The Gathering Divergence Multi-Arts Festival & Conference
Moulding The Future:
Rethinking Strategies for the Arts Sector Now
May 10 – May 13, 2022
Via Zoom and Small World Music Centre (Toronto)
This year, Gathering Divergence Multi-Arts Festival & Conference Spring 2022 | Moulding The Future: Rethinking Strategies for the Arts Sector Now will address emergent ways of rethinking the sector as we emerge out of the pandemic, focusing on the responsibility of the sector to strategize, implement supportive systems that benefit IBPOC artists / organizations and the Arts Sector at large.
The festival / conference focused on varying topics within the Arts sector grounded in the transformative change through a cross-sectoral understanding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity. Through panels, workshops, exhibitions and showcases encouraging divergence across arts practices, collaboration and professional development shaped within the sensibilities of art making and networking of IBPOC artists and organizations.
Our programming will feature the following panels:
Organizational Development and Pivoting
(Tuesday. May 10)
There is no doubt that the racial reckoning is re-centring our focus on the need for understanding the need for social justice. Covid 19 has impacted the Arts sector and in turn the organizations within the creative economy. In acknowledging, strategizing and implementing equitable change systems, Arts organizations are being prompted to focus on resources geared towards organizational development, sustainability with a particular focus on how the pandemic forced organizations to “pivot” into the next generation of the arts across Canada and the world.
Digital Design Thinking / Focus Monetizing Creative Content Online
(Thursday, May 12)
Traditional models of Theatre going and performance are being forced to evolve with the contemporary reality of digital technology which is now at the forefront of everything we do. How are the Arts responding and adjusting to this new reality? Part resources, part strategy, digital design thinking and integration into the performing arts is required. Highlighting once again the inequitable distribution of resources across the disciplines, practice and socio-cultural realities.
The Importance of Amplifying / Making Space for Indigenious / Racialized Artistic Directors within the Arts Sector
(Friday, May 13)
The city of Toronto’s Artistic community has seen a shift in creative leadership resulting in some key organizations being led by IBPOC directors. Leading with a sensibility of not replicating oppressive systems of creative endeavours that will impact IBPOC artists, we invite some of the Artistic Directors to convene in a conversation on artistic leadership from an IBPOC perspective highlighting both continued challenges, areas of creative potential and programming for a diverse city.
Plus workshops and performances by Jody Chan, Liliona Quarmyne, Robert Ball, Anqi Li, Randell Adjeli, Nickeisha Garrick, Little Pear Garden, Rhoma Spencer, Pam Mordecai, Pam Mordecai and Modern Times Stage Company artist: Rafeh Mahmud.
The full schedule is available here.
Registration: Tickets: $15 a day or PWYC
Day 1: Tuesday, May 10 via Zoom | 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Day 2: Thursday, May 12 via Zoom | 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Day 3: Friday, May 13 in-person and live stream via Zoom | 11:00am-5:30 pm
Location: Small World Music Centre
Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5
Pleas note we have a limited number of Pay What You Can (PWYC) tickets to enable price accessibility for low income individuals to attend.
Covid protocols: People attending the event in Small World Music Centre need proof of vaccination or negative test within 24 hrs before the event. Masks are recommended in Artscape common areas. No food or drink in common areas and hallway.
Register online: https://the-gathering-divergence-spring-2022.eventbrite.ca
If you have any questions email: info [at] cpamo.org
As you know we have been fundraising for both — our last Gathering Divergence in December 2021 and for our upcoming Gathering Divergence in May 2022. Help us showcase more IBPOC artists and arts administrators by contributing today!
https://gofund.me/3f9402a9
Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO) 
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