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York alumni win big at Canadian Screen Awards

Theatre

During Canadian Screen Week (April 11 to 16), The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television handed out more than two dozens Canadian Screen Awards to York alumni – from the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies – recognizing their achievements in film, television and the digital sector.

Victoria Lean (Credit: George Pimentel Photography)
Victoria Lean (Credit: George Pimentel Photography)

Throughout the week, the Canadian Screen Awards recognized a range of categories, including sports programming, news, documentaries, children’s programming, animation, reality, lifestyle and more. The week culminated in a final ceremony, honouring work in the comedic and dramatic arts.

Going into Canadian Screen Week, more than 45 alumni were nominated across more than 30 different categories. Among the nominees, several York alumni earned multiple awards, including Victoria Lean, who won the Barbara Sears Awards for Best Editorial Research, Best Direction Factual and Best Factual Series for the documentary series We’re All Going to Die (Even Jay Baruchel) which explores the global crises that threaten the Earth’s sustainability, and the solutions that can right the future. Alum Gordon Henderson was also among the Best Factual Series recipients for the series.

Marsha Green
Marsha Green (Credit: George Pimentel Photography)

Marsha Green was another multi-winner, earning an award for Best Writing, Drama Series and Best Drama series for The Porter, a series based on the true story of the creation of the first Black-led labour union after the First World War. Alumna Annmarie Morais was also among The Porter‘s Best Drama recipients.

Tracy Galvin earned two awards for separate projects: Best Live Entertainment Special for The Junos 2022 and Best Performing Arts Program for Buffy Sainte-Marie: Starwalker.

The documentary series BLK: An Origin Story, which looks at the untold stories of Black Canadians, earned several awards for York alumni, including Avril Jacobson for Best Picture Editing, Documentary and Jennifer Holness for Best Direction, Documentary Series.

Here is a full list of York alumni winners:

Best Talk Program or Series – 1 Queen 5 Queers
Awardee: Aisha Fairclough

Best Sports Host – 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games
Awardee: Andi Petrillo

Best Sound, Documentary or Factual – Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
Awardee: Elma Bello

Best Performing Arts Program – Buffy Sainte-Marie: Starwalker
Awardee: Tracy Galvin

Best Writing Web, Program or Series – Chateau Laurier: An Unfortunate Turn of Events
Awardee: Emily Weedon

Best Biography or Arts Documentary Program or Series – Comedy Punks: Kids in the Hall
Awardee: Laura Michalchyshy

Best Children’s or Youth Fiction Program or Series – Detention Adventure
Awardee: Lauren Corber

Best Live Production, Social Media – ET Canada Live
Awardee: Jodie Davis

Best Web Program or Series Non-Fiction – ET Canada Pride
Awardee: Jodie Davis

Best Original Music, Animation – Let’s Go Luna! Dig it Daddy-O
Awardee: Ari Posner

Best Web Program or Series, Fiction – Revenge of the Black Best Friend
Awardee: Amanda Parris

Best Documentary Program – Sex with Sue
Awardee: Lisa Rideout

Best Documentary Program – Sex with Sue
Awardee: Sam Dunn

Best Guest Performance, Comedy – Sort Of: Sort of Amsterdam/Sort of I Love You
Awardee: Amanda Brugel

Best Original Music, Comedy – Sort Of: Sort of Who She Is
Awardee: Vivek Shraya

Best Writing, Factual – Still Standing: Oxford
Awardee: Graham Chittenden

Best TV Movie – Swindler Seduction
Awardee: Jonas Prupas

Best Writing, Variety or Sketch Comedy – TallBoyz: Don’t wear in front of the song
Awardee: Franco Nguyen

Best Reality/Competition Program or Series – The Amazing Race Canada
Awardee: Michael Tersigni

Best Picture Editing, Reality/Competition – The Amazing Race Canada: Where is Gurmail
Awardee: Michael Tersigni

Best Writing, Children’s or Youth – The Hardy Boys: Captured!
Awardee: Ramona Barckert

Best Performance, Sketch Comedy (Individual or Ensemble) – This Hour Has 22 Minutes
Awardee: Stacey McGunnigle

Ted Rogers Best Feature Length Documentary – To Kill a Tiger
Awardee: Cornelia Principe

AGYU online event to consider role of public art

Schulich will soon be launching its Business Excellence Academy, a business education and mentorship program supporting 60 Black and Indigenous Ontario high school students this summer.

The Art Gallery of York University (AGYU) will present “Permanence/Impermanence: The Life of Public Art” on May 4 at 1 p.m, an online conversation featuring prominent global artists discussing the challenges and importance of public art.

The conversation is part of The Uncontainable Collections Research Project presented by AGYU, an annual workshop series initiated in 2022 to make York University’s art collection more accessible to the public and for research purposes.

In the spirit of accessibility, this iteration of the workshop was produced collaboratively by AGYU staff Allyson Adley, Liz Ikiriko and Jenifer Papararo, as well as faculty and students in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.

The preliminary interview questions were developed with York University graduate class, ARTH 6000, led by Professor Anna Hudson, and will be addressed to the participants who are prominent artists and curators whose work critically engages with notions of “publicness” as it relates to “public art,” “the public sphere,” “public space” and “publics.” They include: Allison Glenn (United States), Vanessa Kwan (Canada), Mohammed Laouli (France, Germany, and Morocco) and Raqs Media Collective (India).

During the online conversation, each participant will give a 10-minute overview of their research and practice before joining a collective conversation that uses public art to counter codified notions of public space. In preparation for this live discussion, pre-interviews with each of the participants will be conducted, addressing the principles and ideals of democracy in how public space is inhabited; how decolonial acts of resistance de-centre monuments that glorify settler-colonial histories; what role communities can play in the commissioning of public art; and the limitations and risks of working in public spaces. Transcripts of these interviews will be available on the AGYU website on April 28.

This iteration of the workshop intends to activate, question and learn from involved arts practitioners discussing public art as a form of inspiration, as community engagement, and as a marker of time and place.

Those who wish to find more information or register, can do so here.

York faculty recognized for research, artistic excellence

Research Award Celebration 2023: President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton with faculty members Taien-Ng Chan, Jude Kon, Karen Burke, Carl James, Linda Peake and Vice-President Research and Innovation Amir Asif
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton with faculty members Taien-Ng Chan, Jude Kon, Karen Burke, Carl James, Linda Peake and Vice-President Research and Innovation Amir Asif

The outstanding achievements of 70 York University faculty members were recognized on April 12 during the 2023 Research Awards Celebration. The annual event, hosted by the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, celebrates the research contributions from York’s community of changemakers over the last year.

“Universities continue to play an oversized role in undertaking the research, creative activities and innovation needed to address the complex, global problems we face. Through the dedication and hard work of York’s community of researchers, scholars, creators and knowledge mobilizers, we are driving positive change and strengthening our impact on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “I congratulate all the honorees and their teams for their efforts in building a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable world.”

Faculty were recognized for their wide-ranging work, including studies to advance greener chemistry, documenting Indigenous resurgence, and for the mathematical modelling of zoonotic threats, in addition to their prestigious appointments, such as being inducted into the Royal Society of Canada, or the Order of Ontario.

“The honourees’ contributions to purposeful research and scholarly activity at York enriches the University greatly,” said Vice-President Research and Innovation Amir Asif. “They have all made their mark in their respective fields and this event is an opportunity to recognize so many of the brilliant minds, gifted artists and imaginative thinkers that call York University home. The University is proud of them.”

The achievements span 10 categories, including the President’s Research Awards.

The recipients of this year’s President’s Research Awards are:

Professor Karen Burke
Professor Karen Burke

Karen Burke, associate professor, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, was recognized with the President’s Research Impact Award (PRIA). The PRIA recognizes full-time, active faculty members whose body of research or scholarship has translated into a notable impact on communities, individuals, public policies or practice beyond academe, or translated successfully into impactful commercial or other applications, while significantly and positively contributing to the University’s research culture and reputation.

Burke is a singer, music director, choral conductor and composer in the field of African-American vocal music. Her expertise is in the history and performance practices of Gospel music and has worked with major choral ensembles, organizations, schools, and church congregations. She is the cofounder of the Juno Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir and the founding director of the York University Gospel Choir.

Jude Kong
Jude Kong
Taien Ng-Chan
Taien Ng-Chan

Jude Kong, assistant professor, Faculty of Science, and Taien-Ng Chan, assistant professor, School of the Arts, Performance, Media & Design, were recognized with the President’s Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA). The PERLA recognizes two full-time faculty members – one in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and one in the social sciences, humanities and arts (SSHA) – within 10 years of their first academic appointment, who have had a notable impact on their field and made a significant contribution to advancing the University’s international reputation for research excellence while significantly and positively contributing to one or more aspects of the York community’s intellectual life.

Kong is a mathematician and is the founding executive director of the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC). He is also the executive director of the Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP). His research focuses on the use of AI, data science, mathematical models and system thinking to improve decision-making in global health and clinical public health.

Ng-Chan is a writer and media artist whose research explores experimental processes of urban mapping and sound art, “object-oriented storytelling,” and futurist imaginings of everyday life in the Asian diaspora through immersive cinema, both in VR headset and dome projection modes. Her writing ranges from scholarly work to books and anthologies of creative writing, to collaborative multimedia arts websites, and drama for stage, screen and CBC Radio.

Linda Peake
Linda Peake

Linda Peake, professor in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, was recognized with the President’s Research Excellence Award (PREA). The PREA recognizes senior established, full-time, active faculty members at the rank of Professor, with distinguished scholarly achievements, who have had a notable impact on their field(s) and made a significant contribution to advancing the University’s international reputation for research excellence while significantly and positively contributing to one or more aspects of the York community’s intellectual life.

Peake is the director of the City Institute at York University, and a feminist geographer with research interests in the co-construction of subjectivities and urban places, particularly pertaining to marginalized communities in the urban global south, and specifically Guyana. Peake is also co-chair of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) Affinity Group on Mental Health, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

For more information about the award winners and the full list of categories, visit the Research Awards Celebration website.

View a gallery of photos from the event.

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York launches production accounting micro-credential program

Film camera shooting an actor

York University and Cinespace Studios have partnered to create a production accounting micro-credential program in response to growing demand from the film and television industry.

$3.12 million in renewed support for York University Motion Media Studio at Cinespace
York Motion Media Studio

The new six-week program will launch June 2023 and be taught in person at the York University Motion Media Studio – an interdisciplinary space for learning, teaching and production located on Cinespace Studios Toronto’s Kipling campus in Etobicoke. The curriculum will teach students the important role production accounting plays in the film and television industry, as well as common systems, tools and techniques used in the profession. The course is also managed by Schulich ExecEd.

“Schulich ExecEd is excited to partner with the York University Motion Media Studio and Cinespace Studios for the Foundations of Production Accounting program,” said Rami Mayer, executive director, Schulich ExecEd. “Accelerated reskilling is the way of the future for mid-career professionals, and micro-credentials have become the way of acknowledging to employers that the new skill has been learned. This program is a wonderful example of its practical use for a real need in an important industry for Ontario and the GTA.”

This latest collaborative venture is part of an ongoing strategic partnership between the University and Cinespace, which renewed its commitment to York in 2022 with $3.12 million in support.

“York University is proud to extend our partnership with Cinespace Studios to deliver this innovative micro-credential in production accounting that fills a need for highly skilled professionals in a growing industry like film and television,” said Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of York’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. “The production accounting micro-credential is testament to York University’s commitment to making quality education accessible to diverse learners while preparing the industry leaders to create positive change.”

“Film and television production accountants are in critically short supply globally and this micro-credential program will allow the industry to quickly fill a much-needed role as production volumes continue in the region,” says Ashley Rice, president and co-managing partner at Cinespace Studios.

Those interested in further information can review the micro-credential program’s details and curriculum here.

York students victorious at National Japanese Speech Contest

Flag Canada Japan

York students from the Japanese Studies Program in the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics (DLLL) of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) garnered top prizes at the 34th Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest (NJSC).

NJSC contestants, who are the first-prize winners in each category of the year’s respective provincial Japanese speech contests, travelled from all across the country to compete together. This year, 25 contestants in four levels of proficiency faced off at the national contest, which took place at the Toronto branch of the Japan Foundation on March 26. The three York students who finished in prize-winning positions were:

  • Grand prize (advanced first): Risha Pelchat (AP/JP2010)
  • Intermediate first: Ava-karie Hislop (AP/JP2000)
  • Beginners third: Arman Ahmed (AP/JP1000)

Pelchat – a translation student who also won the grand prize at the Ontario Japanese Speech Contest (OJSC) at the University of Toronto on March 4 – flawlessly delivered her speech entitled “Me? ‘Mademoiselle’? ‘Xiao Jie’?” in which she emphasized the importance of small gestures that could evoke feelings of “gender euphoria” among transgender people.

Hislop, a School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design student, presented her speech “Current Artists and Social Media.” She spoke about the negative influence of online reactions to, and evaluations of, art works, arguing that artists should – above all else – strive to maintain their integrity, originality and creativity.

Ahmed, a computer science student, delivered his speech titled “Break the Shell!” in which he used the metaphor of turtles and dragons to illustrate the experience of coming out of his shell following a long-COVID hiatus and discovering new friendships by taking up competitive dragon boating.

York students with awards won at 2023 National Japanese Speech Contest
From left: Ava-karie Hislop, Noriko Yabuki-Soh, Risha Pelchat, Arman Ahmed and Eri Takahashi

“York students in the Japanese Studies Program have won many top prizes at both the provincial and national speech contests in the past. This year is no exception,” said DLLL Associate Professor Noriko Yabuki-Soh.

Yabuki-Soh, along with department colleague Associate Professor Norio Ota and faculty members Kumiko Inutsuka, Akiko Mitsui and Eri Takahashi, coached the students leading up to the national contest. Yabuki-Soh also served on the 2023 NJSC’s organizing committee.

“We are so proud of those students who worked so hard for this competition,” she added. “I am sure they will endeavour to become ‘ambassadors’ of Canada to Japan in the future.”

York lands top 10 spot in 17 subjects in QS rankings

performing arts at york

York University’s high-quality academic programming continues to position the institution as a leader in post-secondary education and drive positive change to right the future, both nationally and internationally, according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject report.

The University ranks among the top 100 in the world for three subject areas: English language and literature, philosophy, and for the first time, performing arts.

York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) is internationally recognized as an incubator for performing arts innovation. The first university in Canada to offer jazz and gospel as part of its Music degree program, York continues to advance and modernize its programming for a diverse student performers. More recently, the School’s Theatre and Dance programs collaborated with colleagues in Digital Media and Film, as well as professional partners, to incorporate digital technologies into its programs. The QS rankings demonstrates AMPD is a global example of how performance programs – such as dance, music and theatre – can connect to all forms of arts, media and design to create positive change.

The report, released in March, ranks a total of 54 disciplines grouped into five subject areas: Arts and Humanities; Engineering and Technology; Life Sciences and Medicine; Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences and Management. The 2023 ranking is noted as the biggest QS World University Rankings by Subject, with more than 15,700 programs from 1,594 institutions evaluated.

Rhonda Lenton
Rhonda Lenton

“These rankings reflect the world-class education and purposeful research for which York University is known,” says York University President & Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We continue to drive positive change locally and globally guided by our values as a progressive university dedicated to excellence, social justice, diversity, inclusion and sustainability, and we are thrilled that we are being recognized for our leadership in shaping the future of higher education, providing the talent needed for the 21st century workforce, and solving the complex problems facing society today and in the future.”

Among Canadian universities, York ranks in the top 10 in a total of 17 subject areas.

In the QS World University Rankings category of Arts and Humanities, York University ranks in the top five universities in Canada in the subject areas of English language and literature (#4); history (#4); performing arts (#4) and philosophy (#4). The University is in the top 10 in Canada for modern languages (#7); and linguistics (#10).

In the QS World University Rankings category of Life Sciences and Medicine, York University ranked in the top five in Canada for psychology (#5).

The University’s program in the subject area geography (#7) appeared in the top 10 in the QS World University Rankings category of Natural Sciences.

In the category of Social Sciences & Management, York University programs that ranked in the top five in Canada are development studies (#4); and social policy and administration (#4). Listed in the top 10 across Canada for York University are the subjects of accounting and finance (#8); anthropology (#6); business management studies (#8); communication media studies (#8); law and legal studies (#6); politics (#7); and sociology (#6).

QS World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Dance students highlight human resilience in ‘Convergence’

Three dancers posing on dimly lit stage, stock banner from pexels

York Dances 2023: Convergence features new choreographic works of 27 third-year BFA majors performed by students engaged in all levels of York’s programs in dance.

In addition to steering their own creative processes, students led every facet of the production of Convergence, including costumes, lighting design, poster design and front of house. Supported by faculty and students – including guest artist and student Maxine Heppner, and current work-studies technicians – the show celebrates togetherness, individuality and the positive power of community.

TBD Choreographer: Ella Booth-Doris Dancers: Kian Hern, Maddy Moneypenny, Morgan Janes, Jessika Tafolla, Charlize Greaves
“TBD” by Ella Booth-Doris

Ella Booth-Doris’s “TBD,” focuses on the strength needed to overcome life’s obstacles. Performed by Kian Hern, Maddy Moneypenny, Morgan Janes, Jessika Tafolla and Charlize Greaves, this work highlights ways in which people can work together to face challenges. “Relying on one another for support in these times of hesitation, lack of self-confidence, fear and vulnerability is crucial,” Booth-Doris says. Her choreography features a blend of movement genres, showcasing each dancer’s unique style and further proving that, despite their differences, they can help each other to reach a common goal.

Ingress Choreographer: Ria Kerekes Dancers: Isabella Castro, Danika Geen, Sarah Goncalves, Annie Spence, Katie Waters
“Ingress” by Ria Kerekes

Ria Kerekes’s “Ingress” also addresses themes of personal resilience. In their work, dancers Isabella Castro, Danika Geen, Sarah Goncalves, Annie Spence and Katie Waters portray various types of mental illness and neurodivergence. By shedding light on this aspect of the human experience, Kerekes brings awareness to the effects they have on day-to-day life. “I want to display how much of a struggle it is to deal with [mental illnesses and neurodivergence] every single day, and to hopefully teach those who do not understand how uncontrollable and difficult it is,” he says.

Emergence Choreographer: Danika Geen Dancers: Clara Chemtov, Jules Vance
“Emergence” by Danika Geen

Another work that accentuates personal challenges and how to manage them is Leah Rodgers’ “Remember Who You Are.” Her work explores the complexity of finding one’s true identity within a society full of expectations. “I would like not only the audience, but the dancers themselves, in their own interpretation, to feel empowered to take on life with a new outlook and to do what makes them happy,” she says. Dancers Irene Leung, Amelia Mazza, Morgan McCarthy, Drake McKever, Elizabeth South, Katie Waters and Alex Woodley skillfully perform Rodgers’ choreography to show how a positive mindset can inspire them to find and celebrate what makes them unique.

“Emergence” by Geen, also addresses the difficulties inherent to being one’s authentic self. Their piece brings attention to transgender and nonbinary people, highlighting their ability to stay true to themselves, regardless of the negativity that may surround them. On the topic of transgender visibility, Geen says, “I wish I had this sort of representation growing up, especially in dance, which is an extremely gendered art form.” Through the emotionally charged choreography, performers Clara Chemtov and Jules Vance paint a stunning tribute to the transgender community by expressing feelings of gender dysphoria, confusion and, ultimately, radical self-acceptance.

Collapse Choreographer: Travis Keith Dancers: Maya Erwin, Taylor Hooey, Tehillah Riley, Victoria Sharp
“Collapse” by Travis Keith

Travis Keith’s work, “Collapse,” deals with the physical and mental manifestations of overwork and stress. Performed by Maya Erwin, Taylor Hooey, Tehillah Riley and Victoria Sharp, this piece addresses the experience of burnout. Through the dancers’ vulnerable performance, Keith questions the elements in our environment that push us toward collapse, and how we can draw strength to overcome them.

Isabella Sgambelluri’s “9-5 pm” examines the monotony of daily life, and tells the story of three dancers, Julianna Greco, Kiara Sinclair and Melissa Harve, who break out of their daily cycle to pursue a more fulfilling life. As the dancers take the courageous leap toward freeing themselves of their routine, they explore their true needs and desires. Through her powerful choreography, Sgambelluri asks the audience, “Are you tired of living a life that does not fulfill your innermost dreams?”

9-5 pm Choreographer: Isabella Sgambelluri Dancers: Julianna Greco, Kiara Sinclair, Melissa Harve
“9-5 pm” by Isabella Sgambelluri

“Obscured” by Sahara Shwed explores visual disabilities and how they can affect individuals. Inspired by her grandmother, Shwed uses her choreography to bring awareness to blindness, and how people with visual impairments can use their other senses to live fulfilling lives. Dancers Sherry Boamah, Jaelyn Jones and Tehillah Riley beautifully depict the struggles and victories of a blind person.

Obscured Choreographer: Sahara Shwed Dancers: Sherry Boamah, Jaelyn Jones, Tehillah Riley
“Obscured” by Sahara Shwed

Convergence, presented across two series, features 27 short works staged in the McLean Performance Studio, (second floor Accolade Centre East), March 30 and 31, at 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online and in person at the AMPD box office. To reserve, call 416-736-5888 or click here.

Professor Emeritus Tim Whiten earns prestigious Gershon Iskowitz Prize

Man's silhouette sitting in front of illuminated art gallery exhibit in the background, stock banner image from pexels

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) named Tim Whiten, professor emeritus at York’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) and founding member of the visual arts program, winner of this year’s Gershon Iskowitz Prize.

Tim Whiten wide portrait courtesy of Mehraban Mehrabani
Tim Whiten, photo courtesy of Mehraban Mehrabani

As the most recent Gershon Iskowitz artist at the AGO, Whiten will receive a $75,000 cash prize and have his works featured in a solo exhibit hosted at the gallery throughout 2025.

The prize, created and funded by the Gershon Iskowitz Foundation, has been awarded via the AGO every year since 1986 to “a professional Canadian visual artist who has achieved maturity… and who is on the verge of using their creative energy to produce a significant body of work, or to continue their research.”

During deliberations, the Gershon Iskowitz Prize jury commended Whiten for the innate quality of his work to go beyond mere physical presentation and offer an ethereal experience to his audience.

Throughout his five-decade career, self-described image-maker Whiten has used everyday objects as foundational materials, the bases of his poignant multimedia projects. Through Whiten’s installations, simple household items such as clothing, furniture, food, tools or dishes are recontextualized and given meaning, often for the purpose of spiritual or metaphysical commentary.

Himself a student of accomplished philosopher Oscar Oppenheimer, Whiten’s style is inspired and informed by his own quandaries, as well as those that so enraptured his mentor and colleague.

Born, raised and educated in Michigan, Whiten eventually attended the University of Oregon, where he received his MFA, before his path towards a teaching practice was interrupted by military service. Whiten then moved to Canada in 1968, becoming a highly respected fine arts pedagogue and instructing at York until his retirement in 2009. During his tenure at the University, Whiten was the recipient of the 1999-2000 Dean’s Teaching Award in what was then the Faculty of Fine Arts.

From North America to Asia and beyond, Whiten’s work has been featured in collections – both public and private – at galleries around the world. In addition to the AGO in Toronto, Whiten is also featured at Canada’s National Gallery in Ottawa.

To learn more about Whiten and the Gershon Iskowitz Prize, click here.

York hosts annual Women and Girls Leadership and Sport Conference

In recognition of International Women’s Day, York University Athletics & Recreation will host the fourth annual Women and Girls Leadership and Sport Conference (WGLSC) on Friday, April 28.

Following a successful online conference last year, the 2023 conference promises to be outstanding, with a number of speakers presenting under the theme “Aim High, Play Safe.” The in-person setting will allow for important, meaningful conversations to be fostered.

Registration for this conference, taking place at the Second Student Centre, is now open with tickets for general audience priced at $125; students can purchase tickets for $75.   

“We are proud to present the fourth annual conference here at York, and to be live in person,” said Jennifer Neilson, Chair of the WGLSC organizing committee and head coach of the Lions women’s volleyball team. “The high-performance sport environment is growing, changing and evolving and the discussion around safe sport policies, implementation, and practices is at a critical juncture, one I know the topics and incredible speakers will engage with this April.”

Canadian gymnast Ellie Black will take a break from preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to lead off the conference schedule with her opening keynote, “Defying Gravity the Landscape of High-Performance Sport.”  

The schedule will then shift to an interactive discussion with the mid-day powerhouse panel. Moderated by York’s own Sarah Bay-Cheng, dean of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, the panel will engage attendees in cutting edge research and best practices in the safe sport world and features the brilliant minds of Jessica Fraser-Thomas (Faculty of Health), Gretchen Kerr (University of Toronto), Hilary Findlay (Brock University), Sabrina Razack (University of Toronto), and Shauna Bookal (OUA EDI director).  

Allison Forsyth, former Canadian olympian and safe sport advocate, will close out the day by sharing her experience as a survivor of abuse. Her closing keynote, “The Future of Safe Sport in Canada,” will articulate the need for action towards safe sport and safe sport education. 

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official WGLSC webpage. Tickets are available here.  

Wendy Michener Memorial Lecture features Carolyn Taylor

Microphone

The 2023 Wendy Michener Lecture, titled “Queer Feminism and Comedy: A Serious Talk,” will be hosted at the McLean Performance Studio in 244 Accolade East Building on Tuesday, April 4 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.  

Carolyn Taylor

This year’s lecture features Carolyn Taylor, co-creator, showrunner and star of CBC’s acclaimed Baroness von Sketch Show. Throughout her career, the award-winning comedian, actor, writer, director and artist has brought a queer perspective to her work and a commitment to the personal as political. Taylor’s lecture will explore the intersection of queer feminism and comedy, elaborating on her own body of work and experiences in the field. She will explore what it means to centre, rather than other, the feminist perspective in comedy, and how nuanced and empathetic characters can be created through a feminist lens. Taylor will take up a number of timely topics, ranging from examining gender identity and drag in sketch comedy, to using comedy to infiltrate dominant discourses, to blending the esoteric and the relatable – we’re all laughing, but why? Along the way, she will showcase scenes from her subversive and groundbreaking comedy series, Baroness von Sketch Show.

Taylor developed her skills in improvisation and social satire at The Second City in Toronto. She’s written and performed political commentary for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos and CBC Radio’s This Is That. Since Baroness von Sketch Show premiered in 2016, Taylor and the show have received national and international critical acclaim, as well as won 20 Canadian Screen Awards, an ACTRA Award for Best Ensemble, two international Rockies for Best Comedy, The Rogers Prize for Excellence in Canadian Content and an international Rose D’or.

Currently, Taylor can be seen on the hit CBS comedy Ghosts as a lesbian organic farmer opposite Saturday Night Live cast member Punky Johnson. This fall she will appear as a quixotic would-be choreographer on streaming platform Crave’s upcoming figure skating comedy I Have Nothing. 

Taylor’s discussion is the latest entry in the annual Wendy Michener Memorial Lecture, which is named in commemoration of the Canadian arts critic and journalist, and was established at York University in 1986 to provide a forum for discussion of vital issues and developments in culture and the arts. This year’s event is co-presented by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, York University’s Department of Theatre and Performance, Department of Dance, Centre for Feminist Research, and Sensorium: Centre for Digital Arts & Technology.

Tickets for the event are available online for free. Additional information is featured on the event registration page.