Presenter: Timaj Garad
Workshop Description
Join Ethiopian-Canadian multi-disciplinary Storyteller, Arts Educator, and Creative Consultant Timaj Garad, as she engages workshop presenters in a sharing of stories that tell tales of healing and resistance. Timaj will share her stories and encourage workshop attendees to tap into their own inner artists to use spoken word and art as a medium for self-reflection and joy. People are looking for deeper connections – to passion, purpose, and community. Timaj believes telling our authentic stories in a warm and supportive space is exactly where that begins to happen. Timaj has always been passionately curious about how compassion-based self-awareness can support well-being while creating ethical and inclusive communities. She creates spaces where voices are amplified, well-being is supported, and artistic development is nurtured – manifesting the magic within.
Bio
Timaj Garad
Timaj Garad is an Ethiopian-Harari Toronto-based multi-disciplinary storyteller, Arts Educator, and Community Organizer using poetry, theatre, and music to bring her stories to life. Her art is autobiographical, working at the intersections of a black Muslim woman challenging injustice, unearthing truths, and healing. As an award-winning Artist & Educator, Timaj has graced over 300 stages and facilitated several arts-based workshops. Timaj is the Founder of LUMINOUS Fest – Canada’s first Black Muslim arts festival, and Co-founder of The Sisters’ Retreat – a retreat series hosting local and international arts-based wellness retreats for Muslim Women.
She is currently living in Toronto, sharing her poetry and music on stages across the province, continuing to organize arts events, and working on new music. She released her single and music video “Black Gold” as well as her debut EP ‘Blooming at the Mouth’ last year. Timaj is currently working on her second EP. Timaj believes in the transformative power of the arts to build capacity and strengthen communities. You can follow her work at timajgarad.com