Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO) Announces the Launch of Gathering Divergence – A Journal Centering IBPOC Perspectives in Canadian Arts Practices

Toronto, ON — [November 9th, 2025] —The arts sector in Canada is undergoing profound transformation—especially among Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) creatives. To mark this moment, Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO) proudly launches Gathering Divergence – A Journal Centering IBPOC Perspectives in Canadian Arts Practices.

This publication is a vital response to the historical and ongoing erasure of IBPOC contributions to Canadian arts. Featuring essays, reflections, and creative works from artists, scholars, and cultural leaders, Gathering Divergence documents the lived experiences and practices reshaping the nation’s artistic landscape.

“This journal amplifies the creative intelligence and leadership of IBPOC artists who have long shaped the Canadian arts sector,” says Kevin A. Ormsby, Co-Director/Curator of Programming and Engagement at CPAMO. “It honours their legacies while inviting new perspectives that advance equity, inclusion, and innovation.”

Many contributors are also participants in The Gathering: Divergence Multi-Arts Festival and Conference, which complements the journal. Their work reflects the subtitle, “Shifting Perspectives and Evolving Ways of Working in the Arts,” emphasizing how artists engage with social impact, cultural relevance, and innovation.

Through an intergenerational lens, the journal unites IBPOC practitioners whose work challenges assumptions, celebrates legacy, and envisions transformative futures for the arts in Canada. By centering Indigeneity and creativity on Indigenous lands, Gathering Divergence highlights the deep links between history, place, and artistic expression.

“Our goal is to keep cultivating the arts sector—creating space, opportunity, and understanding for generations to come” adds Erin Jones, Convenor/Co-Director Curator of Transformational Change.

The first issue offers a critical and creative resource for artists, educators, policymakers, and arts organizations seeking deeper engagement with IBPOC perspectives in Canadian arts.

About the Journal

This publication reflects CPAMO’s ongoing efforts to highlight and celebrate the methodologies, insights, and lived experiences of IBPOC creatives. It seeks to interrogate the cultural significance and social currency of IBPOC artists while amplifying their narratives and reaffirming their sustained contributions to the Canadian arts sector.

“This journal amplifies the creative intelligence and leadership of IBPOC artists who have long shaped the Canadian arts sector,” says Kevin A. Ormsby | Co-Director / Curator of Programming and Engagement. “It honours their legacies while inviting new and evolving perspectives that move the sector toward equity, inclusion, and innovation. Our goal is to continue —cultivating space, opportunity, and understanding for generations to come.”

Invitation

You are invited to celebrate the launch of our new publication: Gathering Divergence – A Journal Centering IBPOC Perspectives in Canadian Arts Practices and our Holiday Party — an evening of reflection, creativity, and community connection.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 | 4:30pm-6:30pm

Location: Rooftop Meeting Space
30 Merchants’ Wharf, Toronto, ON M5A 0L2

Accessibility: The venue is accessible by wheelchair. We aim to have a Fragrance-Free Event.

The event is free but RSVP is required!
Light refreshments will be available!

Register online on Eventbrite. 

About CPAMO

Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO) works to advance pluralism, equity, and inclusive practices within the arts. Through research, programming, and partnerships, CPAMO supports IBPOC artists and arts organizations in creating meaningful systemic change across Canada’s cultural landscape.

For media inquiries, interviews, or access to the journal, please contact:

Victoria Glizer
Curator of Communications
Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO)
info@cpamo.org | www.cpamo.org