The 15th annual Eco & Art Media Festival officially launches today at 6pm in the Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies (HNES) Building on York’s Keele campus. This year’s festival focuses on the theme “Moving Through: Expressions of Struggle, Healing & Hope” and will feature public discussion, artistic expression and dialogue.
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Every spring since 1994, the Wild Garden Media Centre based in the Faculty of Environmental Studies has coordinated the Eco Art & Media Festival, a multi-day festival to celebrate and share diverse forms of creative expression. As a campus-wide and community event, the Eco Art & Media Festival is co-sponsored with other York University Faculties and departments, as well as community organizations that share the vision of community art for education and social change.
Tonight’s opening event features the York University Gospel Choir, a performance by graduate student dancers and choreographers from the Faculty of Fine Arts and an eclectic visual art exhibition. The Eco & Art Media Festival continues until April 18 and offers an exciting array of events.
Today’s events feature:
Spring into Action: A Discussion of Disability, Art and Advocacy
12:30 to 2:15pm
Room 103, Accolade West Bldg.
This event is a seminar featuring Cheryl Zinyk and Janet Monroe (SOL Express of L’Arche Community), Lindsay Fisher and Jess Sasche (Envisioning New Meanings of Disability and Difference), Nancy Viva Davis Halifax (Critical Disability Studies, Faculty of Health, York University) and Esther Ignagni (School of Disability Studies, Ryerson University). It will be moderated by Jane Field, a performer and disability advocate.
The Power of Words: Culture and Environmentalism
3 to 4pm
Room 248, HNES Bldg.
An exploration of how different cultures incorporate and reflect environmentalism with their practices. Discussion will be encouraged as participants explore strategies for change and the environmental imperative around the world.
Eco & Art Media Festival opening
5:30 to 8pm
ZigZag Gallery
Level 1, HNES Bldg.
Official opening event of the 15th annual Festival. Set amidst the visual art exhibition, the evening will feature performances by members of the York community including the York University Gospel Choir. Join for festival participants for a glass of wine and light refreshments.
Wednesday, April 15:
MOVIN’: Day of Movement, Dance, Music & Theatre
9:30am to 5pm
McLean Performance Studio
Room 244, Accolade East Bldg.
- Yoga Warm Up
9:30 to 10:30am
Beginner/intermediate exploration of one of the oldest forms of exercise. Bring your own mat or towel and a friend and enjoy a great way to kick start the day. - Performances, Part 1
2:30 to 1:30pm
Exciting new & original choreography by students & faculty in the Department of Dance, Faculty of Fine Arts. - Movement Workshop
2:30 to 3:30pm - Performances, Part 2
4 to 5pm
Original theatre pieces written & performed by students in the Faculty of Environmental Studies.
Thursday, April 16:
The Future From Here
10am to 4pm
HNES Level I Lounge
A day of participatory art-making, books, e-zines, masks, writing and garden design. Facilitated by students in the FES graduate course Popular Education for Social Change.
Film, video and new media screening
12:30 to 2:30pm
Nat Taylor Cinema
102N Ross Bldg.
A program of diverse work in film & video exploring various global & local issues from human trafficking to the recent labour dispute at York University . Filmmakers in attendance.
Cabaret
8pm Gladstone Hotel,
1214 Queen St. W.
Toronto
The festival’s annual cabaret event always promises great times and great variety. This year’s event will be held in the stunning Gladstone Hotel Ballroom. Performances will abound as the York community showcases its talent on the stage. Co-hosted by Victoria Krampkoeski-Epner and FES master’s student Owen Blakka Ellis. It’s a free event and all are welcome; so bring a friend, or seven!
Friday, April 17:
SPECTACLE(ULAR)
Time & Location TBA
This event focuses on popular education and labour. For an update on the time and location, visit the Eco & Art Media Festival Web site.
Saturday, April 18:
If The Walls Could Speak, What Community Stories Would They Tell…?
4:30 to 6:30pm
Tinto Coffee House,
89 Roncesvalles Ave.
Toronto
A photo exhibit of community murals to inspire and promote the Painting Our Stories: Parkdale-Roncesvalles Community Mural Project. Includes hands-on activity to generate ideas for local murals. Cash bar.
Visit the Eco & Art Media Festival Web site for more program information and updates.