Dates: September 22 - September 25, 2022
Location: Allan Gardens, 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5
Open To: Everyone
Contact: socialinnovation@ryerson.ca
Overview: From September 22 to 25, join us for People, Power, & the Park, a free four-day festival celebrating Allan Gardens’ history as a vital and valued gathering place in Toronto!
Allan Gardens has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia and, for over 125 years, has welcomed communities from a broad spectrum, from suffragists and poets to environmental and anti-poverty activists. Through art and celebratory activities, People, Power, and the Park will pay tribute to Allan Gardens’ history as a site of rallies, festivals, protests and dialogues!
People, Power, & the Park is a part of Imagine the Park, external link, an ongoing programme of events presented in and around Allan Gardens by the Office of Social Innovation, Toronto Metropolitan University, in partnership with community stakeholders.
Accessibility: The art installations and festival events will all take place outdoors at Allan Gardens Park (160 Gerrard St. East). The park is made up of grass, cement and gravel pathways. The conditions of the park will be weather dependent. Porta Potties will also be available for use.
ASL interpretation will also be available for speaking portions of the event, including the opening ceremony and poetry readings.
We strive to create accessible and inclusive spaces for all community members. If we require additional accommodations to ensure your participation, please email socialinnovation@ryerson.ca. We ask that any accommodation requests be made within 10 business days of the event.
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Event Schedule
Art installations will open on Thursday, September 22, at 6:00 PM and will remain open for viewing until Sunday, September 25, at 4:00 PM.
Thursday, September 22
Opening Celebrations
6:00 PM: Introductions & land acknowledgement with Dr. Michael Doxtater, Director, Saagajiwe
6:30 PM: Opening ceremony with Philip Cote featuring storytelling, drumming, fire and food sharing
7:00 PM: Launch of installations and projections
Friday, September 23
7:00 PM: Lillian Allen & Band: Revving up the Tea Party
Saturday, September 24
Daytime Walking Tours
1:00 PM: Mackenzie House Walk: Hillary Walker (first session)
2:00 PM: Foraging Walk: Avalon Carthew
2:30 PM: Mackenzie House Walk: Hillary Walker (second session)
3:30 PM: Workers History Walk: David Kidd
Evening Entertainment
6:00 PM: Poetry for the People - Open Mic with MC Liliilan Allen
6:30 PM: Poetry readings with Clifton Joseph, January Roberts, Robert Priest & Charlie Petch
7:30 PM: Joaquín Hidalgo Caribbean Jazz Trio
Sunday, September 25
Sunday in the Park
1:00 PM:
Welcome Booth
Storytelling with the Children's Book Bank
Children's Activities & a Scavenger Hunt
Community Organization Information Booths
Artisan Vendors
1:00 PM: Friends of Allan Gardens Tree Walk with Diana Teal
2:00 PM:
Counterpoint Community Orchestra
Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers
3:45 PM: Libation Ceremony with Clem Martin & Drummer Waleed Abdulhamid
https://www.torontomu.ca/social-innovation/initiatives/projects/peoplepowerpark/