Future Building: A Symposium on Indigenous Art & Placemaking

Future Building brings together artists, curators, scholars, and community members in conversation around Indigenous art and placemaking.

This one-day symposium is inspired by the acquisition and installation of works by Indigenous artists in the newly opened Indigenous House at U of T Scarborough. Presenting artists and curators include Catherine Blackburn, Lori Blondeau, Renée Condo, Jaida Grey Eagle, Lisa Myers, Jim Oskineegish, Katherine Takpannie, Connor Taylor, and Nico Williams, who will participate in discussions and lead workshops about their processes and artwork. This national program will bring a remarkable array of Inuit, Anishinaabe, Mi’gmaw, Cree/Salteaux/Métis, Oglala Lakota, and Dene perspectives and will provide important contexts to the artworks installed in Indigenous House.

Symposium registration includes:

-Keynote lecture by Lori Blondeau
-Conversation with Catherine Blackburn and Katherine Takpannie, moderated by Jaida Grey Eagle
-Conversation with Renée Condo and Nico Williams, moderated by Lisa Myers
-Hands-on artmaking workshop: choose between a cyanotype workshop with Jaida Grey Eagle or Woodland painting workshop with Jim Oskineegish
-Catered lunch

Elder Duke Redbird will open and close the symposium.

Registrants are also invited to join for an evening dinner hosted by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, U of T Scarborough, as well as a public reception with performances.

Free, open to the public. Registration required.

This is a seated program. Indigenous House is wheelchair accessible. If you have accommodation needs, please let us know through the registration form or contact dmg.utsc@utoronto.ca.

Future Building is supported by the Pedagogies of Inclusive Excellence Fund; Experiential Learning Fund; I.D.E.A.S; and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, University of Toronto.