Articles tagged with: STAC

  • Celebrating creativity and diversity in Niagara with SAFRAN 2024

    Saturday, April 06, 2024 | By

    Brock Professor Jean Ntakiturimana of Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures

    Image caption: Brock Professor Jean Ntakiturimana of Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures, (right) at the Sunday morning long table about the world of publishing, hosted by Binta Wague of les Éditions Touana (Toronto , centre-right, in green). 

    Brock University recently welcomed the Salon du livre des Francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN) 2024 for a diverse and dynamic weekend of events and performances celebrating literary creativity and diversity in the Niagara region.

    Hosted by Brock’s Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC) and Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MLLC) in collaboration with SOFIFRAN, the event was held from March 21 to 24 at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, with an opening ceremony at the Film House in the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. With the important collaboration of the Maison de la culture francophone du Niagara, the event coincided with the UNESCO World Poetry Day, World Puppetry Day and International Francophonie Day.

    Director of the Salon du livre and MLLC Instructor, Nafée Faigou, hosting the opening ceremonies at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

    “It’s been an absolutely remarkable celebration of language and culture, beautifully led and produced by Director of the Salon du livre, Nafée Faigou and Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi, Director General of SOFIFRAN,” said Professor David Vivian, Director of the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture. “Our learning community is so much richer for having hosted SAFRAN.”

    Guests and community members from the Niagara Francophone community and beyond were treated to a diverse offering of cultural interactions including entertaining and thoughtful puppet shows by Le chemin qui marche from Quebec, workshops for youth on robotics and AI and compelling roundtable discussions  in the MIWSFPA venues.

    A highlight was the publisher’s fair in the MIWSFPA lobby, igniting important long-table discussions amongst publishers and authors that celebrated the Francophonie of the region, including both Franco-Ontarian and new Franco-Canadian voices.

    For more information about the event, please visit the STAC website.

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    Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

  • Salon du livre des francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN), a special collaboration at the MIWSFPA, opens March 21

    Friday, March 01, 2024 | By

    Le Safran logo

    Salon du livre des francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN):
    Les contradictions dans les littératures

    March 21-24, 2024
    Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts
    15 Artists’ Common, St. Catharines

    SOFIFRAN is delighted to announce the details of the next edition of the Salon du Livre des Francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN), an exceptional literary event in and for the peninsula. The event will take place March 21st to 24th, 2024, and will begin at 10am each day in the prestigious space of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Brock University, downtown St Catharines. The opening will be held at the Film House, in the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, also located in downtown St Catharines.

    We are especially honoured to present Nafée Faïgou, the director of the Salon du Livre des Francophonies du Niagara. Nafée Faïgou is passionately devoted to Niagara’s francophone literary ecosystem and plays a central role in the planning and development of this major event. You can contact her directly at the following email address: [email protected].

    SAFRAN is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ministry of Francophone Affairs, through the Francophone Community Grants Program.

    We invite all members of the community to come and celebrate the diversity of francophone literatures at the Salon du Livre des Francophonies du Niagara. Join us and immerse yourselves in captivating stories, literary discoveries, workshops, and inspiring encounters.

    For more information and to stay connected with the latest updates, follow us on social media and visit our official website: www.sofifran-safran.com.

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    SOFIFRAN annonce avec enthousiasme la 2ème édition du Salon du livre des Francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN)

    SOFIFRAN est ravie de dévoiler les détails de la prochaine édition du Salon du livre des francophonies du Niagara (SAFRAN), un événement littéraire et culturel incontournable qui se tiendra du jeudi 21 mars au dimanche 24 mars 2024. L’événement débutera à 10h chaque jour et se déroulera au prestigieux espace de l’école des beaux-arts Marilyn A. Walker de l’université Brock, située à St. Catharines.

    Nous sommes particulièrement honorées de présenter Nafée Nelly Faïgou, la directrice du Salon du livre des francophonies du Niagara. Nafée Nelly Faïgou apporte une passion dévouée à l’univers littéraire francophone et joue un rôle clé dans la réalisation de cet événement majeur. Vous pouvez la contacter directement par courriel à l’adresse suivante : [email protected].

    Le SAFRAN est rendu possible grâce au soutien financier du Ministère des Affaires Francophones, dans le cadre du Programme d’appui à la Francophonie ontarienne (PAFO).

    Nous invitons chaleureusement la communauté à se joindre à nous pour célébrer la diversité littéraire francophone au Salon du livre des francophonies du Niagara. Venez plonger dans un monde d’histoires captivantes, de découvertes littéraires et de rencontres inspirantes.

    Pour plus d’informations et pour rester connectés avec les dernières actualités du SAFRAN, suivez-nous sur nos réseaux sociaux et visitez notre site web officiel : www.sofifran-safran.com

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    Organized under the  main theme of Les contradictions dans les littératures,
    programming will address the sub themes of:
    – Sensitivity and Sensationalism
    – Waiting: Hope and Despair
    – Spaces and Comfort Zones (status quo in opposition to evolution)
    – Beliefs (in oneself and in others), Fear and Courage
    – Nature and Materialism/Artificial Intelligence/Technology
    – Individuality and Sense of Group
    – Body/Mind/Psyche

    Free event, open to the public.
    la programmation est disponible ici / The program is available here.

    Les auteurs

    Le Safran a pour objectif de promouvoir la diversité culturelle et linguistique des francophones du Niagara, de valoriser les auteurs et les artistes d’expression française, et de favoriser le dialogue et les échanges entre les différentes communautés.

    SAFRAN aims to promote the cultural and linguistic diversity of French speakers in Niagara, to celebrate authors and artists of French expression, and to promote dialogue and exchanges between different communities.

    Didier Leclair
    Mireille Messier
    Gaston Mabaya
    Kalula Kalambay
    Unblind Tibbin
    Marie Yanick Dutelly
    Binta Wague
    Marlène Thélusma
    Serge Stéphane TESSA
    Michèle Laframboise
    Mélina Seymour
    Khadydja Ndoye
    Nafée Faïgou
    Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi
    Aristote Kavungu

    avec la précieuse participation de professeurs et d’instructeurs de l’Université Brock du département / with the special participation of Brock University faculty and instructors from the
    Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures:

    Nafée Faïgou
    Nicholas Hauck
    Richard Ndayizigamiye
    Jean B. Ntakirutimana
    Catherine Parayre (also Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture)
    Paul Savoie
    David Vivian (Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture/Department of Dramatic Arts)

    …and others. For more information: www.sofifran-safran.com

    To reserve a ticket for events organized by the Maison de la culture francophone du Niagara in honour of the Journée internationale de la Francophonie et les Rendez-vous Poétiques 2024 (March 20, 2024) and the Journée mondiale de la marionnette et les Rendez-Vous Poétiques 2024 (March 21, 2024) : mcfniagara.com/programmationsVeuillez noter q’un laptop est nécessaire pour s’inscrire à cet atelier./ Please note that a laptop is required to participate in this workshop. [email protected] pour s’inscrire/to register

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    Categories: Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

  • STAC at the Makerspace with workshops to teach creative technologies skills

    Sunday, November 05, 2023 | By

    Christy Mitchell removes a model from a 3D printer

    Makerspace Assistant and fourth-year Studies in Arts and Culture student Christy Mitchell removes a model from a 3D printer. The Brock community is invited to participate in an Intro to 3d Printing workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Makerspace.

    published in the Brock News on Friday 03, November 2023

    The Brock University Library Makerspace is providing students, staff and faculty with opportunities to develop new skills in 3D printing, modelling and animation as well as podcasting through a series of upcoming introductory workshops.

    The free in-person sessions, held in RFP 203, are intended to help participants build their confidence working with 3d Studio Max, a professional 3D modelling, animation and rendering application, and Blender, an open-source 3D creation suite.

    “All of the workshops teach participants from scratch,” says Makerspace Technician and Facilitator Zak Mason. “No previous experience is required; however, for optimal learning, we recommended participants commit to doing both in the same week when sessions are offered in two parts.”

    Also offered this semester are drop-in times for miniature painting and musical jam sessions.

    “Come hang out with like-minded people and make some new friends,” says Mason. “We supply everything you need except the appetite to learn new skills.”

    Upcoming workshops include:

    Introduction to Podcasting

    • Monday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m.
    • Monday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m.
    • Monday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.

    3D Modelling in Blender – A two-part series

    • Part 1: Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 2: Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 1: Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 2: Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m.

    Introduction to 3d Studio Max

    • Part 1: Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 2: Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 1: Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.
    • Part 2: Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.

    Introduction to 3D printing

    • Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.

    Miniature Model Painting

    • Friday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
    • Friday, Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.

    Jam Sessions

    • Thursdays Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Dec. 7 starting at 1:30 p.m.

    To learn more or to register for a workshop visit ExperienceBU.

    Drop-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

    Additional learning resources, such as self-directed tutorials and an online tour of the Makerspace, are available on the Brock University Library Makerspace website.

    Questions about workshops and the Makerspace can be emailed to [email protected]

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    Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, News, STAC Courses, Uncategorised

  • Thousands of prospective Brock students to explore campus Sunday

    Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | By

    Brock student in a Brock tshirt putting Brock toques into a bag

    Originally published in the Brock News, November 01, 2023.

    Brock will welcome thousands of potential Badgers and their families to campus Sunday, Nov. 5 to get a glimpse of the University’s renowned student experience. Representatives from the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture will be present.

    Academic programs, extracurricular activities, student supports and campus services will be among the highlights of Brock’s annual Fall Preview Day, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both the University’s main campus and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines.

    The University’s largest on-campus recruiting event will offer visitors a chance to attend Faculty- and program-specific presentations, explore residences and various labs and facilities, attend an 80-booth information fair and tour the scenic campus on the Niagara escarpment as they learn about all that Brock has to offer.

    “This year, Fall Preview Day comes on the heels of Brock employees and volunteers making connections with students across the province at the popular Ontario Universities’ Fair in Toronto, previously held in September,” says Kara Kelly, Manager, Recruitment Operations and Communications. “We’re excited to see that momentum continue as students arrive to experience campus for themselves and learn more about Brock’s outstanding academic offerings, its dedicated faculty and staff, and the wealth of supports available here to help them on their path to success.”

    In addition to a packed schedule of presentations, dozens of tours and drop-in opportunities will welcome prospective students into labs and classrooms across campus, visiting a variety of spaces such as Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, the newly opened Black Student Success Centre, Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab and Brock Functional Inclusive Training Centre, where health sciences students lead exercise and wellness programming for local seniors. A shuttle will also be available from the main campus for visitors interested in exploring Brock’s downtown arts school.

    While many of the attendees are typically high school applicants, the day will also feature information for transfer and mature students interested in pursuing their studies at Brock.

    “Brock offers a variety of pathways to higher learning, and we encourage people interested in finding out more to come out on Sunday and speak with our knowledgeable staff,” Kelly says.

    The MIWSFPA-specific program includes:

    Sunday, November 5,11 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

    Information Fair, Ian Beddis Gymnasium
    MIWSFPA tables
    11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

    Humanities presentation
    South Block 202
    11:15 a.m.- noon.
    Meet the Dean and Associate Dean of Humanities, to learn about the first-year experience in the Humanities. Information will include departments, programs, and key contacts.

    Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts presentation
    South Block 202
    12:15-12:55 p.m.
    Meet the Dean and Associate Dean, Fine & Performing Arts to learn about the first-year experience as students in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. Information will include departments, programs, and key contacts, followed by a tour of MIWSFPA downtown.

    Experience Humanities (Walking Tour)
    Meet outside of South Block 202
    1 p.m.
    Visit each department in the Faculty of Humanities on our main campus, with students from many programs in attendance to convey real-life experiences. There will be drop offs at Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Centre for Digital Humanities, English, History, Philosophy, Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Canadian Studies, and Classics. Learn more about student spaces, faculty office hours, and how to get involved in special Humanities events.

    Experience MIWSFPA (Tours)
    Gather at the Brock Statue
    1 p.m.
    You’ll be taken via bus downtown to the MIWSFPA, and a shuttle will take you back to main campus at 2:45 p.m.

    Program Specific Tours for Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Art, and Studies in Arts and Culture.
    15 Artists’ Common, downtown St. Catharines (main Lobby doors)
    1:30-2:30
    Tour the classrooms, studios, and rehearsal spaces that you will be learning in during your time at MIWSFPA. Your Program Chair or Director will be available for questions you may have, along with students to convey their real-life experiences at the School. Parking also available on-site.

    MIWSFPA Open Tour
    15 Artists’ Common, downtown St. Catharines (main Lobby doors)
    3:00-4:00
    Tour the classrooms, studios, and rehearsal spaces that you will be learning in during your time at MIWSFPA. Parking available on-site.

    For more information or to register for Fall Preview Day, visit the event website.

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    Categories: Announcements, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, News, Uncategorised

  • An excellent year of learning for students in Studies in Arts and Culture

    Thursday, July 13, 2023 | By

    Faculty and instructors teaching courses in the STAC program are planning for an exciting year of courses in the fall/winter 2023-24 sessions, including those offered by the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture and those offered by affiliated programs, namely Canadian Studies, Communication, Popular Culture and Film, Dramatic Arts, Geography and Tourism Studies, Goodman School of Business, History, Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Music, Sociology, and Visual Arts.

    If you are seeking full-time or part-time learning opportunities beginning in September, please reach out to the academic advisor Elizabeth Maddeaux [email protected] or the Director of the Centre, David Vivian [email protected] for more information.

    Many of the courses on offer have minimal prerequisite requirements, and in every case we are happy to provide permission to register for students who bring appropriate alternate learning and experience to the courses.

    We look forward to meeting our students in September!

    Spectating the arts in Niagara – Fall 2023

    STAC 2P93 Critical Practice in the Fine and Performing Arts, is an interdisciplinary approach to key ideas about music, art, dance and drama through critical readings and guided exposure to selected public fine and performing art events. 2023 brings an exciting return to the galleries, theatres and concert halls in St. Catharines, the region and online.

    A blended course, with online and onsite events.

    Prerequisites: Prerequisite(s): one credit from CANA 1F91, DART 1P91, 1P92 (1F91/1F93), IASC 1F01 (1F00), STAC 1P50, VISA 1Q98,1Q99 or permission of the Centre.

    Crosslisting: also offered as CANA 2P93, IASC 2P93 and MLLC 2P93

    When? ASYNC online in D2 and with onsite programming Thursdays at 1900-2100

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_2P93

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    STAC 3P01 Media Transformations in The Creative Arts
    The trajectory and influences of new media on the development of and discourses in the 20th and 21st c.

    Prerequisites: Prerequisite(s): two STAC, COMM, ENGL, IASC,MLLC, VISA, WRDS (WRIT) credits or permission of the instructor.

    Crosslisting: also offered as IASC 3P01, MLLC 3P01 and VISA 3P01

    When? ASYNC online in D3.

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_3P01

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    STAC 4P01 Creating Social Value from Material Culture
    Theory and practice of creating social value from material culture.

    Restrictions: students must have a minimum 10.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

    Crosslisting: also offered as IASC 4P01, MLLC 4P01 and VISA 4P01

    When? At the MIWSFPA in D2 on Wednesday at 1000-1130 and with ASYNC online content.

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_4P01

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    STAC 3P41 Approaches to Curatorial Practice
    Practical application of curatorial methods.

    Prerequisites: Prerequisite(s): VISA 1Q98 and 1Q99, one credit from second- or third-year VISA or STAC courses, or permission of the Centre.

    Crosslisting: also offered as VISA 3P41

    When? At the MIWSFPA in D2 on Monday at 1800-2100 and with ASYNC online content.

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_3P41

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    STAC 3P42 Methods and Principles of Curating
    The museum and the role of the curator in society. Critical approaches to the presentation of cultural artifacts, artworks and new forms of media.

    Prerequisites: Prerequisite(s): VISA 1Q98 and 1Q99, one credit from second- or third-year VISA or STAC courses, or permission of the Centre

    Crosslisting: also offered as VISA 3P42

    When? At the MIWSFPA in D3 on Monday at 1800-2100 and with ASYNC online content.

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_3P42

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    Become a culture producer – Fall 2023

    STAC 3P93 Producing a Performance Event, examines the planning and organization for a performance-based cultural event, such as a festival, rave, poetry-slam or community choral fundraiser. This popular course includes special guest presentations by leaders in regional arts production and management, and fieldtrips to unique cultural events. The highlight of the course is a ‘Dragons Den’ with cultural producers and presenters.  A blended course, with online and onsite events.

    Restrictions: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits or permission of the Centre.

    Crosslisting: also offered as DART 3P93

    When? At the MIWSFPA in D2 on Thursday 1000-1300 and with an ASYNC online lab

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_3P93

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    click to open PDF

    The beauty of making books – Winter 2024  *NEW COURSE

    STAC 3P97 Publishing: Creative Elements and Editorial Process. Working in publishing encompasses a wide variety of skills, such as editing, design, media relations, marketing, and copywriting. This new course will take introduce you to the facets of editing and publishing in our contemporary world, with experiential learning and skills-rich practice based upon the creative publishing program of the Small Walker Press.
    NEW COURSE, offered online.

    Restrictions: students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

    When? Online in D3, ASYNC and with an online SYNC component Wednesday 1500-1700

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_3P97

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    STAC 4P41 Arts Management
    Effective management of arts organizations. Programming, Marketing, Financing.

    Restrictions: open to STAC, CANA, DART (single or combined), DART (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), VISA (single or combined) and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide.

    Prerequisites: Prerequisite(s): students must have a minimum of 12.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor.

    Crosslisting: also offered as DART 4P41 and VISA 4P41

    When? Thursdays in D2 1300-1400 at the School, and with ASYNC online content

    Calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_4P41

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    STAC 4P68 Arts, Heritage and Culture:
    Public Policy and Governance Intervention in and support for the fine and performing arts and their cultural production.

    Restrictions: open to STAC, CANA, DART (single or combined), DART (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), VISA (single or combined), SPMA and VISA (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 12.0 overall credits or permission of the Centre.

    Crosslisting: also offered as CANA 4P68, DART 4P68 and VISA 4P68

    When? Thursdays in D3 1300-1400 at the School, and with ASYNC online content

    calendar link: https://brocku.ca/webcal/2023/undergrad/stac.html#STAC_4P68

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    Categories: Announcements, Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, News, STAC Courses, Uncategorised

  • STAC graduate creating change through art

    Wednesday, July 05, 2023 | By

    Brock graduate Justus Duntsch (BA ‘17) is pictured above alongside Nancy Edmonstone, a local artist and regular participant in the Art Me Up program. 

    [written by Charles Kim for Surgite Magazine, Spring 2023]

    When graduates of Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) head off into the world, they do so with plans to make their mark in the arts community. Some have gone on to create successful theatre groups or perform their music in front of crowds of thousands. Others have showcased their work in, or even curated, popular art exhibitions around the globe.

    Justus Duntsch (BA ’17) is using his art to spark difficult conversations and to support some of Niagara’s most vulnerable residents.

    The Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture (STAC) graduate has developed his career with the wellness and development of the Niagara community in mind.

    He strives to be the change he wants to see in the world. “Where do you start when you want to make the world a better place? It must start with you. It has to be genuine,” Duntsch says. “I think the best way is to speak with your actions.”

    “Where do you start when you want to make the world a better place?
    It must start with you.”
    – Justus Duntsch –

    Along with sitting on and chairing a variety of community arts committees since graduation, Duntsch has spent time working with Start Me Up Niagara, which supports individuals facing significant life changes and provides them with opportunities to stabilize, participate and grow.

    The organization offers services and programming to those facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions and mental health issues.

    Through the ‘Art Me Up Niagara’ program, Duntsch helps participants to express their past and present through the exploration of multidisciplinary arts in a safe studio environment.

    His work with Start Me Up Niagara has also led to his latest arts project, Before the Barriers, which reflects on the many people who took their own lives at the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines from 2018 to 2019.

    Brock graduate Justus Duntsch (BA ‘17) has used his art to create community change, including through a public art and community beautification project on Robinson Street in Niagara Falls

    Duntsch says the project’s subject matter is difficult to talk about, which has only driven him to ensure those critical community conversations take place.

    “There needs to be a space where this can be discussed without the stigma and that’s really what I’m trying to get towards,” he says.

    Duntsch hopes to adapt the project for an academic space and has been in discussions with his alma mater, and STAC Director David Vivian, about how to do just that given the sensitivity of the topic.

    He says he’s thankful for Brock’s STAC program – which helps students to gain a critical view of contemporary culture – as it provided the skills he’s needed to get to where he is today.

    The instructors are top shelf, the tools, the space – it’s really a world-class facility,” he says of the MIWSFPA.

    Knowing the inspiration that came from his time at the downtown arts school, Duntsch looks forward to seeing where other aspiring artists from the University and beyond take their talents and how they use them to create change in the world.

    “For anyone doing their thing in the arts and anywhere for that matter, just keep on keeping on. Look inside and ask yourself, who do you want to impact? What’s your desired outcome? Find what drives your passion and take the next steps,” he says.

     

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    Categories: Alumni, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

  • Audio tour explores historic art of Mackenzie Chown Complex

    Sunday, May 14, 2023 | By

    Lesley Bell (BA ’88), former Learning Commons Co-ordinator at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), has researched the history of Michael Snow’s Timed Images installation at Brock. She is pictured here with Frame Three, which now hangs in the School.

    posted on the Brock News on TUESDAY, MAY 09, 2023 | by 

    Getting lost in Mackenzie Chown Complex is a familiar experience for many Brock students, and it’s easy to miss the artistic significance of the building in the rush to get to class on time.

    A new self-guided audio tour produced by Foreword, a podcast from the Faculty of Humanities, hopes to encourage a new appreciation for a complicated space and the art it contains on the 50th anniversary of its installation.

    The audio tour guides the listener through the various locations of Michael Snow’s 1972-73 art installation Time Images and considers how the building’s unique architecture plays with the space and light.

    Snow was invited by renowned architect Raymond Moriyama to create an art installation as part of the design for Brock’s new Academic Staging Building, now called the Mackenzie Chown Complex. His installation consisted of a series of mirrors, still images and live video situated throughout the building from Pond Inlet to A Block.

    Elements of the installation can still be seen, and the audio tour has an accompanying web page featuring historic photographs, artist sketches and architectural plans collected by Lesley Bell (BA ’88), an artist and retired support staff for Brock’s Department of Visual Arts, during her research on Snow.

    Snow, who died in January, was a widely acclaimed Canadian artist. His many honours included Officer of the Order of Canada (1981), Governor General’s Award in Media Arts (2000) and an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Brock University (1974). He is also known for his Canada geese sculpture, Flight Stop (1979), that hangs in Toronto’s Eaton Centre and his piece The Audience (1989) on the exterior of the Rogers Centre.

    The Foreword podcast’s two-part final episode of series four also features an interview with Bell by host Alison Innes, Strategic Initiatives and Outreach Officer in the Faculty of Humanities. Bell became interested in Snow’s art at Brock while she was working with the Department of Visual Arts. She went on to research and produce a short documentary on Snow and his collaboration with Moriyama at Brock with Tracy Van Oosten (BA ’10) in 2021.

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    Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

  • Fentanyl drug crisis focus of free public film screening, naloxone training

    Thursday, March 23, 2023 | By

    Members of the Niagara community are invited to attend a free film screening of Love in the Time of Fentanyl this weekend.

    A free public screening of Love in the Time of Fentanyl will take place this Saturday, March 25 at Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.  

    The event is expected to run from 6 to 9 p.m. in room MWS 156, beginning with naloxone and harm reduction training from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the film screening at 7 p.m. and a question-and-answer session at 8:30 p.m. 

    Directed, edited and co-produced by Colin Askey, Love in the Time of Fentanyl follows a group of misfits, artists and drug users who operate a renegade safe injection site in Vancouver’s downtown eastside fighting to save lives and keep hope alive in a neighborhood ravaged by the overdose crisis. 

    Ronnie Grigg, founder of the non-profit Zero Block Society and one of the film’s key participants, will be traveling from Vancouver to present at the screening and participate in the panel discussion question-and-answer period alongside representatives from Positive Living Niagara’s StreetWorks harm reduction program. 

    The event is presented by Brock University’s Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture; Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures; Department of Sociology; and Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, in collaboration with Positive Living Niagara and Rad Snax. 

    Love in the Time of Fentanyl had its world premiere at the 21st DOXA Documentary Film Festival, where it was featured as the Justice Forum Special Presentation and took home the Colin Low Award for Best Canadian Director. 

    What: Free screening of Love in the Time of Fentanyl 

    When: Saturday, March 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

    • Doors open at 6 p.m. 
    • Naloxone and harm reduction training from 6:30 to 7 p.m. 
    • Film screening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 
    • Panel discussion question-and-answer period and refreshments from 8:30 to 9 p.m. 

    Where: Room MWS 156 in Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, 15 Artists’ Common, St. Catharines. MWS 156 is located adjacent to the main lobby on the lower level of the School. It is accessible, with accessible washrooms nearby.  

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  • Spirit of Mali visits St. Catharines

    Monday, January 16, 2023 | By

    The Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture, with the support of the Departments of Dramatic Arts, Music, and Visual Arts at the MIWSFPA, in collaboration with the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures and with the support of Brock International, Social Justice Research Institute, Department of History, Brock University Faculty Association, and the Office of Human Rights and Equity, are collaborating with Solidarité des femmes et familles interconnectées francophones du Niagara (SOFIFRAN, Welland sofifran.org ), the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC, St. Catharines firstontariopac.ca ), and Impressions de Terre ( impressionsdeterre.com ), under the patronage of the Embassy of Mali in Ottawa, to produce an exhibit on art and culture from Mali, accompanied by live music performances and documentary films:

    Spirit of Mali

    with Stève Viès, multidisciplinary artist

    February 1-10, 2023
    Robertson Theatre, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, St. Catharines ON

    Exhibition hours
    Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
    Friday, February 3: 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm
    Saturday, February 4: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
    Sunday, February 5 thru Thursday, February 9: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
    Friday, February 10: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

    Guided Tour & Discussion / Visite guidée & table ronde: Friday, February 3, 2023,
    7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
    featuring a guided tour of the exhibition by Stève Viès, curator, followed by a panel discussion about the exhibition and the art, with contributions by Gertrude Brew (graduate student, MA in Studies in Comparative Literatures and Arts (SCLA), Brock University), Nafée Faigou (St. Catharines artist, poet and community leader), Olatunji Ojo (Historian, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History, Brock University), Jean Ntakirutimana (linguist and language teacher, Associate Professor of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Brock University).  They will offer reactions, commentary, personal experiences and celebrations of the art on exhibit. This will be followed by a brief Q&A.
    All are welcome!

    Opening/Vernissage for the arts and cultural program: Saturday, February 4, 2023,
    5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, including cocktail reception at 7:00 pm
    with guest artist Amadou Kiénou

    Closing: Friday, February 10, 2023
    6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, closing reception
    with guest artists Justine Djoléi Gogoua and Amadou Kiénou

    The exhibit and special events are free and open to the public.
    The exhibit and special events are drop-in, no tickets or registration is required.
    Programming will be offered in French and in English.
    See the event listing at the FOPAC for more information.

    thumbnail of a youtube video to click and start in a new page

     

     

     

    See the video produced by Impressions de Terre in our youtube channel.

    Listen to the interview by Karl Dockstader of CKTB 610 with Professor Jean Ntakirutimana, Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Brock University.

    www.iheartradio.ca/610cktb/audio/the-drive-with-karl-dockstader-jean-ntakirutimana-associate-professor-of-the-department-of-modern-languages-literatures-and-cultures-brock-university-1.19173483?mode=Article

    Listen to the interview by Isabelle Ménard of CBC/Radio-Canada with Stève Viès, artist, educator and curator of the exhibit.  (en français)
    Le mois de l’histoire des Noirs : Exposition Esprit du Mali
    https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/dans-la-mosaique/segments/entrevue/431062/exposition-esprit-mali-steve-vies

    Read the article in Le Régional (Welland, en français. click to open PDF)
    Voici l’écho francophone de l’événement : https://leregional.com/sofifran-presente-la-diversite-culturelle-du-mali/

    See the gallery of photographs from the opening events on the SOFIFRAN website.

    Exhibition as presented at TOHU of the Cité des arts du cirque in Montreal, QC.

    The exhibition

    The Spirit of Mali exhibition is the culmination of a remarkable collective effort, orchestrated by Stève Viès and produced by several great master craftsmen of Mali: Boubacar Doumbia, Mamoudo Nango, Tiorri Diarra and Abou Konan

    Bogolan textile art and sculptural art are a national pride. Bogolan means ‘the action of clay on fabric’. Earth-colored dyes are made from foliage and bark. Sculpture plays a significant role in cultural tradition and story­ telling. The puppet is used for street theatre and in folk festivals. The Dogon mask dance, or funeral dance, is a sacred and mysterious practice within the rich cultural heritage of Mali.

    The Spirit of Mali Exhibition is committed to valuing and preserving traditional knowledge. More than ever, this diverse and beautiful collection of Malian culture expresses an awareness of deep wisdom and rich spirituality. It transmits to us the strength of action in solidarity, weaves the creative web that unites our differences and reminds us of the importance of cultivating peace to make room for prosperity.

    The exhibition will be installed in the Robertson Theatre of the FOPAC with smaller elements and digital media to be installed at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts as part of the STAC project: Museum in the Hallway / Boîte-en-valise.

    About Stève Viès

    Originally from La Loire, France, Stève Viès is a Montreal based artist and educator whose work celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diverse artisan traditions of West Africa.

    It was in 2008, in Mali, with his meeting of two great masters of textile art, Boubacar Doumbia and Mamoudou Nango, that his vision to preserve and share this great cultural tradition became clearer.

    The Spirit of Mali exhibition is representative of 20 years of passion and exchange for the art and culture of Mandé.

    Please check this webpage regularly for program updates. See also the event listing at the FOPAC for more information.

    This project is supported by the Faculty of Humanities Dean’s Discretionary Fund and the Social Justice Research Institute at Brock University, as well as Brock International, the Department of History, the Brock University Faculty Association, and the Office of Human Rights and Equity, as well as government and community partners.

    A short teaser video of the exhibition including images from when presented at TOHU of the Cité des arts du cirque in Montreal, QC, and including the guest artists Justine Djoléi Gogoua and Amadou Kiénou.

    part of:

    Festiv’Ébène 2023

    produced by SOFIFRAN

    A short teaser video about the artists performing at the closing festivities for Festiv’Ébène 2023 on February 25, 2023, at École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf 620, chemin River Welland (Ontario) L3B 5N4.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

  • What I want you to see is this…

    Thursday, November 24, 2022 | By

    A group exhibition providing a glimpse into the lives of students.

    NOV 21, 2022 – JAN. 15, 2023
    (pause: Dec. 10 – Jan. 3)

    Opening Reception: Nov. 25 from 4 – 7 p.m.
    Hallway gallery, adjacent to the MIW Theatre

    If you had 2-3 minutes, and you wanted an audience to know what it was like, in 2022, to be you, as a student, what would you say/display? What demands does the academic institution place on you?

    Encouraged to address the challenges they encounter at university, and taking inspiration from activities interlocking various concepts, participants in Social Class and Social Conflict (Criminology, Department of Sociology, Brock University) made photos of their environment and told their stories in short audio recordings. The result are short videos exemplifying individual experiences that would otherwise go unrepresented.

    The Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture invites visitors to enter a respectful space, listen to these poignant testimonials, and see what the students want us to see.

    Participating artists include:

    Ahaz
    Shakur
    Blake Gowling
    Colter Styrna
    Daniel Zelazko
    Emilie Oakes
    Ermal
    Faith Westman
    Gage Mitchener
    Hiral
    Isha Brar
    Lauren
    Lee Marie
    Madelyn Sturgeon
    Maeve Martin
    Mary Oghene
    Meera
    Morgan Damery
    Nicole N. Mellor
    Nisha U
    Noor Warraich
    Rashika
    Sara Ourga
    Zonny Boateng

    and two anonymous contributors.

    Curators: David Vivian, Catherine Parayre, and Miles Howe
    Assistant Curator: Gertrude Brew

    Museum in the Hallway / Boîte-en-valise

    Museum in the Hallway / Boîte-en-valise is a rotating exhibit of material culture in two display cases situated in the east alcove on the second floor between the theatre entrances of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. The program consists of five exhibits, including objects and evidence of course outcomes and workshops delivered by special guests (including a Walker Cultural Leader for 2022-23). “Boîte-en-valise” is an expression coined by avant-garde artist Marcel Duchamp to refer to the aesthetic value of collecting and assembling.

    The small thematic curated exhibitions will have a duration of 4-6 weeks up to 4 months duration. The onsite program will rotate to display cases of the James Gibson Library when possible and will be amplified and celebrated in related communication pieces and image galleries posted to the STAC website.

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