Issues and Ideas – Canada needs solutions-focused innovation to tackle social and environmental challenges

An independent social innovation agency could help make this happen The traditional view of innovation focused on technology must now be leveraged to address the critical social and environmental problems confronting Canada and the globe. Whether tackling the housing crisis, mental health, or climate change, these issues require solutions-based innovation that directly benefits communities and…

Eastern and Western, a contemplation of identity through music

Award-winning composers and musicians Layale Chaker, Kinan Azmeh and Dinuk Wijeratne share a worldly musical mix that reflects on the ephemeral meaning of home at the Chan Centre on May 5. The show, titled The Journeyed Compass, takes listeners through original compositions by the trio, blending Middle Eastern, South Asian and Western Classical music, as well…

Why is no one talking about for-profit homecare?

The global pandemic drew attention to decades-long problems in long-term residential care in Canada – resulting in tragic loss of life for thousands, and loss of quality of life for the many more who experienced isolation and inadequate care during pandemic lockdowns. Research has demonstrated that COVID-19 related mortality and inadequate care during the pandemic…

Generating ‘Air’ in film

Chinese aesthetics, Daoism and the concept of incorporating ‘air’ in film will be deconstructed in the talk How to Generate Air in a Film: Lessons from Fei Mu’s Chinese Aesthetics by Siying Duan, a Ph.D. in Art Theory. Generating “air” is a unique concept developed by one of China’s greatest film Directors, Fei Mu, which Duan will…

An evening of kimono dressing

Fumiko Horan, a kimono-dressing specialist will be demonstrating traditional kimono dressing at the O Hanami Festival Apr. 5–Apr. 6 at the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre. Horan, raised in Nakano, a municipality of Tokyo, introduces the culture of oiran kimono dressing and processions and the festivities in Japan associated with the oncoming of cherry blossoms- known as Sakura. “‘O…

‘Islamophobia is intertwined with sexism’

Canada, often regarded as an inclusive, multicultural haven, has increasingly been the scene of a series of hate crimes against Muslims. This Islamophobia is concerning and based on misperceptions about Muslim people, according to Itrath Syed, PhD candidate in the School of Communication at SFU. She will give a public lecture on Gendered Islamophobia and Muslim…

Weaving ancient arts with modern technology

Kaija Rautiainen, a long-time weaver and native of Finland, is one of the artists who will be returning to the Eastside Culture Crawl to showcase her work. She will also be taking part in this year’s juried exhibition Hanging by a Thread, at The Cultch theatre, which explores the infinite possibilities of thread as a…