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The voice is not British. While little is known about Banksy, we do know he is now about 50 years old and originally from Bristol, UK (or at least that is where he pops up in 1990 as part of a group of underground artists), so a voice without an English accent is likely not Banksy’s voice. The voice actually had the cadence of an artificially-generated narrator but there is no way to know since there is no description of what this is. Which highlights the main concern. The show, while giving lots of information about Banksy, including a comprehensive timeline of this work across several walls, fails to explain the things that usual museum-goers might expect. From where does the exhibition information come? What is the material of the images on display—are they works on papers? On canvas? Are they digitized images? Is the stencil on the wall actual paint and who did it? Some wall labels were informative as to the historical context of the image, but very few describe the material form of the image itself. A few works were archival prints; several are signed, limited-edition prints; the majority do not convey in what form the object is. Yes, it is a Banksy “image” or “object,” but Banksy mostly spray paints on walls in exotic locales far from London, Ontario, so what exactly are we looking at? The exhibition did a fine job of complicating matters of “originality” in our current age of digitally immersive experiences, artificially generated images, and non-fungible token (NFTs—the craze where digital rights to digital imagery and video are sold for astronomical prices in online auctions). Most people attending the show are led to believe, by carefully crafted wording on the ticket website, to believe they are seeing “original” works by Banksy, but in fact the word “original” applies to the fact that the works are created for this exhibit and so they are original to this experience. It is a meticulously constructed description that avoids litigation. If one goes to the production’s website, not just Budweiser Garden’s ticketing website, there is a clear stamp on the main page stating, “unauthorized exhibition” but that is not where search engines take you. The fact is that Banksy has nothing to do with creating this travelling show, nor the other touring companies displaying his art, nor did he sanction any of them. Indeed, he has implored people not to support them. For an artist that spent a large portion of his early career lampooning commercialism, consumerism, and capitalism (see the documentary Banksy produced from 2010, Exit Through the Gift Shop) this use of his material is deeply ironic and the show pulses with paradoxical moments. For example, there is an image of Banksy’s illustration of the commodification of Jean-Michel Basquiat entitled, BanksyTM Banksquiat that was sold in Banksy’s pop-up shop, “Gross Domestic Product” in 2017. Banksy understood the absurdity of marketing the already marketed, but do we? In paying to attend a show that centres on a living artists’ images, we support a production company touring the world with no benefit to the artist. Banksy receives nothing from any of the touring companies bearing his name. They also make a lot of money using images and objects that are not “original” – in that the majority of items displayed are neither limited edition prints sold to collectors nor museum pieces but rather created by the production company for the exhibition. In Seoul, when the public found out that the show was mostly replicas, the production company apologized and offered a refund. The company says fewer than one percent of attendees asked for one. This made me wonder as I wandered, how many of the exhibition visitors around me understood what they were seeing and whether they would care if they did know. They were certainly learning a lot about Banksy and street art, but would the fact that the artist was not benefiting in any way from the money flowing through the show give pause? Would it even be a concern to the average audience member? I would like to think it would matter because we are, after all, in the hometown of the original movement to pay visual artists an equitable amount for their work and give them a share in the profits. In 1968, London artists including Jack Chambers, Tony Urquhart, and Kim Ondaatje organized collectively to demand recognition for artists’ copyright and to produce an annual fee schedule. This came to be known as CARFAC (Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le front des artistes canadiens). Nearly sixty years later, London’s citizens should care about the source of images they are looking at and to whom the money goes when art is shown. Especially here in this city, we must celebrate and defend the right of artists to be paid when their artwork is exhibited.
Michelle Owusu-Ansah, Misha Bower, Midswim, and Embassy Cultural House at Innovation Works26/4/2024
Happy spring ECH community! It has been a strange turn of weather events as we approach the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Make sure to secure your ISO certified eclipse glasses from your local public library or from The Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project. Our work continues on the forthcoming ECH anthology, An Alternative Cultural History of London, Ontario: Art and Activism, which includes over 20 contributors from London, Ontario, and abroad. RI 9 Space of Memory, Corrientes, Argentina |
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Top left: Group photo from the discussion “Is Palestine Facing Another Nakba?" with Israeli authors Eitan & Eléonore Bronstein about their book Nakba: The struggle to decolonize Israel. This event was hosted by Independent Jewish Voices London (IJV London) at Reimagine Co. in London, ON, and co-sponsored by Canadian Palestinian Social Association (CPSA) and People for Peace London. From left to right: Eitan Bronstein, Éléonore Bronstein, Nehal Al Tarhuni of CPSA London, Sara Rans of IJV London, Chava Finkler of IJV London, and Palestinian-Canadian poet Nadine Alaloul. For more information on Eitan and Eléonore's book: https://www.nomad-publishing.com/nakba.html. Photo credit: Jamelie Hassan
Top right: “Stop the Genocide in Palestine" graffiti. Viva Palestina! Love and courage from Oaxaca, Mexico, November 7, 2023. Photo credit: Marnie Fleming
Bottom: Artists in solidarity for #CeasefireNow at SAW Gallery, Ottawa, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Photo credit: Éloïse Mutombo
Top right: “Stop the Genocide in Palestine" graffiti. Viva Palestina! Love and courage from Oaxaca, Mexico, November 7, 2023. Photo credit: Marnie Fleming
Bottom: Artists in solidarity for #CeasefireNow at SAW Gallery, Ottawa, on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Photo credit: Éloïse Mutombo
Forest City Gallery echos the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
We applaud the Forest City Gallery Board of Directors and Staff for their critical and empathetic statement on the crisis in Gaza, released on November 4, 2023. To read the full statement, please visit their website.
Dreaming Palestine by Nadine Alaloul
I dream to see a falasteen free-
where the land is filled with rooted olive trees-
Where we see our flags proudly high-
Where Muslim’s, Christian’s, & Jews live together in peace like we used to.
Where Zionism ideology does not exist-
Where it is forbidden to see yourself superior above the rest
I dream to see a falasteen free-
To feel the wind of Mediterranean Sea,
To sip on babonij, chamomile tea
as I watch children play simo, hide & seek
Where we eat fresh oranges from yaffa trees-
Where we can go back home & live by our seas-
Where we rejoice in Eid, Passover, & Christmas feasts
I dream of a falasteen that knows peace-
a falasteen where love is what we teach-
for our land-
for our neighbours
for all our brothers & sisters no matter their beliefs.
I dream of a falasteen that does not know Zionism hate-
but it be a faint memory of what evil creates
I dream of a falasteen
liberated, free from hatred
free from dehumanization.
I dream of a falasteen
where every child is seen as our own-
where each tear that falls from their eyes-
is felt as our own
& I dream of a falasteen where laughter fills the streets
as we eat knafe sweets,
as we hear tabley beats
& we finally can say falasteen is free.
For more of Nadine's work, please visit her Instagram account @nadinethepoet.
where the land is filled with rooted olive trees-
Where we see our flags proudly high-
Where Muslim’s, Christian’s, & Jews live together in peace like we used to.
Where Zionism ideology does not exist-
Where it is forbidden to see yourself superior above the rest
I dream to see a falasteen free-
To feel the wind of Mediterranean Sea,
To sip on babonij, chamomile tea
as I watch children play simo, hide & seek
Where we eat fresh oranges from yaffa trees-
Where we can go back home & live by our seas-
Where we rejoice in Eid, Passover, & Christmas feasts
I dream of a falasteen that knows peace-
a falasteen where love is what we teach-
for our land-
for our neighbours
for all our brothers & sisters no matter their beliefs.
I dream of a falasteen that does not know Zionism hate-
but it be a faint memory of what evil creates
I dream of a falasteen
liberated, free from hatred
free from dehumanization.
I dream of a falasteen
where every child is seen as our own-
where each tear that falls from their eyes-
is felt as our own
& I dream of a falasteen where laughter fills the streets
as we eat knafe sweets,
as we hear tabley beats
& we finally can say falasteen is free.
For more of Nadine's work, please visit her Instagram account @nadinethepoet.
Embassy Cultural House stands with CPSA
Join CPSA for a rally on Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 PM at Victoria Park in downtown London.
The Embassy Cultural House stands with the Canadian Palestinian Social Association and is united with numerous groups in London for the “Ceasefire NOW!" pan-Canadian day of action. CPSA's diverse coalition represents people from various backgrounds and faiths to call for a ceasefire.
This family-friendly peaceful rally and march invites everyone who cares about peace and justice to stand with us.
Twenty years ago, a mass movement kept Canada out of the Iraq war. Today, we need another mass movement to stop the Canadian government from funding genocide, and supporting Israeli war crimes in Gaza. It begins with a ceasefire, but we must also call on the Canadian government to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and lift the 16-year-long siege. We must also continue to insist that the Canadian government utilize its influence to facilitate the safe return of Canadian Palestinians trapped in Gaza to their families here.
The Embassy Cultural House stands with the Canadian Palestinian Social Association and is united with numerous groups in London for the “Ceasefire NOW!" pan-Canadian day of action. CPSA's diverse coalition represents people from various backgrounds and faiths to call for a ceasefire.
This family-friendly peaceful rally and march invites everyone who cares about peace and justice to stand with us.
Twenty years ago, a mass movement kept Canada out of the Iraq war. Today, we need another mass movement to stop the Canadian government from funding genocide, and supporting Israeli war crimes in Gaza. It begins with a ceasefire, but we must also call on the Canadian government to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and lift the 16-year-long siege. We must also continue to insist that the Canadian government utilize its influence to facilitate the safe return of Canadian Palestinians trapped in Gaza to their families here.
“Black Life: Untold Stories" premieres on CBC Gem
Black Life: Untold Stories is an eight-part documentary project that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada, dispelling commonly accepted myths and celebrating the many, and often unrecognized, contributions of Black Canadians who helped to shape our country. The series is now available on CBC Gem.
We would like to congratulate ECH contributor, Juan Bello, for his work as the archival producer on the episodes: “Northern Beats” and “More than a Game.” Juan notes that, "One of the main challenges across episodes, from a visual research perspective, was the lack of archival and preservation policies in connection with Black communities and individuals. It is a project that addresses systematic injustice, and the lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion in connection with 'archival' and 'broadcast' practices. That makes the series unique, it brings to light historical records that had remained unseen and unheard."
For more information: blacklifeseries.com
We would like to congratulate ECH contributor, Juan Bello, for his work as the archival producer on the episodes: “Northern Beats” and “More than a Game.” Juan notes that, "One of the main challenges across episodes, from a visual research perspective, was the lack of archival and preservation policies in connection with Black communities and individuals. It is a project that addresses systematic injustice, and the lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion in connection with 'archival' and 'broadcast' practices. That makes the series unique, it brings to light historical records that had remained unseen and unheard."
For more information: blacklifeseries.com
Embassy Cultural House to participate at the
Ottawa Small Press Book Fair
The Ottawa Small Press Book Fair, autumn 2023 edition will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Tom Brown Arena, 141 Bayview Station Road (note new location). The fair is open from 12 - 5PM.
The fair contains exhibitors with poetry books, novels, cookbooks, posters, t-shirts, graphic novels, comic books, magazines, scraps of paper, gum-ball machines with poems, 2x4s with text, etc, including regular appearances by publishers.
The Ottawa Small Press Fair is held twice a year (apart from pandemic silences), and was founded in 1994 by rob mclennan and James Spyker. Organized/hosted since by rob mclennan.
Come on by and see some of the best of the small press from Ottawa and beyond!
The fair contains exhibitors with poetry books, novels, cookbooks, posters, t-shirts, graphic novels, comic books, magazines, scraps of paper, gum-ball machines with poems, 2x4s with text, etc, including regular appearances by publishers.
The Ottawa Small Press Fair is held twice a year (apart from pandemic silences), and was founded in 1994 by rob mclennan and James Spyker. Organized/hosted since by rob mclennan.
Come on by and see some of the best of the small press from Ottawa and beyond!
Forest City Gallery's 50th Anniversary Members' Show & Sale
Detail view of Forest City Gallery's original 432 Richmond St. sign (c. 1973), recovered by a local community member. Original logo design by artist Robert Fones.
December 9 - 20
Opening Reception Saturday, December 9, 7-9PM
Forest City Gallery is pleased to announce the 50th Anniversary Members' Show & Sale Fundraiser. The Annual Members’ Show & Sale is an important avenue for artists in the community to connect and develop new audiences, while offering an affordable entry point for supporting local and regional artists and collecting unique works. This is FCG’s longest-running annual exhibition, and it serves as an important fundraising event for the upcoming programming year. 2023 marks half a century of FCG supporting local and regional artists, and vice versa. Exhibiting artists can opt to split the sale of their works with the gallery, or donate full proceeds of the sale of their works to support our programs. FCG issues charitable tax receipts to artist donors.
For more information on the show and submissions, please visit their website.
Opening Reception Saturday, December 9, 7-9PM
Forest City Gallery is pleased to announce the 50th Anniversary Members' Show & Sale Fundraiser. The Annual Members’ Show & Sale is an important avenue for artists in the community to connect and develop new audiences, while offering an affordable entry point for supporting local and regional artists and collecting unique works. This is FCG’s longest-running annual exhibition, and it serves as an important fundraising event for the upcoming programming year. 2023 marks half a century of FCG supporting local and regional artists, and vice versa. Exhibiting artists can opt to split the sale of their works with the gallery, or donate full proceeds of the sale of their works to support our programs. FCG issues charitable tax receipts to artist donors.
For more information on the show and submissions, please visit their website.
Relevant and Related Links
- Robert Fones' Six-Grid Paintings opens at Olga Korper Gallery from November 18, 2023 to December 21, 2023. For more information, visit the Olga Korper website.
- Check out the newest edition of the Old East Villager which includes a write-up about the Embassy Hotel by Marty Kolls. The front cover features Jamelie Hassan's watercolour painting, Embassy at Nite, 1978.
- The 10th Anniversary of Words: London's Literary and Creative Arts Festival continues through to November 18. To view upcoming events, please visit the Words website.
- On October 20, 2023, Jamelie Hassan, Co-founder of the Embassy Cultural House, received an Honorary Doctorate from Western University. To watch the Convocation address and thoughtful introduction by David Heap, view the video here (address begins at 00:37:50).
Since 2021, Embassy Cultural House has partnered with Words: The Literary and Creative Arts Festival in London, Ontario, to collaborate on a range of events that have been timely and inspiring. This year, Words is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with an amazing lineup on the way! Congratulations to Josh Lambier, Artistic Director of Words and the volunteer team for their commitment and efforts to bring this creative interdisciplinary program to London.
Words returns to Museum London for the 10th anniversary festival, featuring a hybrid program of onsite and online events to build resilience as we confront the crises of our moment with creativity and care. Embassy Cultural House (ECH) has partnered with Words on some key events, in order to highlight Canada’s finest artists, performers, and authors.
Taking place in November of 2023, the festival will host over 40 writers and artists and will revolve around the theme of “Crisis, Creativity & Care."
Words is open to everyone, and most events are either free or by donation.
Words returns to Museum London for the 10th anniversary festival, featuring a hybrid program of onsite and online events to build resilience as we confront the crises of our moment with creativity and care. Embassy Cultural House (ECH) has partnered with Words on some key events, in order to highlight Canada’s finest artists, performers, and authors.
Taking place in November of 2023, the festival will host over 40 writers and artists and will revolve around the theme of “Crisis, Creativity & Care."
Words is open to everyone, and most events are either free or by donation.
With Words, we're pleased to host bestselling author and Globe and Mail health columnist André Picard at our November 3rd opening event. André is a leading voice on the impact and consequences of COVID-19 in Canada. He has reported on the pandemic from a wide range of perspectives concerning public health. How strong is our healthcare system? What challenges can it withstand? What lessons have we learned from COVID-19? Journalist and filmmaker Janice Zolf will join André to talk about his award-winning coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath.
On Saturday morning, November 4th, we are also pleased to feature a conversation between Don McKay and Sally McKay on their new children's book, The Rock Box. Larry Towell will join us for a performance, accompanied by Mike Stevens and Anne Lindsay, in Museum London's auditorium later that night at 7 PM. Sunday afternoon, November 5th, Don McKay will join Jane Munro for a poetry reading and conversation.
There is an exciting lineup of readings, interviews, talks, and other interactive events with some of Canada’s most recognized thinkers, writers, and artists. While some events are either strictly online or onsite, the majority have a hybrid option for in-person or online participation! Follow the appropriate registration links below to join ECH and Words!
Get Your Tickets for Opening Night!
On Saturday morning, November 4th, we are also pleased to feature a conversation between Don McKay and Sally McKay on their new children's book, The Rock Box. Larry Towell will join us for a performance, accompanied by Mike Stevens and Anne Lindsay, in Museum London's auditorium later that night at 7 PM. Sunday afternoon, November 5th, Don McKay will join Jane Munro for a poetry reading and conversation.
There is an exciting lineup of readings, interviews, talks, and other interactive events with some of Canada’s most recognized thinkers, writers, and artists. While some events are either strictly online or onsite, the majority have a hybrid option for in-person or online participation! Follow the appropriate registration links below to join ECH and Words!
Get Your Tickets for Opening Night!
Embassy Cultural House and the Words Festival are pleased to present an evening performance with acclaimed photographer, poet, and performer Larry Towell, who will be joined by harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens and award-winning fiddler Anne Lindsay!
This one-hour performance of original ballads employs Larry’s photographs, video, and songs of protest and conflict from Central America, Palestine and Afghanistan to Ukraine, Standing Rock and Mexico, tied together by the theme of dispossession.
Mike has played at the Grande Ole Opry more than 300 times and toured with world renowned musicians from Nashville’s Jim and Jessie to Canada’s Matt Anderson. He is founder of ArtsCan Circle bringing music to First Nations children in the north.
Anne Lindsay is an award winning fiddler/violinist, vocalist, and a master of diverse styles who has recorded and toured with bands and musicians from Led Zeppelin to James Taylor, Jim Cuddy, Blue Rodeo and others in a long and diverse career. She brings a breath of her own fresh air to the stage of live music.
The event is also a book signing for The Mennonites, the recent re-print of Larry’s classic book, as well as "The Man I Left Behind", a three vinyl record set of original songs. It is also the name of his soon to be released feature length film.
Larry is the only Canadian member of Magnum Photos, founded in 1947 by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
This one-hour performance of original ballads employs Larry’s photographs, video, and songs of protest and conflict from Central America, Palestine and Afghanistan to Ukraine, Standing Rock and Mexico, tied together by the theme of dispossession.
Mike has played at the Grande Ole Opry more than 300 times and toured with world renowned musicians from Nashville’s Jim and Jessie to Canada’s Matt Anderson. He is founder of ArtsCan Circle bringing music to First Nations children in the north.
Anne Lindsay is an award winning fiddler/violinist, vocalist, and a master of diverse styles who has recorded and toured with bands and musicians from Led Zeppelin to James Taylor, Jim Cuddy, Blue Rodeo and others in a long and diverse career. She brings a breath of her own fresh air to the stage of live music.
The event is also a book signing for The Mennonites, the recent re-print of Larry’s classic book, as well as "The Man I Left Behind", a three vinyl record set of original songs. It is also the name of his soon to be released feature length film.
Larry is the only Canadian member of Magnum Photos, founded in 1947 by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Embassy Cultural House and Words are pleased to present a visit with acclaimed poet Don McKay and artist and illustrator Sally McKay, who will join us for a lively discussion of their collaboration on a new children's book, The Rock Box.
You might be surprised by a piece of quartz next to the butter in the fridge, or a lump of peridotite between the cushions on the sofa. There was sandstone in the hall and lava in the bathroom. It was, Petra thought to herself, a lavatory, after all.
Petra loves rocks, and collects them with a passion. She keeps them in her bedroom, in the kitchen cupboards, between the cushions of the living-room sofa, even in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Petra’s parents do not love rocks. At least, not as much as Petra does. To convince her to winnow down her collection, her parents offer her a wonderful treasure—a rock box, with a selection of the rocks and minerals found in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. But, wait, is one of those rocks winking at her? Acclaimed Canadian poet Don McKay creates a charming tale of geology, deep time, and connection in his first children’s book.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
You might be surprised by a piece of quartz next to the butter in the fridge, or a lump of peridotite between the cushions on the sofa. There was sandstone in the hall and lava in the bathroom. It was, Petra thought to herself, a lavatory, after all.
Petra loves rocks, and collects them with a passion. She keeps them in her bedroom, in the kitchen cupboards, between the cushions of the living-room sofa, even in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Petra’s parents do not love rocks. At least, not as much as Petra does. To convince her to winnow down her collection, her parents offer her a wonderful treasure—a rock box, with a selection of the rocks and minerals found in her home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. But, wait, is one of those rocks winking at her? Acclaimed Canadian poet Don McKay creates a charming tale of geology, deep time, and connection in his first children’s book.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
Words and Embassy Cultural House are pleased to host a visit with the artists and curators of GardenShip & State for a launch of their exhibition catalogue.
GardenShip and State: A Book is a World
Featuring: Patrick Mahon, Jeff Thomas (Co-curators),
Katie Wilhelm (Designer); Ruth Skinner (Editor) Tom Cull, Michelle Wilson (Contributors), and Marlene Creates, Patricia Deadman (Respondents)
How do art book publications represent worlds and propose world-making? This gathering of curators, artists, designer/editors and writers will address the ways art projects can lead to the production of catalogues and books as archives of cultural materials that act as references and touchstones for ongoing work towards positive change and transformation. Curators Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas will be joined by collaborators and book producers, Tom Cull, Ruth Skinner, Katie Wilhelm and Michelle Wilson, to trace the journey from the GardenShip and State exhibition to its published iterations as a book and an almanac. The conversation will be enhanced by responses and stories from Newfoundland-based artist, Marlene Creates, and Curator of the Woodland Cultural Centre, Patricia Deadman, who will share some of their own tales and evidence of other publication-making journeys.
For the full program of GardenShip and State events, please visit the event page!
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
GardenShip and State: A Book is a World
Featuring: Patrick Mahon, Jeff Thomas (Co-curators),
Katie Wilhelm (Designer); Ruth Skinner (Editor) Tom Cull, Michelle Wilson (Contributors), and Marlene Creates, Patricia Deadman (Respondents)
How do art book publications represent worlds and propose world-making? This gathering of curators, artists, designer/editors and writers will address the ways art projects can lead to the production of catalogues and books as archives of cultural materials that act as references and touchstones for ongoing work towards positive change and transformation. Curators Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas will be joined by collaborators and book producers, Tom Cull, Ruth Skinner, Katie Wilhelm and Michelle Wilson, to trace the journey from the GardenShip and State exhibition to its published iterations as a book and an almanac. The conversation will be enhanced by responses and stories from Newfoundland-based artist, Marlene Creates, and Curator of the Woodland Cultural Centre, Patricia Deadman, who will share some of their own tales and evidence of other publication-making journeys.
For the full program of GardenShip and State events, please visit the event page!
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
We have received a range of responses from the community in regards to the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, and are grateful to everyone that has reached out to share their concerns, critiques, and support. ECH received this statement by Riwaa Abuquta, a young writer from Gaza, who sent her statement to Deborah Root here in Canada.
From Deborah Root
October 17, 2023
Riwaa Abuquta is a 29-year-old writer in Gaza, living in Rafah along with her family. She became a writing mentee a few years ago and we've since become friends, staying in regular touch. We’ve continued to speak over the last few days, via What’sApp (when she’s able to get a signal). Conditions are increasingly dire, with some people trying to desalinate water by soaking potato pieces to draw out the salt (it doesn't work). She wrote in a message: "Every morning we get up feeling like we're drowning." Yesterday Riwaa asked me what people in Canada are saying about Gaza, so I sent her the October 16 ECH statement. That ECH statement is giving her and others in Rafah the hope that they are not as alone as they feel in the midst of the siege. Last night she wrote her own statement, an amended version of her Facebook post of October 12, editing the piece through the sound of falling bombs. She asked me to pass it along to ECH, so we can understand how someone on the ground in Gaza is thinking. For Riwaa, writing is a way of giving, and of communicating with people outside Gaza as she does her best to survive.
Essay on Gaza by Riwaa Abuquta
October 16, 2023
As we mourn, we are committed to educating and raising awareness about our challenges.
What would happen if you built a refuge for persecuted people in a place where other people already live?
In the next few minutes, you'll understand why this moral dilemma lies at the root of the struggle. The moral dilemma of building a refuge for persecuted people in an already inhabited place leads to conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian situation. In this case, the foundation of Israel as a Jewish state resulted in the displacement of indigenous Palestinians. The conflict continues today with millions of Palestinian refugees longing to return to their homeland.
Historical Overview
Many Jews fled harsh persecution in anti-Semitic Europe, notably during the Nazi Holocaust. Zionists encouraged massive immigration to Palestine, at that time a British colony where Jews had an age-old connection and where small Jewish communities had long existed among larger groups of other indigenous peoples. When the UN offered the Jewish immigrants the majority of the land for a new state called Israel, for the indigenous Palestinians who already lived there, it was the massive destruction of life. They rejected the UN's partition plan, and several Arab states invaded the newly established Israel. By the end of the struggle, Israeli forces had erased over 400 Palestinian villages and towns. Israel controlled 78% of Palestine.
When over three-quarters of a million Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the fighting tried to return to their homes, the Israelis permanently barred them. Over 100,000 of their relatives and neighbors who had not left became second-class citizens of the new state called Israel, alongside the new Jewish majority. Today, the number of Palestinian refugees and their descendants is in the millions, with most residing in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jordan. Many are dispersed across the world, with millions still living in refugee camps, longing to return to their homeland. To sum up, while one group of Zionists founded their home as they claim, in the process, a new group of refugees was created.
Now, here's the second thing to understand:
The Vision of Palestine
Israel was founded as a Jewish state, but now ask yourself! What exactly does that mean? People had lots of ideas about what a Jewish state should look like. Some called for equality for all citizens, but what was created in practice was institutional discrimination against non-Jews. In other words, Israel ended up being built on a blueprint of exclusion; the Israeli government wants maximum land and resources for Jews but not the Palestinians living already there. That's why inside occupied Palestinian lands, Jews get special privileges including rights to land and housing that are denied to the Palestinian citizens who already live there. This exclusionary blueprint also led Israel to avoid defining its borders. It continues to hold on to the West Bank and Gaza, occupied in the 1967 war. Since then, Israel has built Jewish settlements throughout the occupied West Bank, building Jewish-only cities and supplying them with infrastructure like; roads, army camps, schools, and colleges.
Military occupations are meant to be temporary, yet after over 70 years, this one appears permanent and unjust. In the West Bank, Israeli Jewish settlers and Palestinians share the same land but live under two entirely separate and unequal systems of Israeli law. Jewish settlers dominate natural resources, such as water and agricultural land, with the support of the Israeli army, while Palestinians experience the demolition of homes, land confiscation, and subjugation in Gaza. Resistance is met with raids, arrests, and assassinations, all aimed at; expanding land while making life so difficult for Palestinians that they will either leave or be too afraid to resist.
Palestinian Resistance and the Quest for Peace
Palestinians have fought back for decades, they tried to achieve national liberation through armed struggle. Some support popular protest instead of fighting and see this cycle of control, repression, and violence deeply harmful to Palestinians living under occupation. To reach a peaceful and secure future for us as Palestinians, they want this cycle to be broken.
Now that we have explored the problem, what about the solution, What about peace talks!
So far, over two decades of US-backed peace talks have actually made things worse by supporting Israel to continue the occupation. It's been years of talking while Israel massively expanded the Jewish settlements and literally redrew the map. Peace talks are good if they're real, but not when they're a theatre to cover land confiscation.
So, what's next?
The United States has been a terrible friend, enabling Israel's expansion onto Palestinian land by funding the Israeli military—the world's largest recipient of US foreign aid.
However, there's another superpower that can make a difference—You. Hundreds of thousands worldwide are engaging in protests, education, divestment, and boycotts.
Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis
Since the 7th of October, a dire situation has engulfed the people of Gaza. The region has been plunged into darkness as electricity remains cut off, making daily life an arduous challenge. Access to the internet is limited, water is scarce, and life-saving supplements are out of reach. Amidst this grim reality, a mass evacuation has been initiated, with many from the northern areas seeking refuge in the south. The streets have become makeshift bedrooms for countless families, exposed to the ever-changing weather conditions. What makes this ordeal even more heart-wrenching is that most of these displaced individuals have no relatives in the south to turn to for support.
Schools, now overflowing with people seeking shelter, offer a meager six bathrooms each, an unimaginable predicament given the sheer number of occupants. In these cramped spaces, men, women, elderly citizens, children, pregnant women, and the sick all share these facilities. Adding to the misery, there is no water or electricity in these overcrowded sanctuaries, and food is in short supply. Despite the adversity, there is a glimmer of hope as people rally to help one another. Neighbors and communities surrounding the schools are pooling their resources, scraping together money and food to provide nourishment for those in need. Certainly, it's impossible to fathom the situation in the coming days. The uncertainty and challenges continue to mount. In the face of these hardships, people are displaying remarkable resilience and solidarity. They're sharing whatever little they have with one another, whether it's food, water, or any available resources. However, as the supplies deplete, the situation becomes even more critical. When the limited resources are exhausted, and desperation deepens, the community comes together with a collective plea for help.
It's a heart-wrenching reality where the people of Gaza find strength in unity, knowing that their survival depends on the compassion and assistance of others. In previous attacks, the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) had taken control of the situation and provided assistance, but this time, their resources are severely constrained, leaving the people of Gaza more vulnerable than ever. The struggle for basic necessities has become a daily battle. Families must spend entire days searching for water, even finding just a small gallon is a victory. In previous conflicts, aid and support arrived quickly once hostilities commenced, but this time, it seems that the flow of assistance has been stifled, leaving the people of Gaza in a precarious and dire situation.
Your Contribution
Please try to educate yourselves before posting/sharing viewpoints or being “Pro-peace." While advocating for peace is a universal desire, it is crucial to recognize that everyone shares this aspiration. It does not require an exceptional level of insight. However, it is vital not to engage in discussions without a comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand. The primary aim should be to enlighten the global community about the historical context and the events that have unfolded over the past seven and a half decades.
Don't stay silent or neutral.
Plan to keep reading and continue to educate yourself as well before making statements. Concerns about potential limitations imposed by social media algorithms, the possibility of posts being restricted, or the risk of losing followers should not dissuade individuals from voicing their support for the Palestinian cause. The paramount goal is to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge about the historical injustices that have been inflicted upon the Palestinian people for decades. These collective efforts are aimed at exerting international pressure to address and rectify the severe human rights violations that Palestinians experience. The ultimate aim is to advocate for justice and a lasting resolution to halt human rights violations against Palestinians.
From Deborah Root
October 17, 2023
Riwaa Abuquta is a 29-year-old writer in Gaza, living in Rafah along with her family. She became a writing mentee a few years ago and we've since become friends, staying in regular touch. We’ve continued to speak over the last few days, via What’sApp (when she’s able to get a signal). Conditions are increasingly dire, with some people trying to desalinate water by soaking potato pieces to draw out the salt (it doesn't work). She wrote in a message: "Every morning we get up feeling like we're drowning." Yesterday Riwaa asked me what people in Canada are saying about Gaza, so I sent her the October 16 ECH statement. That ECH statement is giving her and others in Rafah the hope that they are not as alone as they feel in the midst of the siege. Last night she wrote her own statement, an amended version of her Facebook post of October 12, editing the piece through the sound of falling bombs. She asked me to pass it along to ECH, so we can understand how someone on the ground in Gaza is thinking. For Riwaa, writing is a way of giving, and of communicating with people outside Gaza as she does her best to survive.
Essay on Gaza by Riwaa Abuquta
October 16, 2023
As we mourn, we are committed to educating and raising awareness about our challenges.
What would happen if you built a refuge for persecuted people in a place where other people already live?
In the next few minutes, you'll understand why this moral dilemma lies at the root of the struggle. The moral dilemma of building a refuge for persecuted people in an already inhabited place leads to conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian situation. In this case, the foundation of Israel as a Jewish state resulted in the displacement of indigenous Palestinians. The conflict continues today with millions of Palestinian refugees longing to return to their homeland.
Historical Overview
Many Jews fled harsh persecution in anti-Semitic Europe, notably during the Nazi Holocaust. Zionists encouraged massive immigration to Palestine, at that time a British colony where Jews had an age-old connection and where small Jewish communities had long existed among larger groups of other indigenous peoples. When the UN offered the Jewish immigrants the majority of the land for a new state called Israel, for the indigenous Palestinians who already lived there, it was the massive destruction of life. They rejected the UN's partition plan, and several Arab states invaded the newly established Israel. By the end of the struggle, Israeli forces had erased over 400 Palestinian villages and towns. Israel controlled 78% of Palestine.
When over three-quarters of a million Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the fighting tried to return to their homes, the Israelis permanently barred them. Over 100,000 of their relatives and neighbors who had not left became second-class citizens of the new state called Israel, alongside the new Jewish majority. Today, the number of Palestinian refugees and their descendants is in the millions, with most residing in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jordan. Many are dispersed across the world, with millions still living in refugee camps, longing to return to their homeland. To sum up, while one group of Zionists founded their home as they claim, in the process, a new group of refugees was created.
Now, here's the second thing to understand:
The Vision of Palestine
Israel was founded as a Jewish state, but now ask yourself! What exactly does that mean? People had lots of ideas about what a Jewish state should look like. Some called for equality for all citizens, but what was created in practice was institutional discrimination against non-Jews. In other words, Israel ended up being built on a blueprint of exclusion; the Israeli government wants maximum land and resources for Jews but not the Palestinians living already there. That's why inside occupied Palestinian lands, Jews get special privileges including rights to land and housing that are denied to the Palestinian citizens who already live there. This exclusionary blueprint also led Israel to avoid defining its borders. It continues to hold on to the West Bank and Gaza, occupied in the 1967 war. Since then, Israel has built Jewish settlements throughout the occupied West Bank, building Jewish-only cities and supplying them with infrastructure like; roads, army camps, schools, and colleges.
Military occupations are meant to be temporary, yet after over 70 years, this one appears permanent and unjust. In the West Bank, Israeli Jewish settlers and Palestinians share the same land but live under two entirely separate and unequal systems of Israeli law. Jewish settlers dominate natural resources, such as water and agricultural land, with the support of the Israeli army, while Palestinians experience the demolition of homes, land confiscation, and subjugation in Gaza. Resistance is met with raids, arrests, and assassinations, all aimed at; expanding land while making life so difficult for Palestinians that they will either leave or be too afraid to resist.
Palestinian Resistance and the Quest for Peace
Palestinians have fought back for decades, they tried to achieve national liberation through armed struggle. Some support popular protest instead of fighting and see this cycle of control, repression, and violence deeply harmful to Palestinians living under occupation. To reach a peaceful and secure future for us as Palestinians, they want this cycle to be broken.
Now that we have explored the problem, what about the solution, What about peace talks!
So far, over two decades of US-backed peace talks have actually made things worse by supporting Israel to continue the occupation. It's been years of talking while Israel massively expanded the Jewish settlements and literally redrew the map. Peace talks are good if they're real, but not when they're a theatre to cover land confiscation.
So, what's next?
The United States has been a terrible friend, enabling Israel's expansion onto Palestinian land by funding the Israeli military—the world's largest recipient of US foreign aid.
However, there's another superpower that can make a difference—You. Hundreds of thousands worldwide are engaging in protests, education, divestment, and boycotts.
Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis
Since the 7th of October, a dire situation has engulfed the people of Gaza. The region has been plunged into darkness as electricity remains cut off, making daily life an arduous challenge. Access to the internet is limited, water is scarce, and life-saving supplements are out of reach. Amidst this grim reality, a mass evacuation has been initiated, with many from the northern areas seeking refuge in the south. The streets have become makeshift bedrooms for countless families, exposed to the ever-changing weather conditions. What makes this ordeal even more heart-wrenching is that most of these displaced individuals have no relatives in the south to turn to for support.
Schools, now overflowing with people seeking shelter, offer a meager six bathrooms each, an unimaginable predicament given the sheer number of occupants. In these cramped spaces, men, women, elderly citizens, children, pregnant women, and the sick all share these facilities. Adding to the misery, there is no water or electricity in these overcrowded sanctuaries, and food is in short supply. Despite the adversity, there is a glimmer of hope as people rally to help one another. Neighbors and communities surrounding the schools are pooling their resources, scraping together money and food to provide nourishment for those in need. Certainly, it's impossible to fathom the situation in the coming days. The uncertainty and challenges continue to mount. In the face of these hardships, people are displaying remarkable resilience and solidarity. They're sharing whatever little they have with one another, whether it's food, water, or any available resources. However, as the supplies deplete, the situation becomes even more critical. When the limited resources are exhausted, and desperation deepens, the community comes together with a collective plea for help.
It's a heart-wrenching reality where the people of Gaza find strength in unity, knowing that their survival depends on the compassion and assistance of others. In previous attacks, the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) had taken control of the situation and provided assistance, but this time, their resources are severely constrained, leaving the people of Gaza more vulnerable than ever. The struggle for basic necessities has become a daily battle. Families must spend entire days searching for water, even finding just a small gallon is a victory. In previous conflicts, aid and support arrived quickly once hostilities commenced, but this time, it seems that the flow of assistance has been stifled, leaving the people of Gaza in a precarious and dire situation.
Your Contribution
Please try to educate yourselves before posting/sharing viewpoints or being “Pro-peace." While advocating for peace is a universal desire, it is crucial to recognize that everyone shares this aspiration. It does not require an exceptional level of insight. However, it is vital not to engage in discussions without a comprehensive understanding of the matter at hand. The primary aim should be to enlighten the global community about the historical context and the events that have unfolded over the past seven and a half decades.
Don't stay silent or neutral.
Plan to keep reading and continue to educate yourself as well before making statements. Concerns about potential limitations imposed by social media algorithms, the possibility of posts being restricted, or the risk of losing followers should not dissuade individuals from voicing their support for the Palestinian cause. The paramount goal is to raise awareness and disseminate knowledge about the historical injustices that have been inflicted upon the Palestinian people for decades. These collective efforts are aimed at exerting international pressure to address and rectify the severe human rights violations that Palestinians experience. The ultimate aim is to advocate for justice and a lasting resolution to halt human rights violations against Palestinians.
As the crisis in Gaza rapidly deteriorates, we condemn the ongoing violence against innocent Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
From Jewish Voice for Peace, comes this alarming news; “In the past week, Israel has dropped more bombs on Gaza than the U.S. did in a year of war on Afghanistan." The continued siege of Gaza and the withholding of food, water, electricity, and humanitarian aid is in total violation of international law. These acts amount to an imminent genocide that must be stopped.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
We continue to receive news on this issue and we would like to highlight this statement from Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research, a grass-roots independent artist–run initiative based in Bethlehem:
Vigils, marches and protests are taking place on our street on a daily basis which are met with violent aggression incurred by Israel’s army and their war machines. Our space has sustained damages as a result of this. We have secured Dar Jacir for the time being and remain off-site. The situation in the West Bank remains under lockdown, with Israeli incursions nightly, and settlers roaming around armed and killing innocent people.
At this time all the focus and solidarity must be with Gaza. We urge you all to support Gaza. For those asking for trusted organizations to support our people in Gaza, we recommend looking through this list.
and these poignant lines by Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008):
Where should we go after the last frontiers?
Where should the birds fly after the last sky?
(From “The Earth is Closing On Us")
We encourage further reading to give context to this catastrophe:
- From Yumna Patel and Mondoweiss Palestine Bureau at Mondoweiss: “'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' Day 9: Water is running out in Gaza, Israel continues to prevent humanitarian aid"
- From Faisal Bhabha, Faisal Kutty, Muneeza Sheikh, contributors to Toronto Star: “The right side of Mideast crisis is that of humanity and international humanitarian law"
- From Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME): “Responding to Misinformation and Hatred"
- From Jewish Voice for Peace: “Jewish Voice for Peace calls on all people of conscience to stop imminent genocide"
- From Al Jazeera: “Which countries have criticised Israeli attacks on Gaza?"
- From Friends of Sabeel North America: “Statement from the Sabeel Ecumenical Palestinian Liberation Theology Centre"
- From Jewish Voice for Peace: “Genocide, ethnic cleansing, and another Nakba in Palestine"
- From On Canada Project: “Israel's apartheid against Palestinians is a crime against humanity"
From Jewish Voice for Peace, comes this alarming news; “In the past week, Israel has dropped more bombs on Gaza than the U.S. did in a year of war on Afghanistan." The continued siege of Gaza and the withholding of food, water, electricity, and humanitarian aid is in total violation of international law. These acts amount to an imminent genocide that must be stopped.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
We continue to receive news on this issue and we would like to highlight this statement from Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research, a grass-roots independent artist–run initiative based in Bethlehem:
Vigils, marches and protests are taking place on our street on a daily basis which are met with violent aggression incurred by Israel’s army and their war machines. Our space has sustained damages as a result of this. We have secured Dar Jacir for the time being and remain off-site. The situation in the West Bank remains under lockdown, with Israeli incursions nightly, and settlers roaming around armed and killing innocent people.
At this time all the focus and solidarity must be with Gaza. We urge you all to support Gaza. For those asking for trusted organizations to support our people in Gaza, we recommend looking through this list.
and these poignant lines by Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008):
Where should we go after the last frontiers?
Where should the birds fly after the last sky?
(From “The Earth is Closing On Us")
We encourage further reading to give context to this catastrophe:
- From Yumna Patel and Mondoweiss Palestine Bureau at Mondoweiss: “'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood' Day 9: Water is running out in Gaza, Israel continues to prevent humanitarian aid"
- From Faisal Bhabha, Faisal Kutty, Muneeza Sheikh, contributors to Toronto Star: “The right side of Mideast crisis is that of humanity and international humanitarian law"
- From Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME): “Responding to Misinformation and Hatred"
- From Jewish Voice for Peace: “Jewish Voice for Peace calls on all people of conscience to stop imminent genocide"
- From Al Jazeera: “Which countries have criticised Israeli attacks on Gaza?"
- From Friends of Sabeel North America: “Statement from the Sabeel Ecumenical Palestinian Liberation Theology Centre"
- From Jewish Voice for Peace: “Genocide, ethnic cleansing, and another Nakba in Palestine"
- From On Canada Project: “Israel's apartheid against Palestinians is a crime against humanity"
The Embassy Cultural House expresses our profound grief as we mourn so many lives that have been lost since Hamas launched its horrific attack on Israel on Saturday October 7, 2023, which led to the massacre of Israeli civilians, and the kidnapping of hostages. Israel's subsequent retaliation on Gaza, has also led to the killing of innocent Palestinian civilians.
The magnitude of Israel’s devastating response and the impact of this war on both populations, including innocent children being killed and injured, will have lasting consequences. Both Israeli and Palestinian innocent lives have been lost to this senseless violence in this latest conflict.
We hope for an immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire, so that a dialogue can begin towards establishing peace and stability for all those affected by this conflict both on the ground and those who are further away.
Please consider giving to the Canadian Red Cross efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence: Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories - Canadian Red Cross
In the words of Francesca P. Albanese, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory:
“I am profoundly convinced that while we cannot turn the clock back and make fully right the wrongs punctuating the past of that tormented part of the world that we learn to call Israel/Palestine, there is a just way out." - “Protecting Human Rights in Occupied Palestine: Working Through the United Nations", Richard Falk, John Dugard, Michael Lynk, 2022
From Maya Pontone at Hyperallergic, “After Hamas Assault, Israeli Strikes Destroy Mosques and Buildings in Gaza."
The magnitude of Israel’s devastating response and the impact of this war on both populations, including innocent children being killed and injured, will have lasting consequences. Both Israeli and Palestinian innocent lives have been lost to this senseless violence in this latest conflict.
We hope for an immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas and a ceasefire, so that a dialogue can begin towards establishing peace and stability for all those affected by this conflict both on the ground and those who are further away.
Please consider giving to the Canadian Red Cross efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence: Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories - Canadian Red Cross
In the words of Francesca P. Albanese, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory:
“I am profoundly convinced that while we cannot turn the clock back and make fully right the wrongs punctuating the past of that tormented part of the world that we learn to call Israel/Palestine, there is a just way out." - “Protecting Human Rights in Occupied Palestine: Working Through the United Nations", Richard Falk, John Dugard, Michael Lynk, 2022
From Maya Pontone at Hyperallergic, “After Hamas Assault, Israeli Strikes Destroy Mosques and Buildings in Gaza."
Dear Embassy Cultural House community,
August is usually a time of leisure and relaxation for many, but things have continued to ramp up for the Embassy Cultural House. Issues surrounding the climate crisis have continued to require international attention. Our team extends our sympathies to the many people in Canada and abroad who continue to be affected by the horrific wildfires that are raging across the country, and further afield.
August is usually a time of leisure and relaxation for many, but things have continued to ramp up for the Embassy Cultural House. Issues surrounding the climate crisis have continued to require international attention. Our team extends our sympathies to the many people in Canada and abroad who continue to be affected by the horrific wildfires that are raging across the country, and further afield.
Wildfires raging in BC. Photo credit: Fern Helfand
Portraits of Sam Hallick: Modern Arab Presence in
Twentieth-Century North America by Salah D Hassan
Embassy Cultural House Editions, 96 pp., $20, September 2023, ISBN 9781777492144
ECH's newest publication, Portraits of Sam Hallick: Modern Arab Presence in Twentieth-Century North America by Salah D. Hassan will be available on September 5, 2023. This publication marks the Embassy Cultural House's seventh in-house publication, and the first publication to be written by an ECH contributor.
This book examines photographs of an Arab immigrant coming to the United States taken during the early twentieth century, a period when photography was becoming more accessible to the general public. Arabic-speaking immigrants to the US had photographers take professional portraits in their shops, on the street, in offices, or in factories. Journalists and ethnographers also took photos documenting the presence of Arabic speakers in varied locations across the United States. The main focus is on photos of Sam Hallick, the author's maternal grandfather, who arrived in the US around 1900 and lived in South Dakota before returning to his home village in the Beqa'a Valley in 1920. Hassan pieces together the story of Sam Hallick from family photos and the public record, reading the family portraits in relation to modern forms of Arab self-representation.
To order a copy of this book, please contact [email protected].
Check out the story behind Indwell's Embassy Commons!
In Indwell's newest video, experience the story of a London Old East Village icon—the Embassy Hotel—and the creation of Indwell's newest affordable housing complex--Embassy Commons—and the power of art to build community. The video also explores the creation of Jamelie Hassan's Embassy at Nite mural and Clayworx's Love, Hope, and Belonging mosaics on the exterior of the Embassy Commons in London, Ontario, Canada. Throughout the film, stories of the Embassy Hotel and the Embassy Cultural House are shared by Julie Ryan, Indwell's Community Engagement Coordinator, Hanny Hassan, brother of Jamelie Hassan and Helen Haller (1943-2019), Jeremy Jeresky of the London Arts Council, and Beth Turnbull Morrish, the Embassy Common's Mosaic Art Director.
To learn more about Embassy Commons, please visit Indwell's website.
To learn more about Embassy Commons, please visit Indwell's website.
Ron Benner's community corn roast returns with
Doors Open at Museum London!
Ron roasting corn on Maiz Barbacoa in 2022. Photo credit: Kuefner Photography
Join artist Ron Benner on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for Museum London's annual outdoor corn roast. Enjoy corn on the cob with butter, salt, chili powder, and lime juice freshly roasted from Benner's Maiz Barbacoa — part corn roaster and part sculpture. Live acoustic music by Frank Ridsdale will accompany this feast!
For more information about this event, please visit Museum London's website
For more information about this event, please visit Museum London's website
Equal to Mystery: In Search of Harold Sonny Ladoo by Christopher Laird
Peepal Tree Press, 232 pp., $30.95, April 2023, ISBN 9781845235628
When the Trinidadian novelist Harold Sonny Ladoo was found dead soon after the publication of his classic novel, No Pain Like This Body, for Christopher Laird, it became an obsession to try to discover the writer behind the work and what had brought about his untimely end.Equal to Mystery – words written by Ladoo – is the record of that pursuit.
Christopher Laird is a film-maker and producer who has produced over 300 documentaries, dramas and other video productions with Banyan Ltd. over the past 40 years garnering a score of national, regional and international awards. He has overseen the establishment of what is arguably the world’s largest digitised collection of Caribbean culture on video in the Banyan Archive.
For more information about the book, visit Peepal Tree Press.
When the Trinidadian novelist Harold Sonny Ladoo was found dead soon after the publication of his classic novel, No Pain Like This Body, for Christopher Laird, it became an obsession to try to discover the writer behind the work and what had brought about his untimely end.Equal to Mystery – words written by Ladoo – is the record of that pursuit.
Christopher Laird is a film-maker and producer who has produced over 300 documentaries, dramas and other video productions with Banyan Ltd. over the past 40 years garnering a score of national, regional and international awards. He has overseen the establishment of what is arguably the world’s largest digitised collection of Caribbean culture on video in the Banyan Archive.
For more information about the book, visit Peepal Tree Press.
First to Leave the Party: My Life with Ordinary People...
Who Happen to be Famous by Salah Bachir
Penguin Random House, 336 pp., $36.95, October 2023, ISBN 9780771006111
A marvelous and compulsively readable collection of stories from the life of Salah Bachir—philanthropist, art collector, movie industry insider—who, with his sheer zest for life, art, human interaction, and giving back to his community has endeared himself to some of the most famous and creative people in recent times.
Bachir, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon with his family in 1965, is a gay activist who has worked in the film world for over four decades. While this has given him undeniable front-row access to Hollywood’s biggest stars, it is Salah’s personal charm and kindness, his philanthropy, his overall style (think hats, scarves, brooches, pearls, and diamonds), and his deep involvement in the art world that have made him a friend, companion, confidante, and/or lover to so many—including Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Tyler Moore, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Albee, Diahann Carroll, Orson Welles, Aretha Franklin, Norman Jewison, and Elizabeth Taylor—although it’s true that Katharine Hepburn once turned him down, very nicely.
Collected here in this wonderful book are personal stories of them all—some short, some long, some surprising, others juicy, and all fascinating. Through them we get to know Salah, a larger-than-life character that embodies the many worlds he shapes—the kind of person it would be hard to make up if he didn’t already exist.
For more information about Salah Bachir, please visit his website.
For more information about the book, please visit Penguin Random House.
A marvelous and compulsively readable collection of stories from the life of Salah Bachir—philanthropist, art collector, movie industry insider—who, with his sheer zest for life, art, human interaction, and giving back to his community has endeared himself to some of the most famous and creative people in recent times.
Bachir, who immigrated to Canada from Lebanon with his family in 1965, is a gay activist who has worked in the film world for over four decades. While this has given him undeniable front-row access to Hollywood’s biggest stars, it is Salah’s personal charm and kindness, his philanthropy, his overall style (think hats, scarves, brooches, pearls, and diamonds), and his deep involvement in the art world that have made him a friend, companion, confidante, and/or lover to so many—including Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Tyler Moore, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Edward Albee, Diahann Carroll, Orson Welles, Aretha Franklin, Norman Jewison, and Elizabeth Taylor—although it’s true that Katharine Hepburn once turned him down, very nicely.
Collected here in this wonderful book are personal stories of them all—some short, some long, some surprising, others juicy, and all fascinating. Through them we get to know Salah, a larger-than-life character that embodies the many worlds he shapes—the kind of person it would be hard to make up if he didn’t already exist.
For more information about Salah Bachir, please visit his website.
For more information about the book, please visit Penguin Random House.
Dollirium: The Resurrection at TAP Centre for Creativity and Words: The Literary and Creative Arts Festival!
“Dollirium: The Resurrection" poster for TAP featuring an art doll by Jacqui Gallant.
The Embassy Cultural House would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the artists of Dollirium: The Resurrection for bringing a unique exhibition to TAP Centre for Creativity from July 5th to August 5th, 2023, and for adding an engaging new group of voices to the Words canon! During the Words event on July 26, 2023, Words host Joshua Lambier, interviewed Anthony Veilleux, Jacqui Gallant, and Sarah Legault to explore how these artists use their artistic vision and skill sets to create charismatic characters with endearing stories. They also talked about why they searched out other like-minded creators and developed opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and community.
The Resurrection showcased work by art dollmakers: Dagmara Antic, Sandra Arteaga, Melanie Ashton, Kelly Chehardy, Michelle de Pinto, Sara Deck, Kylie Dexter, Chris Elliott, Jacqui Gallant, Pandora Gastelum, Vicky Georgousopoulou, Christophe Goussault, Caroline Jones, Lonnie Jones, Bubu Kamitakahara, Sarah Legault, Kamilla Meesters, Vilia Merton, Kamila Mlynarczyk, Gerakina Pastogianni, Melissa Panth, David Pound, Beth Robinson, Kook Teflon, Tom Taggart, Kat Toronto aka “Miss Meatface”, Anthony Veilleux.
The Resurrection showcased work by art dollmakers: Dagmara Antic, Sandra Arteaga, Melanie Ashton, Kelly Chehardy, Michelle de Pinto, Sara Deck, Kylie Dexter, Chris Elliott, Jacqui Gallant, Pandora Gastelum, Vicky Georgousopoulou, Christophe Goussault, Caroline Jones, Lonnie Jones, Bubu Kamitakahara, Sarah Legault, Kamilla Meesters, Vilia Merton, Kamila Mlynarczyk, Gerakina Pastogianni, Melissa Panth, David Pound, Beth Robinson, Kook Teflon, Tom Taggart, Kat Toronto aka “Miss Meatface”, Anthony Veilleux.
GardenShip and State exhibition catalogue now available!
This exhibition catalogue brings together 20 artists and writers who engage in decolonial critique, environmental activism, and 21st-century artistic practices to address what is arguably the problem of our times: environmental catastrophe. It asks how we can work together, and create together as a global community to restore the planet – while respecting differences, and seeking to repair divisions and address injustices brought about by colonialism. Designed by Katie WIlhelm and edited by Ruth Skinner, the catalogue expands the conversation with the inclusion of new essays and conversations.
The catalogue features works from the exhibition that were produced over a two-year period—the results of conversations between the artists and writers, oftentimes with members of their local communities. Featuring artists Ron Benner, Lori Blondeau, Sean Caulfield, Paul Chartrand, Tom Cull, Amelia Faye, Michael Farnan, Joan Greer, Jamelie Hassan, Sharmistha Kar, Jessica Karuhanga, Mark Kasumovic, Patrick Mahon, Mary Mattingly, Quinn Smallboy, Ashley Snook, Adrian Stimson, Jeff Thomas, Andrés Villar, and Michelle Wilson.
The catalogue is available for purchase at Shop Museum London.
For more information about the GardenShip and State collective, please visit their website.
The catalogue features works from the exhibition that were produced over a two-year period—the results of conversations between the artists and writers, oftentimes with members of their local communities. Featuring artists Ron Benner, Lori Blondeau, Sean Caulfield, Paul Chartrand, Tom Cull, Amelia Faye, Michael Farnan, Joan Greer, Jamelie Hassan, Sharmistha Kar, Jessica Karuhanga, Mark Kasumovic, Patrick Mahon, Mary Mattingly, Quinn Smallboy, Ashley Snook, Adrian Stimson, Jeff Thomas, Andrés Villar, and Michelle Wilson.
The catalogue is available for purchase at Shop Museum London.
For more information about the GardenShip and State collective, please visit their website.
To Western University and our dedicated Contributing Editors!
When the Embassy Cultural House was launched online in 2020, some of our earliest supporters included the faculty and students of Western University's Department of Visual Arts, Through the Graduate and Undergraduate internship programs, Embassy Cultural House has been fortunate to host many students from the department, some of whom continue to work with us today.
To our contributing editors past and present—JoAnna Weil, Jared Hendricks-Polack, Liv Pattison, Charlotte Egan, Turing Xu, Mackenzie Smith, Imogen Clendinning, Andreas Buchwaldt, Anahi Gonzalez, Ashar Mobeen, Iraboty Kazi, Shelley Kopp, and Blessy Augustine—thank you!
To our contributing editors past and present—JoAnna Weil, Jared Hendricks-Polack, Liv Pattison, Charlotte Egan, Turing Xu, Mackenzie Smith, Imogen Clendinning, Andreas Buchwaldt, Anahi Gonzalez, Ashar Mobeen, Iraboty Kazi, Shelley Kopp, and Blessy Augustine—thank you!
| Embassy Cultural House Editions, 96 pp., $20, September 2023, ISBN 9781777492144 ECH's newest publication, Portraits of Sam Hallick: Modern Arab Presence in Twentieth-Century North America by Salah D. Hassan will be available on September 5, 2023. This publication marks the Embassy Cultural House's seventh in-house publication, and the first publication to be written by an ECH contributor. This book examines photographs of an Arab immigrant coming to the United States taken during the early twentieth century, a period when photography was becoming more accessible to the general public. Arabic-speaking immigrants to the US had photographers take professional portraits in their shops, on the street, in offices, or in factories. Journalists and ethnographers also took photos documenting the presence of Arabic speakers in varied locations across the United States. The main focus is on photos of Sam Hallick, the author's maternal grandfather, who arrived in the US around 1900 and lived in South Dakota before returning to his home village in the Beqa'a Valley in 1920. Hassan pieces together the story of Sam Hallick from family photos and the public record, reading the family portraits in relation to modern forms of Arab self-representation. To order a copy of this book, please contact [email protected]. | Front cover of Portraits of Sam Hallick: Modern Arab Presence in Twentieth-Century North America" by Salah D. Hassan. Cover design by Olivia Mossuto. |
Embassy Cultural House: “Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History" continues at the Rhino Lounge!
18/7/2023
We are happy to share the news that Embassy Cultural House: Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History continues at the Rhino Lounge, located in Museum London! Works will periodically rotate to include more artists through the duration of the show.
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History
July 14 - November 14
Rhino Lounge, Museum London
421 Ridout Street, London, ON
Embassy Cultural House: Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History is an exhibition that charts the past and present programs of the Embassy Cultural House. Beginning with the Embassy Hotel in 1983, the exhibition acknowledges the efforts made by a network of artists and activists in London, Ontario and internationally, including the current, re-invigorated community collective initiated in 2020. The exhibition has been coordinated by Ron Benner, Jamelie Hassan, Wyn Geleynse and Olivia Mossuto. Artworks have been exhibited at the Satellite Project Space and with our community partners—Jill’s Table, Colour by Schubert and the Framing and Art Centre—through our Cloud to Street initiative.
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History at the Rhino Lounge includes works by Rebecca Baird and Kenny Baird, Stephen Andrews, Carole Condé and Karl Beveridge, Jeff Thomas, Olivia Mossuto, Judith Rodger, Jamelie Hassan, Jean Spence, Patrick Mahon, Jessie Amery, Wyn Geleynse, Fern Helfand, Ron Benner, Jade WIlliamson and Bernice Vincent (1934 - 2016).
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History
July 14 - November 14
Rhino Lounge, Museum London
421 Ridout Street, London, ON
Embassy Cultural House: Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History is an exhibition that charts the past and present programs of the Embassy Cultural House. Beginning with the Embassy Hotel in 1983, the exhibition acknowledges the efforts made by a network of artists and activists in London, Ontario and internationally, including the current, re-invigorated community collective initiated in 2020. The exhibition has been coordinated by Ron Benner, Jamelie Hassan, Wyn Geleynse and Olivia Mossuto. Artworks have been exhibited at the Satellite Project Space and with our community partners—Jill’s Table, Colour by Schubert and the Framing and Art Centre—through our Cloud to Street initiative.
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History at the Rhino Lounge includes works by Rebecca Baird and Kenny Baird, Stephen Andrews, Carole Condé and Karl Beveridge, Jeff Thomas, Olivia Mossuto, Judith Rodger, Jamelie Hassan, Jean Spence, Patrick Mahon, Jessie Amery, Wyn Geleynse, Fern Helfand, Ron Benner, Jade WIlliamson and Bernice Vincent (1934 - 2016).
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History at the Rhino Lounge. Photo Credit: Wyn Geleynse
We are happy to share the news of the next in-person exhibition, Embassy Cultural House: Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History, at Satellite Project Space!
Exhibition poster designed by Olivia Mossuto, adapted from an Embassy Cultural House newsletter from 1983.
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History
June 14 - June 24
Satellite Project Space
121 Dundas St, London, ON
Opening Event: Saturday, June 17, 2-5 PM
Closing Event: Saturday, June 24, 2-5 PM
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History: Cloud to Street
June 14 - July 17
Jill’s Table
115 King St, London, ON
Colour by Schubert
121 King St, London, ON
Framing and Art Centre
371 Horton St. E, London, ON
Embassy Cultural House: Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History is an exhibition that charts the past and present programs of the Embassy Cultural House. Beginning with the Embassy Hotel in 1983, the exhibition acknowledges the efforts made by a network of artists and activists in London, Ontario and internationally, including the current, re-invigorated community collective initiated in 2020. The exhibition has been coordinated by Ron Benner, Jamelie Hassan, Wyn Geleynse and Olivia Mossuto. Artworks will be exhibited at the Satellite Project Space and with our community partners—Jill’s Table, Colour by Schubert and the Framing and Art Centre—through our Cloud to Street initiative. The Cloud to Street project was initiated by Tariq Hassan Gordon in 2020 and has continued to be an important exhibition format for ECH. Further programming will address this legacy, in addition to an upcoming publication expected fall 2023.
Wyn Geleynse, Private Property, 2020, filmwork
Celebrating 40 Years of Cultural History includes works by: Jessie Amery, Stephen Andrews, Rebecca Baird & Kenny Baird, Ron Benner, Tom Benner, Carole Condé & Karl Beveridge, Sheri Cowan, Susan Day, Duncan de Kergommeaux, Patricia Deadman, Stan Denniston, Reid Diamond, Holly English, Soheila Esfahani, kerry ferris, Mireya Folch-Serra, Wyn Geleynse, Oliver Girling, Anahí González, Gildo Gonzalez, Jamelie Hassan, Fern Helfand, Jared Hendricks-Polack, Spring Hurlbut, Martyn Judson, Sharmistha Kar, George Kubresli, Patrick Mahon, Doug Mitchell, Kim Moodie, Catherine Morrisey, Olivia Mossuto, Kim Neudorf, Shelley Niro, Oscar Ortiz, Troy Ouelette, Judith Rodger, Thelma Rosner, Jenna Rose Sands, Roland Schubert, Jean Spence, Diana Tamblyn, John Tamblyn, Jeff Thomas, Larry Towell, Bernice Vincent, Don Vincent, Jade Williamson
Patricia Deadman, The Journey Thru New Hamburg,1995, detail from photographic triptych
About the Embassy Cultural House (ECH)
In 1983, artists Jamelie Hassan, Ron Benner and jazz musician Eric Stach founded the Embassy Cultural House (1983-1990), which was located in the restaurant portion of the Embassy Hotel at 732 Dundas Street in East London. In 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy Cultural House was re-envisioned as an online collective and art space by Tariq Hassan Gordon. The virtual and in-person programming is a collaborative effort by contributors, editors, partners and volunteers to celebrate the art community in London, Ontario—its past and present, and its many connections across Canada and around the world. As of 2023, the revitalized Embassy Cultural House has initiated over 20 projects and six publications.
This exhibition is generously supported by the London Arts Council, the City of London and the ECH community.
From March 1 to April 27, 2023, ECH contributor Thelma Rosner, will have her work installed in the storefront of Jill's Table. Her show will be another installment in the ECH Cloud to Street series, which partners with local businesses to showcase works by artists and cultural workers in our community.
The Cloud to Street initiative began on Earth Day 2021 with Stop Extinction! Restore the Earth, an Embassy Cultural House exhibition coordinated in collaboration with GardenShip & State, a project curated by Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas. Tariq Hassan Gordon, the ECH’s coordinating editor, came up with the idea as a way for the public to safely engage with contemporary art during the pandemic, while also enhancing our connections with our local partners and independent businesses.
The Cloud to Street initiative began on Earth Day 2021 with Stop Extinction! Restore the Earth, an Embassy Cultural House exhibition coordinated in collaboration with GardenShip & State, a project curated by Patrick Mahon and Jeff Thomas. Tariq Hassan Gordon, the ECH’s coordinating editor, came up with the idea as a way for the public to safely engage with contemporary art during the pandemic, while also enhancing our connections with our local partners and independent businesses.
 Thelma Rosner's show installed at Jill's Table. Photo Credit: Jill Wilcox |
As we reflect on the recent passing of Michael Snow (1928 - 2023) we take the time to celebrate his legacy as a Canadian artist of inimitable importance.
In this period of remembrance, we are fortunate to share a thoughtful recollection on Michael Snow by writer and curator, Ihor Holubizky.
Ihor is the recent link between Michael Snow and the ECH, who both became involved in the community in 2021. For his curatorial project on Duchamp, a guest + a host = a ghost, Ihor ushered in Michael Snow as a contributor to the ECH. This moment, drawn on a history of partnerships and intersections, once more brought together ECH co-founders Ron Benner and Jamelie Hassan with Michael Snow - further building on a past and present of friendship.
This honorable work that Ihor has shared with the ECH is inspired writing that beautifully conveys the spirit of his friendship and curatorial history with Michael Snow. Ihor’s text highlights aspects of Snow's musical and conceptual references, and how he viewed his art as “breaking rules” and that this was the way towards the making of “radical art”.
Below is an excerpt of Ihor's text that we are happy to share with the ECH community during this time:
This is not a rewind and restatement of Snow’s extensive international career, and seemingly diverse practices – the New York Times tribute aptly described him as a polymath – the honours and well-deserved awards and accolades. These are my notes on Michael Snow, who I came to know through my gallery work and in private moments, selecting experiential facets of his work with music, sound and moving image, and performing with the free improvisation group CCMC.
While not adhering to chronology, my first encounters were with his 3D work in 1967, one at Expo’67. If that event captured a spirit of the times – a giddy optimism – the stainless steel walking women that populated the Expo island site gave a corporeal and unearthly presence to that spirit; the clean contour of women always moving forward through "Man and His World” and reflecting the flow of world visitors… always moving forward.
To read the full text "Michael Snow: notes on notes" by Ihor Holubizky, please visit the ECH website at this link.
In this period of remembrance, we are fortunate to share a thoughtful recollection on Michael Snow by writer and curator, Ihor Holubizky.
Ihor is the recent link between Michael Snow and the ECH, who both became involved in the community in 2021. For his curatorial project on Duchamp, a guest + a host = a ghost, Ihor ushered in Michael Snow as a contributor to the ECH. This moment, drawn on a history of partnerships and intersections, once more brought together ECH co-founders Ron Benner and Jamelie Hassan with Michael Snow - further building on a past and present of friendship.
This honorable work that Ihor has shared with the ECH is inspired writing that beautifully conveys the spirit of his friendship and curatorial history with Michael Snow. Ihor’s text highlights aspects of Snow's musical and conceptual references, and how he viewed his art as “breaking rules” and that this was the way towards the making of “radical art”.
Below is an excerpt of Ihor's text that we are happy to share with the ECH community during this time:
This is not a rewind and restatement of Snow’s extensive international career, and seemingly diverse practices – the New York Times tribute aptly described him as a polymath – the honours and well-deserved awards and accolades. These are my notes on Michael Snow, who I came to know through my gallery work and in private moments, selecting experiential facets of his work with music, sound and moving image, and performing with the free improvisation group CCMC.
While not adhering to chronology, my first encounters were with his 3D work in 1967, one at Expo’67. If that event captured a spirit of the times – a giddy optimism – the stainless steel walking women that populated the Expo island site gave a corporeal and unearthly presence to that spirit; the clean contour of women always moving forward through "Man and His World” and reflecting the flow of world visitors… always moving forward.
To read the full text "Michael Snow: notes on notes" by Ihor Holubizky, please visit the ECH website at this link.
 Michael Mitchell, "Michael Snow", polaroid test, 1993. Courtesy and copyright, Estate of Michael Mitchell |
Words: The Literary and Creative Arts Festival returns to Museum London for the 9th annual festival, featuring a hybrid program of onsite and online events to build resilience as we confront what divides us. We are very pleased to partner with Words to highlight London's finest artists, performers, and authors.
Taking place throughout November of 2022, the festival will host over 40 writers and artists and will revolve around the theme of “Bridging Divides."
Taking place throughout November of 2022, the festival will host over 40 writers and artists and will revolve around the theme of “Bridging Divides."
Words is open to everyone, and most events are either free or pay as you can. In partnership with Words, we're pleased to host 2021 Giller Prize Winner Omar El Akkad at the November 4th kickoff, as well as many more feature authors! We are also pleased to feature a conversation between Omar El Akkad and Salah Hassan. On Saturday afternoon, 5th of November, Words will also host a performance with ECH Contributors Lorraine Klaasen and Frank Ridsdale!
Words has an exciting lineup of readings, interviews, talks, and other interactive events with some of Canada’s most recognized thinkers, writers, and artists. While some events are either strictly online or onsite, the majority have a hybrid option for in-person or online participation! Click the appropriate registration links below to join us!
Words has an exciting lineup of readings, interviews, talks, and other interactive events with some of Canada’s most recognized thinkers, writers, and artists. While some events are either strictly online or onsite, the majority have a hybrid option for in-person or online participation! Click the appropriate registration links below to join us!
Partnership Events with Words:
Embassy Cultural House (ECH) and the Words Festival are pleased to present a visit with award-winning novelist and journalist Omar El Akkad, in conversation with ECH Contributor and Michigan State University Professor Salah Hassan! You can join us FREE on-site or online.
Omar El Akkad is an award-winning novelist and journalist. In 2021, he received Canada’s most prestigious literary award, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, for What Strange Paradise. His first novel American War (2017), was also widely acclaimed. What Strange Paradise is the story of a Syrian boy whose family flees the war, seeking refugee first in Egypt than in Europe. The boy’s perilous journey across the Mediterranean, represents the plight of many Arab, Asian, and African refugees.
Omar will join Salah to talk about his journalism and fiction.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
Omar El Akkad is an award-winning novelist and journalist. In 2021, he received Canada’s most prestigious literary award, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, for What Strange Paradise. His first novel American War (2017), was also widely acclaimed. What Strange Paradise is the story of a Syrian boy whose family flees the war, seeking refugee first in Egypt than in Europe. The boy’s perilous journey across the Mediterranean, represents the plight of many Arab, Asian, and African refugees.
Omar will join Salah to talk about his journalism and fiction.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Register to Attend Online Free: Zoom Webinars
Embassy Cultural House (ECH) and the Words Festival are pleased to present an afternoon performance featuring Juno Award-winning singer Lorraine Klaasen and London legend Frank Ridsdale. Register to join us onsite at Museum London!
Lorraine Klaasen is a South African born singer/performer and a 2013 Canadian JUNO Award winner. She is also a member of the ECH Advisory Circle. In 2020, The Forest City London Music Award (FCLMA) was presented to Lorraine in the category of World Music. She has been performing and recording music in Canada for over 30 years and she’s also conducted music workshops in schools all over Canada, the Caribbean and the United States. Her outreach program focuses on South African music, arts and culture with an emphasis on how immigrant cultures have enriched Canada.
Frank Ridsdale has been performing and writing songs since he was 14 years old. In 1977, along with Jack Whiteside, he formed Uranus, a rock’n’roll/rock-a-billy band that scored #3 position on some Canadian AM radio charts in 1980 with the title single from their debut album, “You’re So Square." He is the recipient of numerous Jack Richardson Music awards in various categories and was inducted into the London City Music Hall of Fame along with the other members of Uranus in 2017. He now performs regularly with the bands Stetson Brothers and Slugfest and also does solo work.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Lorraine Klaasen is a South African born singer/performer and a 2013 Canadian JUNO Award winner. She is also a member of the ECH Advisory Circle. In 2020, The Forest City London Music Award (FCLMA) was presented to Lorraine in the category of World Music. She has been performing and recording music in Canada for over 30 years and she’s also conducted music workshops in schools all over Canada, the Caribbean and the United States. Her outreach program focuses on South African music, arts and culture with an emphasis on how immigrant cultures have enriched Canada.
Frank Ridsdale has been performing and writing songs since he was 14 years old. In 1977, along with Jack Whiteside, he formed Uranus, a rock’n’roll/rock-a-billy band that scored #3 position on some Canadian AM radio charts in 1980 with the title single from their debut album, “You’re So Square." He is the recipient of numerous Jack Richardson Music awards in various categories and was inducted into the London City Music Hall of Fame along with the other members of Uranus in 2017. He now performs regularly with the bands Stetson Brothers and Slugfest and also does solo work.
Register on EventBrite to Attend In-Person Free
Events featuring ECH Contributors and Friends:
Featuring ECH Contributor Lewis Williams:
Are you a poetry aficionado in London? Would you like to read your poetry at Words? Join us for Poetry Live!, an evening of open mic poetry at Words, with host and moderator Matthew Dawkins!
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of poetry, literary trivia, food and drinks as part of the Words Festival! Over the course of the evening, our host extraordinaire, Matthew Dawkins, will open the floor to poets of all shapes, sizes, and varieties!
Please register on EventBrite to let us know you're interested in reading and attending.
Register here to reserve your spot
We hope to see you this November at Museum London!
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening of poetry, literary trivia, food and drinks as part of the Words Festival! Over the course of the evening, our host extraordinaire, Matthew Dawkins, will open the floor to poets of all shapes, sizes, and varieties!
Please register on EventBrite to let us know you're interested in reading and attending.
Register here to reserve your spot
We hope to see you this November at Museum London!
 Tom Benner (left) in his studio with his brother Ron Benner in front of Tom's recent sculpture, "Polar Bear," 2019 (in progress in Tom’s studio). Photo Credit Tariq Hassan Gordon, January 2019.  Tom Benner's “White Rhino" (1986) sculpture with a black armband in honour of his passing. Photo Credit: Jamelie Hassan on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. | With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Canadian artist Tom Benner, who died at home in London, Ontario, on September 21, 2022, at age 72. Tom is well known in London for his iconic White Rhino, from 1985-86, a metal sculpture installed on the grounds of Museum London. His work often signaled the tension between humans, non-humans, and the environment. While using a range of materials and processes, he presciently created large-scale sculptures of endangered species that engaged with a broad public and raised awareness of the climate crisis we presently face. It is no exaggeration that Tom Benner's White Rhino is this city's most beloved public artwork. In 1990, Tom Benner presented a solo exhibition at the ECH. The exhibition was a series of works titled “The Coves" and was organized by Doug Mitchell. Among other works in the collection of Museum London is the powerful Hanging Fin (Whale) sculpture from 1983. In honour of Tom, Embassy Cultural House co-founder and artist Ron Benner (brother of Tom Benner) has placed a black armband on the White Rhino to commemorate Tom's passing. ECH joins with many individuals and institutions to commemorate Tom and to celebrate his life and work and the many important connections he made within our communities in Canada and internationally. In memory of Tom, the Embassy Cultural House has made a donation to the recently inaugurated New School of the Anthropocene based in London, UK. For recent news on the passing of Tom, please visit these articles. CBC: Canadian artist Tom Benner, known for eye-catching animal sculptures, dead at 72 Museum London: Tom Benner (1950-2022) We have set up a tribute page here. With love and solidarity, The ECH Team |
The Embassy Cultural House is pleased to share this outstanding news!
Congratulations to Tariq Hassan Gordon on receiving the Governor-General’s Operational Service Medal on July 1, 2022, for his support to the Canadian Armed Forces. He received the medal from Brigadier-General Wade Rutland, Commander of Joint Task Force – OP IMPACT, during the Canada Day celebrations at the Camp Canada base in Kuwait.
Congratulations to Tariq Hassan Gordon on receiving the Governor-General’s Operational Service Medal on July 1, 2022, for his support to the Canadian Armed Forces. He received the medal from Brigadier-General Wade Rutland, Commander of Joint Task Force – OP IMPACT, during the Canada Day celebrations at the Camp Canada base in Kuwait.
 Brigadier-General Wade Rutland presenting the Operational Service Medal (OSA) to Tariq Hassan Gordon, Kuwait, July 1, 2022 |  The Operational Service Medal (OSM) |
This expeditionary medal recognizes Canadian public servants who have supported the CAF in dangerous operations overseas. Approximately 30 civilians received this award for service in Iraq between 2014 and 2022. It was particularly special to receive the medal with Canada's Ambassador to Kuwait, Aliya Mawani, in attendance at the award ceremony. Ambassador Mawani was with Tariq on his first trip to Iraq in December 2009.
Tariq Hassan Gordon and Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait, Aliya Mawani, July 1, 2022
Tariq is the founder and coordinating editor of the Embassy Cultural House's online project and launched this cultural community-based initiative in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a Canadian career diplomat, and as First Secretary (Political), Tariq was most recently posted to Kuwait and to Iraq. His career at Global Affairs Canada began in 2004, and he has served in many countries around the world.
Tariq, we are all so happy that you are coming home safely. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Tariq, we are all so happy that you are coming home safely. We look forward to seeing you soon.
War, Media, and The New World Order poster by David Tomas (1950 - 2019) for the fax and photocopy exhibition at The Centre International d’Art Contemporain de Montréal (CIAC), 1991. Image Courtesy of the Estate of David Tomas.
This poster is from an anti-war exhibition held in Montréal in 1991, which David Tomas and Jamelie Hassan organized together with scholars Jody Berland and Will Straw in response to the the first Gulf War - Operation Desert Storm. Dave was a Montreal-based artist and had strong connections with London artists including Kim Moodie, Jamelie Hassan and Ron Benner throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. He also was included in the international project Travelling Theory co-curated by Fern Bayer and Jamelie Hassan, which was held at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman, Jordan and the McIntosh Gallery at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada in 1991.
David Tomas’ poster was inspired by the iconic painting, “The Scream” by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, 1893.
David Tomas’ poster was inspired by the iconic painting, “The Scream” by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, 1893.
Response from the ECH community:
Thanks for sharing this image. I remember that exhibit so well. There was a lot of political mobilization in Montréal in 1990-1991. The siege of Kanesatake happened in summer 1990. Caravans of activists traveled to Oka daily to support the Mohawk resistance. Dave had done a video piece that addressed “the Oka crisis.” Less than a year later, protests against Operation Desert Storm filled Boulevard René-Lévesque in Montréal in Spring 1991. The post-cold war era began with those acts of state violence. The conditions set in motion in those years have continued over the last 30 years, with what seems to be ever-increasing death and destruction.
Even as his work looked back to the 19th and early 20th century, Dave was very much aware of the historical moment of the late 20th century and early 21st century. He was attentive to nuance, discerning in his assessment of situations, and a great conversationalist. One of our first talks was in London at your studio [Jamelie Hassan] in the late 1980s. I don’t know if he was in London for Edward Said’s Tamblyn Lectures at Western, or if he was part of a show in London.
I also recall on a visit to London or Toronto in the late 1980s going to an opening and seeing one of his pieces on exhibit that was a labyrinth of texts, quotations from Foucault and other theorists. We had a good long discussion about the piece that in my memory was cryptic, opaque, and perplexing; I could not fully grasp what the work was doing, but sensed that Dave wanted to push the limits of signification and perception.
He was an erudite scholar as well as an artist, who like you [Jamelie Hassan] and Ron [Benner] read widely across the disciplines. His work tended toward the scientific, theoretical, technical, and in some ways so did his personality. He had a remarkable calmness, even when we disagreed. This drawing for the poster in some ways stands in contrast to how I remember his art, but is evocative of his critical relationship to art history.
He was always very generous and showed a genuine interest in my graduate studies at McGill during the late 1980s, when I think that he was just finishing his PhD. He also was encouraging when he learned that I was going to the University of Texas to do my PhD with Barbara Harlow. Before leaving Montréal for Austin in August 1992, I visited Dave a few times at his home in the Vieux Port. I never saw him again after that summer.
Warmly,
Salah D. Hassan
Director of Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities Program
at Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
Received May 19, 2022
Editor's note: David Tomas' video on the 1990 Oka crisis is titled Rum and Coca-Cola, 1992,
17 minutes, English and French, distributed by V Tape, Toronto
For more information on David Tomas' life and work, please visit his website here.
| On September 13, 2022, award-winning author and journalist Sarah Kendzior's third book They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent is set to be released. They Knew discusses conspiracy culture in a rapidly declining United States struggling with corruption, climate change, and other crises. As the actions of the powerful remain shrouded in mystery – like the Jeffrey Epstein operation – it is unsurprising that people turn to conspiracy theories to fill the informational void. (MacMillan Publishers) Sarah Kendzior's second book, Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America was the primary inspiration for the Embassy Cultural House's first online group exhibition of the same name, which was programmed and launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 30, 2020, Sarah Kendzior attended the launch and participated in celebrating this landmark Embassy Cultural House event. |  |
For more information on the book, please click here.
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