Asian Heritage Month Festival 2017
presented by
The Canadian Foundation for
Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.
GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO
Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada's Asian Heritage - Asian Heritage Month
May 4 to May 31, 2017
Events Index Quick Links
- April 30 - OPENING CEREMONY OF CANADA 150 | ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH FESTIVAL 2017
& Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions
at Metro Hall Rotunda with presentations and workshops
Event Poster
- Thursday May 4 to Saturday May 6 - Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions
at Metro Hall Rotunda with presentations and workshops
Event Poster - May 2 to May 11 - Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions at City Hall Library including:
- May 11 Asian Heritage Month Talk at City Hall Library, Toronto Public Library
Professor Chef Leo Chan "A Culinary Journey Through Chinatown" with Demo
Event Poster - May 25 Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable
at York University
Event Poster - Sunday May 28 - Canada 150 | Unity in Diversity: Fusion of Communities in Canada | Film Festival at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto
Event Poster
- Wednesday May 31 - Canada 150 | Unity in Diversity: Fusion of Communities in Canada | Authors' Readings and Concert
Event Poster
Bios of Authors and Artists Featured at the Authors' Reading and Concert
- Monday June 12 - Saturday June 17 - Canada 150 | AHM Art and Photo Exhibition
at City Hall Rotunda
Event Poster
Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events
that are
not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
presented by CFACI.
1. April 30 - OPENING CEREMONY OF CANADA 150 | ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH FESTIVAL 2017
& "Canada 150 - Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions"
at Metro Hall Rotunda with presentations and workshops
THEME: UNITY IN DIVERSITY: FUSION OF COMMUNITIES IN CANADA
FEATURED EXHIBITION:
"Diversity - Fusion - Unity" Photographs by members of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST)
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, Chair of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
FREE ADMISSION
Date: April 30 - May 3, 2017
Venue: Metro Hall Rotunda
Opening Ceremony on Sunday April 30 at 2 pm
RECEPTION FOLLOWS - Sponsored by Mr. Justin Poy
Event Poster
Please register for the Opening Ceremony on Eventbrite: Click Here
Description:
The Featured Exhibitions are -
"Diversity - Fusion - Unity"
Photographs by members of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST)
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, Chair of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
Visual Art by WE Artists' Group: Henry Ho, Erik Chong, Sharon Cook, Jessica Deng , Irene Hung, Brian Lau, and introducing new artists: , Wendell Chen, Gyan Sandhu, Kulwant Singh
This event will explore the fusion of two types of visual art: painting as an imaginative reproduction of reality, and photography as a realistic representation of life. In juxtaposing these two visual art forms, the innovative ways Asian artists manipulate the multicultural setting of Canada can be seen, such as applying oil painting techniques on Chinese themes, or using Chinese brush painting to show Canadian themes. How photography aspires to be a verisimilitude of life and an imaginative interpretation informed by Asian philosophy will also be shown. Dr. Lien Chao will work with the Artists Association, and the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto will feature their members' works. During the festival weekend, the artists and photographers will be present to talk about Asian art media and demonstrate their techniques; these educational activities aim at helping the public to develop necessary knowledge and critical skills to appreciate Asian art.
OPENING CEREMONY
Welcome Address
by Mr. Justin Poy, Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
Greetings
His Worship John Tory, Mayor, City of Toronto
Councillor Chin Lee, Ward 41 Scarborough - Rouge River, City of Toronto
Councillor Godwin Chan, Ward 6, Town of Richmond Hill
Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 4, City of Vaughan
Mr. Kirk Mark, Senior Coordinator, Community Relations Department, Toronto Catholic District School Board
Professor Leslie Sanders, University Professor, York University
The following photos are provided by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu, Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Mayor John Tory presenting the Asian Heritage Month 2017 Proclamation
Mr. Stephen Siu, Chair of Chinese Photographic Society of Toronto, introducing the exhibition to Mayor John Tory.
Dr. Lien Chao (third from right), Curator of the art exhibition, introducing the visual artists to Mayor Tory.
Professor Leslie Sanders (York University) and Mr. Kirk Mark (Toronto Catholic District School Board) introducing the Canada 150 project with the school boards to Mayor John Tory.
Award-winning photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu touring the exhibits with Councillor Chin Lee.
An attentive audience
Photos provided by Tam Kam Chiu, Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Featured talks by Chinese Canadian Legend Award Recipients
Mr. Justin Poy on “the Evolution of Chinese Contemporary Art”
Justin Poy will talk about the evolution of Chinese Contemporary Art, accompanied by a slide presentation. He has been mounting art exhibits in Toronto and in parts of China featuring very famous pieces of contemporary art (all done by Chinese artists), many pieces of which are done by the military. On May 20th he will be having the first Canadian Asian Heritage Month at exhibition in China, a joint art show in collaboration with Canadian artists.
VIDEO |Mr. Justin Poy's Presentation Part I
VIDEO |Mr. Justin Poy's Presentation Part II
Mr. Stephen Siu on "Diversity - Fusion - Unity"
Mr Stephen Siu will talk about "Unity and Diversity". He will use photographs to depict the theme of Canada 150, showing slides from Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto members, including Mr Tam Kam Chiu, CCPST president Edwin Ho and some other members, apart from his own pictures.
VIDEO |Mr. Stephen Siu's Presentation Part I
VIDEO |Mr. Stephen Siu's Presentation Part II
Click here for highlights of photo exhibition.
Click here for highlights of art exhibition.
Click here for the proposed events.
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
2. Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions at Metro Hall Rotunda
Featured Exhibitions:
"Diversity - Fusion - Unity" Photographs by members of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST)
FREE ADMISSION
Date:
CANADA 150| UNITY IN DIVERSITY | FUSION OF COMMUNITIES IN CANADA
Sunday April 30 to Wednesday May 3, 2017
ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH FESTIVAL
Thursday May 4, 2017 to Monday May 5, 2017
Venue: Metro Hall Rotunda
Event Poster
Description:
Featured photographer: Award-winning photographer Tam Kam Chiu, Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Featured visual artists: Award-winning painter Sharon Cook, Jessica Deng , Irene Hung, Brian Lau, and introducing new artists: , Wendell Chen, Gyan Sandhu, Kulwant Singh
, Frank Chao
Curator Dr. Lien Chao and Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
Photographs provided by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
This event will explore the fusion of two types of visual art: painting as an imaginative reproduction of reality, and photography as a realistic representation of life. In juxtaposing these two visual art forms, the innovative ways Asian artists manipulate the multicultural setting of Canada can be seen, such as applying oil painting techniques on Chinese themes, or using Chinese brush painting to show Canadian themes. How photography aspires to be a verisimilitude of life and an imaginative interpretation informed by Asian philosophy will also be shown. Dr. Lien Chao will work with the Artists Association, and the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto will feature their members' works. During the festival weekend, the artists and photographers will be present to talk about Asian art media and demonstrate their techniques; these educational activities aim at helping the public to develop necessary knowledge and critical skills to appreciate Asian art.
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
3. May 4 to May 11 - Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibitions
at City Hall Library, Toronto Public Library
FREE ADMISSION
Featured Talk by Professor Chef Leo Chan
"A Culinary Journey Through Chinatown" with Demo of making Chinese dumplings and food and vegetable carvings
Date: May 11, 2017
Time: 12 pm - 2 pm
Venue: City Hall Library, Toronto Public Library, 100 Queen Street, Toronto
Please register on Eventbrite: Click Here
Professor Chef Leo Chan will talk about the history of Chinese restaurants in Toronto in the past 100+ years covering the changes. The audience will be transported back in time to share food memories that are so intricately linked with successive waves of Chinese immigration. He will explore the ever-growing Chinese food community, and show how they are linked to the rapid changes of Toronto and where the next generation of food lovers fit into the puzzle. Opening the doors to diverse regional Chinese cuisines, Professor Chef Chan will take the audience to experience the deep passion of food traditions through engaging stories. The event is complete with food demonstration on how to make Chinese dumplings before the talk, with hands-on opportunities for the audience. He will be joined by Chef Frederick Oh from George Brown College, and former team captain and coach of the award winning Trillium Chefs Canada. Chef Oh is originally from Singapore. He will be doing food and vegetable carving.
Professor Chef Leo Chan gave the talk to a packed library
Professor Chef Leo Chan demonstrated how to make different kinds of Chinese dumplings
The event also featured Chef Frederick Oh from George Brown College doing food and vegetable carving
4. Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable and Performances
Tamil Culture: Past, Present and Future
FREE ADMISSION
Please register by e-mail: ycar@yorku.ca
Date: May 25, 2017
Time: 11:30 am - 3 pm
Venue: ACW 109, York University, 4700 Keele Street
Map: Building 30 on the Map at http://maps.info.yorku.ca/files/2013/02/Colour-Map- pdf.pdf (Downsview Subway Station to the 196 Express: York University)
Event Poster
Registration: Click here
Description:
Welcome
Dean Ananya Mukherjee-Reed, Dean, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
Justin Poy (Honourary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
Presentations
Professor Rudhramoorthy Cheran (University of Windsor)
Harini Sivalingam (Graduate Program in Socio-Legal Studies)
Nedra Rodrigo (York Centre for Asian Research)
Saruka Pararajasingham (2016 N. Sivalingam Award Recipient in Tamil Studies)
Dance performances
Abhineyakshetra School
Anoshinie Muhundarajah
Slam poetry and spoken word
Renee Vettivelu
Kayal Vizhi
Organizers: York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University; Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto District School Board; York Region District School Board
Co-Organizers: Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Social Services Network
This project is funded in part by Canada 150 Funds from Government of Canada, York University and by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
5. Sunday May 28 - Canada 150 | Unity in Diversity: Fusion of Communities in Canada | Film Festival at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto
Event Poster
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Venue: Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto
Map at http://www.utoronto.ca/townhall/contact.html
FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite Click here
Details and poster at: http://www.vmacch.ca/alpha/events/index.html
Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc., Social Services Network in partnership with Reelworld Film Festival present:
PROGRAMME
Introduction by Gave Lindo, Executive Director, Reelworld Film Festival
Short Film showcase
1. Like the Flow of a River | Director: Natalie Murao
This film is a dramatic short film that focuses on a young girl's struggle to converse with her grandmother. The two generations of Japanese-Canadians are divided by a language barrier and are forced to communicate with each other after eating in a restaurant. The two characters connect by sharing a joke together, but their laughter eventually fades as they settle back into silence. The film explores the disconnect between generations, yet the bond that persists in family.
Natalie Murao is a filmmaker from Vancouver, BC. She is currently studying Film Production and Asian-Canadian Studies at Simon Fraser University. Although she enjoys dabbling in production design, her primary focus is to write and direct films that can engage the Asian-Canadian community through cinema.
2. Descendants of the Past, Ancestors of the Future |Director: Albert M. Chan
Expecting a baby girl, Chinese-Canadian Director Albert M. Chan realizes he is desperate to under-stand how his immigrant mother (played by Golden Globe nominee Tina Chen) and grandfather spent most of their lives apart.
Albert M. Chan is a Chinese-Canadian actor and filmmaker whose films have been recognized by the National Film Board of Canada and screened at more than 30 film festivals on four continents.
3. Little Mao | Director: Allan Tong
Little Mao tells the life story of Mao Tse-Tung through 12-year old Bobby Tung and his baseball team. After a pop fly liberates shy Bobby, the Chairman emancipates the neighbourhood kids from their chores and leads them to victory on the field. However, does Chairman Bobby take his power too far?
Allan Tong is a Toronto filmmaker, programmer and film journalist. His films I Want To Be A Desi (Bravo!FACT) and Grange Avenue have won awards and been broadcast on television. Tong is a Sundance Institute Documentary Fellow and he co-directed the documentary, The Flying stars, now broadcast on the CBC's Documentary Channel.
Panel Discussion with filmmakers:
1. Q&A with filmmakers: Albert M. Chan and Allan Tong
VIDEO |Panel Discussion Part I
VIDEO |Panel Discussion Part II
VIDEO |Panel Discussion Part III
VIDEO |Panel Discussion Part IV
2. In conversation with feature filmmaker: Nayani Thiyagarajah, why it’s important for Asian Canadians to tell stories and the diversity of storytellers in Canada
Moderator: Gave Lindo, Executive Director, Reelworld Film Festival
VIDEO |Q and A with Nayani Thiyagarajah Part I
VIDEO |Q and A with Nayani Thiyagarajah Part II
Feature Length Film: Shadeism: Digging Deeper | Director: Nayani Thiyagarajahz
This film explores the issue of shadeism, the discrimination between lighter-skinned and darker-skinned members of the same community. This issue around skin tone, of certain shades being considered better than others, was never missing from conversation while growing up for Director Nayani Thiyagarajah. She was able to feel its presence in conversations among family and friends, but she did not have the language to name it. And so, it became easier to ignore its presence, suppress its signs, and normalize its existence. In 2009, a conversation with her niece Maanu forced Nayani to face the fact that we cannot continue to ignore this issue. Silence will not save anyone from suffering. Alongside her friends and family, Nayani begins to recover and re-imagine what beauty means for women globally. This film looks at where shadeism comes from, how it directly affects women, and explores how we can move forward together.
Nayani Thiyagarajah is a director, writer, producer, trained doula and yoga instructor. She completed her Bachelor of Journalism at Ryerson University and her master's in Interdisciplinary Studies at York University. Thiyagarajah's first feature documentary “Shadeism: Digging Deeper” premiered in 2015. She is currently co-producing, writing, and directing multiple independent film projects.
Organizers: Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc., Social Services Network in partnership with Reelworld Film Festival
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; ReelWorld Film Festival; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Social Services Network; Bata Shoe Museum
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
6. Asian Heritage Month Authors Readings + Concert Performance of Asian Canadian Artists:
"CANADA 150 | UNITY IN DIVERSITY: FUSION OF COMMUNITIES IN CANADA"
FREE ADMISSION
Please register on Eventbrite: Click Here
Event Poster
Keynote Address and Performance:
Professor Chan Ka Nin, composer of IRON ROAD, on ""
Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Time: 7 PM PLEASE BE SEATED BY 6:45 PM
Venue: Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto
Map at http://www.utoronto.ca/townhall/contact.html
RECEPTION FOLLOWS - Sponsored by Mr. Justin Poy
Please register on Eventbrite: Click Here
OPENING ADDRESS: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
1. A Rendition of Classical Kathak- - - - -Mushtari Afroz
Photos by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
VIDEO |A Rendition of Classical Kathak
2. Gently to Nagasaki by Joy Kogawa a video presentation
Sakura - - - Japanese Folksong
VIDEO |Joy Kogawa Reading + Sakura
Erica Iris, mezzo-soprano, Teresa Suen, harp, Alice Ho, piano, Chan Ka Nin, guitar
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
3. A Drop of Water - - - -Poetry by Lien Chao & Music by Amin Honarmand
Erica Iris, mezzo soprano, Alice Ho, piano
VIDEO |Lien Chao Reading + Music and Song Part I
VIDEO |Lien Chao Reading + Music and Song Part II
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
4. An Excerpt from Dragonfly - - - - A Play by Robert Fothergill
Erica Iris, Rob Fothergill, actors
VIDEO |An Excerpt from Dragonfly
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
Choreographer: Emily Cheung
Shakeil Rollock and Shaylin Williams , dancers
VIDEO |Dance choreographed by Emily Cheung
5. Tribute to Jean Lumb - - - - - -Arlene Chan
In a Landscape by John Cage - - -Teresa Suen, harp
VIDEO |Arlene Chan's Presentation
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
6. Interpretation of John Cage’s 4’ 33” - - - -Patria Rivera
Patria Rivera, reader Alice Ho, piano, Teresa Suen, harp,
Chan Ka Nin, guitar
VIDEO | Patria Rivera Presentation
7. An interpretation of a Tagore poetry - - - - Mushtari Afroz
The Broken Dream of a Stream | a poem by Asia’s first Nobel Laureate Radindranath Tagore
Choreography: Mushtari Afroz
Performers: Mushtari Afroz, dancer| Syeda Rownak Afza, vocal – poetry recital| Mamunur Rashid, tabla & flute| Shawn Barry, sitar
VIDEO |An Interpretation of a Tagore Poetry Part I
VIDEO |An Interpretation of a Tagore Poetry Part II
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
Instrumental Music Presentation
Performers: Junaed Anwar, dotara| Mamunur Rashid, tabla
Photo by Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
VIDEO | Instrumental Music Presentation
RECEPTION FOLLOWS (sponsored by Mr. Justin Poy)
Co-organizers:
Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University: Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Acknowledgements:
Mr. Justin Poy for sponsoring the Reception
Steinway Piano sponsored by Steinway Piano Gallery, Toronto
7. UNITY IN DIVERSITY: FUSION OF COMMUNITIES IN CANADA Art and Photo Exhibitions
at City Hall Rotunda with presentations and workshops
FEATURED EXHIBITION:
Photographs by Mr. Stephen Siu, Chair of Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
Photographs by Award-Winning Photographer Mr. Tam Kam Chiu
FREE ADMISSION
Date: June 12 - June 17, 2017
Venue: City Hall Rotunda
8. Artists Workshop at School Board
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
8. Artists Workshop at School Board
Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists' Group; Social Services Network
Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
List of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month 2017
Canada 150 Activities showcasing the works from the school workshops are sponsored by Canadian Heritage Canada 150 Fund and York University Canada 150 Fund
Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
Canadian Heritage Canada 150 Program through York University
Cambridge Food and Wine Society
Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
Chi Ping Dance Group
Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
Chinese Collective Arts Association
City of Toronto
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University
Justin Poy Agency
Moon Pointer Production Inc.
Reel Asian Film Festival
ReelWorld Film Festival
Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
Steinway Piano Gallery, Toronto
Toronto Catholic District School Board
Toronto District School Board
Toronto Public Library
WE Artists Association
York Centre for Asian Research, York University
York Centre for Education and Community, York University
York Region District School Board