaboration with Zuri Skeete, analyses individual experiences with being stuck and how to create the necessary space to rebuild and grow. Lastly, fourth-year dance major Kyra Todd's work, Infinite Abyss, asks if there is more to this mundane existence?
Though Dance Innovations typically features original compositions, this year made the tradition even more critical. Dance Innovations moved to an online viewing format due to the pandemic. Creating works in a live space that can be translated to a digital space is already a challenge in itself. But, it became even more complicated when YouTube's copyright practices came into effect.
Original audio allows the performance to be uploaded without fear of being audio-stripped. And, it gives students the chance to work on their collaborations and communication skills with artists from different disciplines. This pan-faculty collaboration not only makes logistical sense but offers students an opportunity to experience a glimpse of collaborative life beyond AMPD.
Congratulations to all those involved!
Faculty Spotlight
Prof. Rebecca Caines captivates the Canadian New Music Network Forum
Congratulations to Prof. Rebecca Caines on delivering an inspiring keynote at the 2021 Canadian New Music Network Forum, "Listen Up." This year the conference focuses on Land, Access, Indigenous, Innovation and Community issues through the lens of artistic leaders. Rebecca focuses on the ethics of community engagement and how to improve sound practices. Check out Prof. Caines' insightful address online.
Prof. Shital Desai receives the Petro Canada Young Innovators Award
The Vice President, Research & Innovation’s Major Awards Advisory Committee adjudicated the Petro Canda Young Innovators Award this October and named Prof. Shital Desai the 2021 recipient. The panel was impressed, as are we, by the transdisciplinary nature of her work and the international recognition she received so early in her career. Congratulations, Prof. Desai!
Beam me up, Prof. Caitlin Fisher!
Prof. Caitlin Fisher created an immersive and sensory celebration of poetry with “Fiery Sparks of Life: AN AR Poetry Experience” produced in tandem with Telefilm Canada, the CFC Media Lab and York University Immersive Storytelling Lab. The experience reimagines a collection of poems by four renowned Canadian women poets as an augmented reality experience with Margaret Atwood, Nicole Brossard, Canisia Lubrin and Sarah Tolmie. A true goosebump-inducing spectacle, right at your fingertips. Congratulations on creating a thought-provoking and innovative piece of art, Prof. Fisher!
Prof. Tracey Norman’s "Where We Intersect" makes Verkörperung a double billing
Prof. Tracey Norman's “Where We Intersect” took centre stage at Verkörperung this November. The film shines a light on the points at which we meet and overlap with others, art, nature, and urban structure. The intergenerational cast of seven dancers is set against an intersection of nature and city. It invites viewers to reimagine our similarities to each other and our landscapes.
Staff Spotlight
Mathew Da Silva
Give a warm AMPD welcome to Mathew Da Silva, our newest operations manager for Cinema and Media Arts, Design, Computational Arts, and Visual Arts & Arts History!
Matt comes to us from his tenure as Operations Manager at the Family Enhancement Centre. He managed a busy day-to-day operation of four in-person mental health counselling office locations in Ontario. A vast majority of his experiences come from his time spent with the City of Mississauga, leading local and city-wide initiatives through community development and programming. No stranger to campus, Mathew completed his Masters of Public Policy Administration and Law at York in 2018.
Welcome to the team, Mathew!
Doris Haidner-Seif
For many, many years, Doris was the Theatre wardrobe technician and face of the Wardrobe Shop. Numerous Theatre alumni regularly keep in contact with her to this day, which speaks volumes of her impact. When she later joined the Dean's Office, her attention to detail was the perfect fit to get AMPD’s inventory system off the ground, and she was amazed by the breadth of equipment we have. Even through the pandemic, Doris continued to give back to the community, constructing hundreds of face coverings for the University.
What we will miss the most is that her care for her work was only topped by the care she put into making AMPD a family. Thank you for your longstanding commitment and leaving AMPD better off than you found it, Doris. You will be dearly missed.
Student News
AMPD theatre students make a grand entrance with "The Late Wedding"
Featuring 16 acting program students and set, costumes, lights, and sounds fully designed and realized by AMPD theatre students, The Late Wedding captivated audiences in the online broadcast.
Prof. Jamie Robinson takes the director's seat in Christopher Chen’s timely episodic play about a fractured portrait of a broken marriage coming to life across time and space. The production boasts exceptional craft in both performance and production, with the new techniques of live-streamed digital theatre. Check out the artists involved here.
Congratulations on a fantastic run! Bravo!
Celebrate film’s finest with CineSiege 2021
On November 19, the students of AMPD’s Cinema and Media Arts program dazzled audiences at CineSiege 2021. Of the over 200 films eligible, 35 made the shortlist and 15 were crowned winners for their exceptional achievement in the art and craft of cinema.
Thank you to the Mirkopoulos family and Cinespace for their longstanding support of Cinesiege and AMPD. Without their help, CineSiege would not have been possible.
Producing a film is a feat unto itself but doing so during
a pandemic is a testament to these students' creativity, tenacity and passion.
Congratulations! View the full list of winners here.
Salar Pashtoonyar wins bronze at Student Academy Awards for International Narrative
We are incredibly proud of Salar Pashtoonyar, MFA Film. He produced Bad Omen as his final-year thesis project and the film premiered at the 2020 Vancouver International Film Festival, where it took home Best Canadian Short Film. Salar went on to win the Lindalee Tracey Award for emerging filmmakers at the 2020 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
Now, after receiving Academy honours, Salar is in Oscar contention. Well done, Salar. We are rooting for you!
Bad Omen tells the story of a widowed tailor in Kabul who must find the money to pay for a pair of prescription glasses to keep her job, despite Afghan culture's social stigmatization of widows.
Abraham David makes silver screen debut on a budget at the Toronto SCI-FI Film Awards
Please join me in giving a massive round of applause to second-year CMA student Abraham David made his Great Canadian SCI FI Film Festival debut, taking home awards for Best Canadian Feature and Best Short Film with "My Girl, Skelly". Abraham proved you don’t need a Hollywood budget to make a great film, as he spent only $400 on the project.
Fantastic job, Abraham! We have a funny feeling this won't be the last time you collect your flowers; we will be eagerly and excitedly following your journey through AMPD and beyond!
My Girl, Skelly features a post-apocalyptic nuclear winter where a lonely scavenger finds an acquaintance in a human skeleton that reminds him of a loved one.
Alumni News
Dr. Seika Boye’s “It’s About Time” wins inaugural Dance Studies Association Award with a little help from her friends
Dr. Seika Boye (BFA '99, MA '06) is the inaugural recipient of Dance in the Public Sphere Award by the Dance Studies Association for her exhibition "It's About Time: Dancing Black in Canada 1900-1970". The award recognizes renewed and new forms of public access and activism, widening dance initiatives and resource circulation.
Proof support from the AMPD community doesn't stop after graduation, Seika credits fellow alum and longtime collaborator Amy Bowring (B.A. '94) for curatorial support. Though both dance alums, they initially connected after graduation through their commitment to archiving and intervening in the historic exclusions of Canada's dance history. Amy is hailed as one of Canada's foremost advocates for studying and preserving Canadian dance heritage by her peers.
“It’s About Time: Dancing Black in Canada 1900-1970" offers insight into representations of Blackness and media reception of Black people dancing — from the dance floor to dance lessons, from the stage to public protests and activism. View it online here.
Congratulations, Seika and Amy! View their project here.
Gillian Gallow awarded 2021 Siminovitch Prize,
Michelle Ramsay named finalist
Every three years, Canada's most prestigious theatre award celebrates a professional mid-career director, playwright, or designer whose work is transformative and influential. This year York alums make up 50 per cent of the shortlist with Gillian Gallow receiving the award.
Costume and set designer Gillian Gallow (BFA ‘04) is hailed as creating illuminations of hidden themes, contradictions, and paradoxes. As a multiple Dora Award-winner, Gillian uses the knowledge she learned working for the Canadian Opera Company, Shaw Festival and the Stratford Festival to inspire the next generation of costume designers through workshops and mentorship.
A quarter of the Siminovitch money is designated for mentorship. Gallow has selected two early-career artists, including another Theatre at York alum, Joyce Padua.
Her peers describe lighting designer Michelle Ramsay's (BFA '97) work as "somehow simultaneously in-world and otherworldly". Her power to harness the intangible to illuminate emotion with the Shaw Festival, Soulpepper theatre, and Mirvish Productions earned her honours at the Dora Awards and SATAwards.
We are so excited to see this continued recognition of leading Canadian designers from York. Congratulations, all!
Christopher House wins York University Alumni Association's Outstanding Achievement Award
Choreographer, performer, director and teacher Christopher House (BFA '79) took home the Outstanding Achievement Award at the York U Alumni Awards for achieving distinction in his field and having integrity and ability to inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.
After graduating from AMPD's dance program, Christopher House performed and choreographed with Toronto Dance Theatre for 42 years, including 26 as the company’s artistic director. House created more than 60 works for the theatre, diversified the company’s repertoire, and developed many programs that reflect his commitment to ongoing education including the long-running Studio Series for young people and, along with Ame Henderson, the biennial Emerging Voices Project for young creators.
Christoper's accolades include three Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Muriel Sherrin Award for International Achievement in Dance, the Silver Ticket Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, and an honorary doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017. He is currently at work on a new solo performance work that will premiere in January 2022.
Congratulations, Christopher!
Cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd welcomed into the American Society of Cinematographers
At only 37, Matthew J. Lloyd has brought both fictional and real superheroes to life with blockbuster hits like Marvel's "Spiderman: Far From Home" and Ava DuVernay's "Colin in Black and White." Now, he's officially been invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers, and we couldn't be more proud!
After graduating from AMPD's film production program, he continued his studies at the American Film Institute. Lloyd has photographed several television shows and features. For his work on Alpha House, the cinematographer earned an ASC Award nomination; for the pilot of Fargo, he earned Emmy and Camerimage nominations; and for his work on Daredevil, he earned another Camerimage nomination.
Congratulations, Matthew!
Weyni Mengesha is York University’s One to Watch
Canadian film and stage director Weyni Mengesha (BFA ’05) is named York U Alumni Awards' "One to Watch" for her outstanding contribution to the international film and theatre community.
Since graduating, Weyni has directed box office record-breaking plays, toured internationally, and developed a Netflix television show. Her directing U.S. debut Bars and Measures received three Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award nominations and an NAACP nomination. Wayne's New York debut included Martin Zimmerman’s Seven Spots from the Sun and an off-Broadway debut of the critically acclaimed Kim’s Convenience.
Now, as the artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, she is at the helm of a renowned artist-driven company that offers year-round programming and training for artists from across the country. Thank you for all you do, Weyni! It’s been a true pleasure seeing your journey thus far; we will continue to watch in awe and support.
Amil Shivji’s “Vuta N’Kuvute” is TIFF’s first Tanzania selection
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) selected Amil Shivji’s (MFA) "Vuta N’Kuvute (Tug of War)" as part of its Discovery TIFF 2021 programming. No stranger to the silver screen, Amil’s previous credits include the shorts "Shoeshine" and "Samaki Mchangani" and the feature "T-Junction". "Tug of War" is his latest film and the festival’s first Tanzanian selection
A beautifully moving film, Amil! Well done!
Vita N'Kuvute (Tug of War) is an adaptation of Adam Shafi's Swahili novel, illustrating the story of a young revolutionary and a runaway bride. Set in 1950s Zanzibar, a romance is buffeted by the harsh waves of British rule and the local militant struggle for liberation.
Joyce Wong directs “Kim’s Convenience” Star Andrew Phung’s Newest CBC Family Comedy
AMPD alumni Joyce Wong (BFA) is teaming up with "Kim’s Convenience" star Andrew Phung to direct his new CBC comedy, "Run the Burbs".
Wong previously directed the CBC smash hits "Workin' Moms" and "Baroness von Sketch Show". They say third time is the charm, but Wong has already taken home some serious hardware with a 2021 Canadian Screen Award and Directors Guild of Canada Award for her work directing Baroness von Sketch Show.
In front of the camera, Joyce reconnects with alumni Aurora Browne of the "Baroness von Sketch Show". Browne plays the role of neighbourhood permit assassin Barb. Our PVRs are set to catch all the laughs in January 2022!
Run the Burbs follows the Phams, a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest while changing the way we think about contemporary family values and life in the burbs.
Faculty News
AMPD is incredibly fortunate to welcome award-winning pianist Tony Suggs as part of the 2021-2022 Oscar Peterson Jazz Artist-in-Residency. During his residency, Tony will deliver masterclasses, workshops and seminars for vocalists and instrumentalists. Welcome and congratulations, Tony!
The Art Gallery of York University hosted Gudksul: Knowledge Garden Festival, a dynamic event-based exhibition. "Gurukul Art Collective and Ecosystem Studies" (or Gudskul for short, pronounced "good school" in English) is a collective of artists based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Congratulations, Prof. Patrick Alcedo as "A Will to Dream" is an official selection at the upcoming Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, All Asian Independent Film Festival and New York Film Week! After a whirlwind press circuit with They Call Me Dax, Prof. Alcedo has made magic again with "A Will to Dream"! The film tells the story of a former ballet star in the Philippines, Luther Perez. He surrendered his U.S. Green Card to teach dance to underprivileged children and youth in Quezon City's urban poor districts.
Prof. Manfred Becker’s "The Divided Brain" was adapted to a CBC Ideas Program. The feature focuses on psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist’s study of the human brain’s hemispheric functioning and how that impacts modern society. Check out the eye-opening piece here.
Not only did Prof. Danielle Davis Howard score a three-pointer with a fantastic first semester at AMPD, but her recent publications are also a slam dunk with "Dribbling Against the Law: The Performance of Basketball, Race, and Resistance" and "the (Afro) Future of Henry Box Brown: His-story of Escape(s) Through Time and Space". Fantastic work, Prof. Davis Howard!
Prof. Mary Fogarty got to know Taylor Swift all too well with her co-edited special issue for Contemporary Music Review. The volume re-evaluates Swift's artistry, business acumen and LGBTQ+ allyship, among other subjects. Mila Volpe, Music Ph.D. candidate, also wrote an article titled Music’s Powers: Embodiment & Flourishing with Taylor Swift. With such great insights, these critical pieces are sure to leave you in a state of grace. Well done!
Prof. Michael Greyeyes was nominated alongside the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Olivia Coleman at the 2021 Gotham Awards! Congratulations on nabbing top nominations for Outstanding Performance in a New Series (Rutherford Falls) and Outstanding Lead Performance (Wild Indian)!
This November, Prof. Ali Kazimi earned The Canadian Artist Spotlight for the 25th-anniversary edition of the Reel Asian International Film Festival. The festival screened three of his features, including "Continuous Journey" and "Shooting Indians". The former features a look into the Komagata Maru incident where an Indian passenger ship was denied landing in Vancouver due to a colonial regulation, and the latter a portrait of self-described urban Iroquois photographer Jeffrey Thomas.
Prof. Marissa Largo curated a photo collection by Filipina nurses, personal support workers and in-home caregivers, capturing everyday moments of struggle while caring for the most vulnerable during the pandemic. The exhibit is open until January 29, 2022, at A Space Gallery in downtown Toronto!
Prof. Christina Petrowska Quilico released her 2nd album of the year! Your next weekend listen, "Retro Americana" explores a century of North American piano music. Beautiful job, Prof. Petrowska Quilico!
Call for Submissions
Sonic Landscapes for Prof. Artie Roth and the Canada Arts Council
Music Prof. Artie Roth is calling for visual artworks in a cross-disciplinary project funded by the Canada Council. Based on 12 Canadian artworks, Roth will compose 12 sonic landscapes and guitarist and alum Mackenzie Perrault. The artworks and sonic landscapes will be showcased together in a future exhibition.
Open to: Visual Artworks
Submit your works: Send an email to artieroth@sympatico.ca
Creativity in the Time of COVID-19 from Michigan State University
"Creativity in the Time of COVID-19" explores how people use creativity to cope with the pandemic while combating inequity and injustice. Both physical and digital works are accepted!
Open to: All Community Members
Submit your works here
Notes
Well, that's it for another newsletter. As always, there's so much to celebrate and so little time and space. I invite you to keep up to date by visiting AMPD events on our social media channels. As on-campus activity ramps up, I look forward to sharing upcoming news in future editions, including announcements of new faculty, new students and, as always, great art, media, performance & design. In the meantime, stay safe and thanks for reading.
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