Art as ceremony

This week I was invited to a play. I used to go to plays fairly often, especially at this time of year, with my grandparents. And normally I prefer going to afternoon matinees, but this particular opportunity was special. I had already been urged to go see at least one in this series of three by a time travelling artist grandmother. And, sure enough, the opportunity came when invited by a dear friend and former neighbour.

Now the thing I did not realize, is that this was no ordinary journey.

This play experience went far beyond the expectations of audience participation. No, this was a calling in, a new beginning, the opening of a channel into the timelessness of the multiverse. 

I already knew this would be an amazing show. What I did not anticipate was the expert facilitation of performance as ceremony. Not only were we as audience members engaged in an active experiencing of this epic intergenerational journey, we were also the participants in a multidimensional healing ceremony, all at once called on as healers and those being healed. 

It was a masterful recounting of historical events and the impacts they have on a deeply personal level affecting millions throughout the global diaspora. 

This play was far more than theatre. The experience was the beginning of a new understanding of the depth with which art truly heals communities. 

#SankofaTrilogy

A Summer of Reflections

It's been three months since the start of a new chapter in this journey, retracing my steps to the easternmost lake where I was born, to serve the City of Toronto as Chief Curator. 

There are a myriad of culture, arts, sports, tech, academic and music events around the GTA all year, from Sounds of Greektown to the Dragon Festival to Toronto International Film Festival, definitely something for every one of our three million residents. 

The many museums, galleries and cultural centres shine with new exhibitions, new acquisitions and fresh perspectives. Something is always happening at our ten Toronto History Museums, whether it's bread baking at Montgomery's Inn on Wednesday afternoons, scones and jam September Saturdays and Sundays at Scarborough Museum, merch shopping and musket demonstrations at Fort York National Historic Site or the fall festival at Spadina House September 28 across from Casa Loma. https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/

The Canadian Museum of Architecture partnered with the City to host a month long exhibition at Old City Hall. It's free and open to the public, with viewing hours by appointment. https://cmarch.ca/exhibits/.

As summer gently melts into autumn, core memories emerge as I walk street trails and shorelines, reconnecting with friends and family, regaining my rhythm of this regional cycle of rapid growth, ripening, seed production and rest. 

This month also marks the completion of year one into my new life stage... it truly is a whole new level of learning. In many ways I feel like a teenager again,  unfamiliar, uncertain, but bursting with anticipation for what hope we can inspire in each other through the decisions we make and actions we take. 

Thank you to the many who are  supporting me in this unexpected journey. It is just what I needed to set a course for the next 50...

Museums are for sharing time with loved ones

This International Museums Day I'm reflecting on my memories of spending time with loved ones in and around museums. 

From the ROM to Vizcaya to the Science Museum of Minnesota, my life has been filled with museum fun!

There are all sorts of new research reports about the importance of art and culture in building healthy communities. For me museums are are a place where I can connect with my self, my family, my community and the world around me both near and far across the continuum of time and space. 

A museum visit provides a variation in my daily routine, learn something new, or see something from a different perspective. 

Most museums offer specialized programming, educational experiences and art activities throughout the year in addition to their permanent facilities and collections. 

Whenever you can, make a visit - virtual and in person - to your local museum. Support them by leaving a review, writing an op-ed, becoming a committee member, donor or volunteer. More than ever museums are beginning to understand they belong to you - their communities. We can help them by sharing our views on how we can grow, improve, and help strengthen each other together. 

Happy International Museums Day!

Tara Chadwick

5.18.25