View Points is a forum series that explores issues in contemporary culture and showcases current culture-makers. The series examines contexts that influence contemporary artists and communities, contexts that shape the ways in which culture is produced, viewed, consumed and discussed. It is timely, responsive and designed to stretch the definitional boundaries of “culture”.
PAST VIEW POINTS
A Kick to the HeadWhat is the impact of soccer on culture and community? A sport that has eluded the spotlight nationally for decades, is finally taking centre stage in Toronto and across Canada. Join this View Points on soccer for a rare screening of the documentary, A Kick To The Head, a CBC produced film directed by Mike Downie on the power and influence of soccer in Toronto. Following the screening, participants from the film join Dave Bidini in a discussion that explores the importance of soccer in their lives and cultures. Panel includes Somalian soccer player Abdi Warsame, Manager of Canada’s Homeless World Cup Team, Paul Gregory, and Radio UNO host, Irene Zerbini.The evening will begin with a special screening of Who Cheers for Canada, a documentary produced by Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre that explores soccer and it's connection with Canada's cultural mosaic. Shot during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the video explores why people who have made Canada their home don't cheer and celebrate Canada's soccer team in the same way as they celebrate other teams. Onik Khan, a resident of Regent Park who helped direct and produce the video will join also the discussion following A Kick To The Head.Current Toronto FC Captain Jim Brennan (who from 1996 to 2006 played in England's First and Second Divisions and Premier League) will also be part of the panel.davebidini.ca homelessworldcup.org16 October 08
Thursday | 6:30pm
Brigantine Room
More Than Bows and Arrows
Prelude to Planet IndigenUsFor decades many historians and non-Indigenous artists have portrayed the Indigenous people as ‘primitive’ or only wearing ‘feathers and beads’ or carrying ‘bows and arrows’. These historic misrepresentations have definitely encouraged the stereotypes placed on the First Peoples in this country. Over the years, many Indigenous artists have tried to break down these stereotypes and have continued to explore what it means to be ‘Indigenous’.The discussion will be moderated by Kerry Swanson (imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival) and features John Kim Bell, Marc Nadjiwan, Falen Johnson, Santee Smith and Kent Monkman.More about Planet IndignUs12 November 08
Wednesday | 7pm
Brigantine Room
Behind the Lens
In partnership with
Our latest installment of the interactive View Points series features the film 'The Black Candle' directed by M.K. Asante Jr. The film examines Kwanzaa celebrations around the world - exploring themes that unite and inspire as the root of this practice and celebration. Come join us for the screening and an engaging discussion with the director in this exciting series!
thinkToronto Winners Discuss Their DesignsIn Partnership with To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Spacing in the late fall of 2008, the editors plan to turn the issue over to readers by asking them to submit ideas on how to improve Toronto’s public realm. Readers who are 35 years old and under can enter. thinkToronto seeks ideas from the next generation of city builders who want to challenge how we view Toronto’s public realm. The competition gives participants a platform to explore and experiment with Toronto’s urban landscape and generate a dialogue among Torontonians about creative and sustainable solutions in our shared common spaces. The winners will also take part in this Viewpoints discussion moderated by Shawn Micallef, Senior Editor, Spacing Magazine.Panelists include:
Mike Wilson, Best of Show Winner
Jason Mills, Two Submissions Awarded
Springboard Creators, Submission Awarded thinkToronto Contest26 March 09
Thursday | 7pm
Brigantine RoomTickets only $5!
"In Toronto, there is little time to stop and think. These moments of pause turn up at weird times for me: sometimes in a laneway or stomping through a ravine at dusk. More often, these contemplative moments happen when the monotony of daily city life is interrupted. It's during these brief periods of reflection that allow to me to be thankful for living in such a dynamic and interesting city."
— Matthew Blackett, Publisher & Creative Director: Spacing Magazine