Asian Heritage Month-CFACI | Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage (VMACCH)

Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage (VMACCH)

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  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top

    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top

    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top

    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top

    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

    ———————————————————————–

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

    ———————————————————————-

    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top

    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top



    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top

    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    Back to top

    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE

    Part III https://youtu.be/iq-53_iapUY

    Part IV https://youtu.be/2sucaWNBDgU

    Part V https://youtu.be/HgHDTBGdsVA

    Part VI https://youtu.be/DNWm5ax_1GY

    IRENE HUNG is a certified visual artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She works with ink, oil and acrylics in the field of abstraction. Irene’s first solo exhibition in 2008. She exhibits her artwork with Asian Heritage Month, local and international art events. Irene’s paintings embodied a deep joy of a creative artist who is always fascinated with vibrant, ever-changing movements in the world within and beyond the visions of the naked eyes. Artist website: http://irenehung.com/

    DR. LIEN CHAO is a certified professional writer and inter-art artist by the Canada Council for the Arts. She is a bilingual poet and an award-winning Canadian author. She has published in the fields of fiction, creative nonfiction, literary and art criticism, bilingual poetry, and four art books on Chinese brush painting in English/Chinese. Her first book, Beyond Silence: Chinese Canadian Literature in English won Gabrielle Roy Award for Criticism in 1997. http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/lien_chao.html

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 7 PM – 9 PM EDT
    “In My Tongues: Poet Lien Chao reading from her poetry collection Salt in My Life.”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation
    Presenter: Dr. Lien Chao


    Event link: https://www.inourtongues.ca/artists Event Poster

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Thursday May 12, 2022 | 9:15 AM EDT
    Asian Heritage Month Education Roundtable for Schools
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    “Arts and Artificial Intelligence in TCDSB” led by Vicki McRae, Rachel Allen and Jodelyn Huang
    “Asian Veterans in the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada”
    by Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Commander, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada

    Captain Ben Lee of the Canadian Advances Warfare Centre and Afghan Veteran
    Captain Anderson Leung of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    2nd Lieutenant Steven Ye of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
    Screening of a new video on Dock Yip

    FREE ADMISSION: Registrations for schools only
    Event Poster with bios


    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody, Captain Ben Lee, Captain Anderson Leung, 2nd Lieutenant Stephen Ye



    Lieutenant Colonel Scott Moody will present with members of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. A new video on Dock Yip will also be screened.

    “In 1942 Yip joined The Queen’s Own Rifles, where he met fellow reservist and law student Irving Himel. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, they formed The Committee for the Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1946. The committee was successful in their efforts, which lead to Asians-Canadians gaining the right to vote.”More information on Dock Yip

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Photography inspires people to take more concerns upon the correlations of nature and our lives under the Covid-19 pandemic. The virtual photography presentation of the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto (CCPST) will present photos with various subjects which show the beauty of lives and our living surroundings. Despite of the depression that many people suffered during the pandemic, we hope the photos can create hope and energy to re-ignite our daily lives.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

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    Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    Mr. Justin Poy

    Thursday May 26, 2022 | 7 PM EDT
    Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert | “Resilience In Our Time”
    In-Person | Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto.
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-asian-heritage-month-concert-resilience-in-our-time-tickets-337578545517

    Event Poster with bios
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artistic Directors: Professor Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

    AS PER UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MASK GUIDELINES, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A FACE MASK.
    “Masks will continue to be required in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.”
    Message from the Artistic Directors Professor Chan Ka Nin and Alice Ping Yee Ho:
    “The Annual Asian Heritage Month Concert will be on “Resilience in our time”. Welcome back to a live concert of Asian Heritage Month after an intermission for two years due to the pandemic. Citizens of the world had shown resilience to these trying times, and just as we are about to recover, we learn of resilience of the Ukrainian people to the war. Music from four Asian countries: Philippines, Korean, India and China, are featured together with Music from Ukraine as a gesture of community compassion and support.”

    Program:

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    Masters of Ceremony: Vania Chan and Derek Kwan

    I. Musiscus Bortnianskii (Ukrainian Choir)

    1. O Great God (Hymn from Ukraine)
    Music: Mykola Lysenko; arr. by Oleksandr Koshyts
    Video https://youtu.be/SiqCyXyF8Mc

    2. Grant Me My Freedom
    Music: Chan Ka Nin Text: Mark Brownell
    Video https://youtu.be/wANNdYO10do

    Gisele Kulak, soprano; Doug MacNaughton, baritone; Nelson Lohnes, bass
    Myron Maksymiw, conductor ; Alice Ho, piano

    II. Haneum (Korean Music ensemble)

    1. Forest (숲) by 황병기 by Byungki Hwang
    Video https://youtu.be/ReuOH1w95Qw

    2. First Step by Roa Lee
    Roa Lee, gayageum; Jay Yoo, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/T3ekYiwvnfQ

    Rao Lee


    III. Colors of Spring, or ‘Holi’ (Music from India)
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, tenor; Ravi Naimpally, tabla; Vibhas Vatve, harmonium
    Video https://youtu.be/duZVmNhKD2g

    IV. Duet

    1. Arirang (Korean Folk Song)
    Video https://youtu.be/WQR7_NmLcc8

    2. Dahil Sayo (Filipino song) by Miguel Velarde Jr.
    Vania Chan, soprano; Derek Kwan, tenor; Alice Pine Yee Ho, piano; Chan Ka Nin, guitar
    Video https://youtu.be/HBDc1QheSAw

    V. Chinese Music by Spire (Chinese music ensemble)

    1. Golden Snake Dance Folk Song from Jiangsu
    Video https://youtu.be/UBMCpVkSVVQ

    2. Yiruma Meets Chopin. Arr. Victor Tat
    Video https://youtu.be/sbb9a3vQz7c

    3. Red Tango. Arr. Wendy Zhou
    Wendy Zhou, Pipa; Bobby Ho, Chinese Drums; Perry Ho, Violin; Ken Yang, Keyboard/Piano
    Video https://youtu.be/ZUGItgfHhw4

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Back to top30 July, 2022 | 11 am
    Outreach Virtual Asian Heritage Month Film Festival
    Asian Heritage Month Film Festival held in collaboration with Reelworld Film Festival
    Virtual Screening with Q & A with the film directors.
    This event is for Ontario registrants only because of film rights.
    FREE ADMISSION:
    Please register on Elevent at https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival
    Event Poster with bios
    Eventbrite information: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/outreach-asian-heritage-month-festival-tickets-385928672047


    Now in its 13th year, the Reelworld Screen Institute, in partnership with Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, presents the Asian Heritage Film Festival.

    The festival will begin with a special screening of the feature film, “In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland”, directed by Brishkay Ahmed, and followed by a Shorts Programme focused on Asian intergenerational stories. Asian Heritage Month may be over, but now more than ever, Asian Canadians must be celebrated throughout the year. So in this vein, we’re bringing you Ahmed’s incredible and prescient story of journalists in Kabul reporting breaking news on Taliban and US peace talks, and a series of short films exploring intergenerational conflict across the Asian diaspora.

    Following the feature, we’ve curated a shorts program from brilliant Asian Canadian directors; Josh Miakawa (Christopher Kim), Samir Malhal (Vest), and King Louie Palomo (Nene).

    These virtual screenings will be followed by pre-recorded Q&A’s with the Directors, moderated by Zaarin Bushra, Programming Coordinator at Reelworld.

    Get your ticket now!
    Link to ticket – https://www.goelevent.com/Reelworld/e/AsianHeritageFilmFestival



    FEATURE FILM: “IN THE RUMBLING BELLY OF MOTHERLAND” (83 mins, 2021)
    followed by recorded Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed Time: 11:00 AM ET


    During Taliban and US peace talks, journalists from The Women News Network in Kabul report on breaking news amidst insecurity and uncertainty, leading up to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

    Q&A with Director, Brishkay Ahmed (20 mins)

    Moderator, Zaarin Bushra

    Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Brishkay Ahmed
    Brishkay Ahmed is an Afghan-Canadian director and writer who makes documentary films that focus on women’s rights. She is known for her films Unveiled: The Kohistan Video Scandal, The Story of the Burqa, Wanting the Wine, Aryana Resurrected, and In the Rumbling Belly of Motherland.

    SHORTS PROGRAMME followed by Q&A with Directors
    Time: 12:43 PM ET

    Christopher Kim (9 mins, 2021)
    Director: Josh Maikawa

    Christopher struggles to meet his mother’s expectations on the day of his piano exam.

    Vest (13 mins, 2020)
    Director: Samir Malhal

    A family is strained when the child they fostered from Pakistan acts out. After another blowout, Ali runs away, eventually finding himself in the London Underground. When a bystander makes a quick judgment about what Ali is doing there, Ali’s life is in peril.

    Nene (17 mins, 2021)
    Director: King Louie Palomo

    Nene is in her eighties, an accomplished and retired painter. Her daughter travels from the city to see her with her grandson, but unbeknownst to her family, Nene attempts to finish the final painting of her lifetime. Q&A with Directors, Josh Maikawa, Samir Malhal, & King Louie Palomo (30 mins) Moderator, Zaarin Bushra Zaarin Bushra is a South Asian actor and filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada. She is known for her role in White Elephant which earned numerous accolades at film festivals throughout Canada. Apart from acting, Zaarin strives to cultivate greater opportunities for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ communities within the film industry. She previously held the role of Director of Operations at The Future of Film Showcase and is currently the Programming Coordinator at the Reelworld Film Festival.

    Panelist, Josh Maikawa
    Joshua Maikawa is a filmmaker and composer based in Toronto, Canada. He began writing music at the age of 14, focusing on his interests in orchestral and cinematic genres. Soon after, he developed a passion for filmmaking and went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production at York University.

    Panelist, Samir Malhal
    Samir is a commercial director who began in documentary. His film Nollywood Babylon screened at Sundance, Edinburgh, Sydney, and MOMA. In 2010, he was selected for Saatchi and Saatchi’s New Directors showcase and won the Young Director Gold Award at Cannes Lions. TIFF voted Arctic Sun their top commercial in their Essential 150 list.

    Panelist, King Louie Palomo
    Originally from the Philippines, King Louie moved to Canada to study Human Biology. In that first year, he already began pursuing another calling, which led to a change of direction and a Diploma in Film Production, specializing in Producing and Post Production from the Vancouver Film School. With only three years in the film business, King Louie has produced seven short films and continues to hone his craft at the west coast studio of DNEG Visual Effects.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Monday May 30, 2022 | Doors Open 6 PM EDT, Event starts 7 PM EDT| In-Person
    “Chinatown | Alice Ho’s new opera and the Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library    ”
    Toronto Public Library: Toronto Reference Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Artists:
    Presenter: Alice Ho, Madeleine Thien, Paul Yee, Arlene Chan

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at Toronto Public Library Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chinatown-an-opera-performance-tickets-324115727867
    Event Poster with bios

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBTWPG-drBQ

    Scenes from the Chinatown Opera by the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto: Peter Lau, Ken Pau, and Shelley Chin

    Opening Remarks:
    Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library


    Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI


    The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library
    Arlene Chan

    The new Chinatown Opera
    This opera is significant, as it is the first-ever Hoisanese opera. Hoisanese is the dialect predominantly spoken by Chinese Railroad workers.
    Presenters: Librettist Madeleine Thien, Composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee
    “CHINATOWN is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. In two acts and two hours it examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the CPR through to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise.
    It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.
    The inspiration for CHINATOWN lies in our history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism – both historical, and resurgent today.
    Please join us, and bring the people you love.” City Opera Vancouver https://cityoperavancouver.com/“
    The opera will be premiered in September 2022 in Vancouver by composer Alice Ho generously brings a preview of this opera to Toronto.
    1. Hoisan Aria : Erica Iris Huang , mezzo soprano (erhu, percussion, piano)
    2. Eugene’s Aria: Derek Kwan, tenor (piano)
    3. Wenli’s Aria: Vania Chan, coloratura soprano (erhu, piano)
    4. Anna & Eugene’s Duet: Vania Chan & Derek Kwan (piano)
    5. Sisters’ Duet: Vania Chan & Erica Huang (erhu, piano, maybe a bit of percussion)

    Event Details from Toronto Public Library:

    An exclusive performance of musical excerpts from the new opera, Chinatown, on-stage and in-person in the Appel Salon.
    Join us for an exclusive performance of musical excerpts from Chinatown, a new opera by librettist Madeleine Thien and composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, with Hoisanese co-writer Paul Yee. Featuring an introduction by curator and historian Arlene Chan.

    This new opera is a story of family and neighbourhood, racism and resistance, history and tomorrow. It examines six characters, two families, and a chorus of male ghosts, from the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway to our own times. It deals with violence and despair, the Head Tax, the Chinese Exclusion Act, paper sons, and paper promise. It is a Western opera, but incorporates Chinese themes, sounds and sensibilities. And it is a love story.

    The inspiration for Chinatown lies in Canada’s history, a great neighbourhood and its people, and its resistance against racism — both historical, and resurgent today. Chinatown will be given its world premiere by City Opera Vancouver in September 2022, at The Vancouver Playhouse.

    Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not-be live streamed but will be made available for later rewatching on TPL’s Youtube channel.

    Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please don’t print your tickets! We’re trying to reduce paper waste for Appel Salon events, so please don’t bother printing your ticket. We’ll either scan your ticket on your smartphone or quickly find your name on our tablets and check you in. Arrive early, meet people. The show starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow culture lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we’ll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Read More:
    TPL’s Chinese Canadian Archive
    Asian Heritage Month – CFACI
    City Opera Vancouver
    Madeleine Thien, librettist and novelist
    Alice Ping Yee Ho, composer and pianist
    Paul Yee, historian and Hoisan translator
    Arlene Chan, historian and curator
    Vania Chan, soprano
    Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano
    Derek Kwan, tenor
    Bobby Ho, percussion
    Amely Zhou, erhu
    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    Tuesday May 31, 2022 | 1 PM EDT | In-Person
    “A Moveable Asian Feast”
    Toronto Public Library: City Hall Library
    Co-presented with Toronto Public Library
    With corresponding Asian Heritage Month Art and Photo Exhibition on Food Themes from May 23rd to June 6th organized by Tam Kam Chiu and Dr Lien Chao

    May 31st Food Talk:
    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI
    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan
    Hana Kim, Director, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto, and President, Council on East Asian Libraries (CEAL

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/professor-chef-leo-chan-and-ms-hana-kim-present-a-moveable-asian-feast-tickets-326692154027
    Event Poster with bios


    Photo by Ms. Sandy Li, Branch Head, City Hall Branch, Toronto Public Library

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Ms. Hana Kim will take you on a culinary memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The title is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s book “A Moveable Feast”. It is the memoir of his younger self as an unknown writers living in Paris in the twenties. He recalled his friends and his happy time during the “Lost Generation”. The talk will take the participants on an memory journey through Toronto’s Chinatowns, the growing Asian food experience, and pays tribute to six individuals of our “Lost Generation” from the turn of the last century to the successive waves of Asian immigrations in the 1960s.

    The six incredible individuals are: Lee Sew and Wong Dong Wong, two Chinese men who had worked as house cooks with prominent non-Chinese families in Toronto; and four women who had been associated with early Chinese restaurants. Agnes Lor operated the New York Restaurant in Brockville; Victoria Yip was a part owner of the Peerless Restaurant on Yonge Street; Jean Lumb was with the Kwong Chow Restaurant and Cathy Chin was the first Chinese female Executive Chef of a major Chinese restaurant, Sai Woo in Chinatown.

    Bios of Professor Chef Leo Chan http://www.vmacch.ca/beta/leo_chan.html

    Leo Chan enjoys sharing his stories and first-hand experiences as a speaker and Chinatown tour guide. He spent over 30 years in the culinary world, most notably as the Director of Operations for the Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation and Professor Chef at George Brown College and Humber College. The recipient of numerous awards from the hospitality industry, Leo has appeared on CFTO, TVO, CITY-TV, and OMNI.

    Born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong, Leo came to Canada in 1966 and is a graduate of Political Science (York University), Hotel, Restaurant and Resort Management (Ryerson University), and the Cornell School of Hospitality (Cornell University, New York). He is Chairman of the Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario (Chan Family Association), a member of the 8 Precious Pearls Research Group of Chinese food history in Toronto, and Co-Founder of the Cambridge Food and Wine Society of Canada.

    Hana Kim is the Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, she was the Head of the Asian Library at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

    She has published and presented on a wide range of topics, including Asian Canadian heritage, diversity, and East Asian studies librarianship. In 2009, in collaboration with the UBC, she launched a nationwide Korean Canadian Heritage Archives Project. She is the recipient of the 2018 Korean Canadian Heritage Award. She served as the President of Council on East Asian Libraries for the Association for Asian Studies.

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

    BackSunday, June 19, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “MAY DAYS: Poems and Oil     Paintings of the ORDINARY and the EVERYDAY”
    Poetry by Patria Rivera
    Paintings by Joe Rivera

    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Opening Remarks    : Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI (tbc)
    Presenters: poet Patria Rivera and painter Joe Rivera
    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/may-days-poems-and-oil-paintings-of-the-ordinary-and-the-everyday-tickets-363198475417
    Please access event here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84192086983?pwd=WllhZ1RVTnA1TE5JZ1lyZFFqWDRWUT09
    Event Poster

    This joint project will present 10 oil paintings by Joe Rivera and 31 poems by Patria Rivera under the title of “May Days.” While the paintings vividly depicted the “Ordinary” neighbours with a slice of their “Everyday” life, the poems are not versed in their everyday tongues.

    Sophisticated, award-winning poet, Patria introduces the readers to Miroslav Holub (pronounced [mɪrɔslaf ɦɔlʊp]; (13 September 1923 – 14 July 1998), an important Czech poet. Patria acknowledges the syntax of her new poems derived directly from the Czech poet’s scientific analysis as an immunologist:

    “In his book, The Dimension of the Present Moment (1990), Miroslav Holub posited that the dimension of the present moment—about three seconds—is roughly the same amount of time it takes to speak a line of poetry.”

    Patria decided to use “Holub’s three-second parameter as the length of the poetic line for the musings and observations of moments in the everyday.”

    At first sight of the Patria’s experimental poetry, the readers feel immediately challenged. Traditional syntactics are not followed here; subjects and objects are dissected, while actions and events were described, analyzed, or imagined through the poet’s eye via meditative monologues. However, elements of everyday life continue to flash and spark through dreams, images and symbols via many three-second moments of her 31 poems set in the month of May.

    Please join us on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00pm for the virtual, live-streaming presentation by the two artists. There will Q & A for the participants to share your comments.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Societye
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Sunday September 4, 2022 | 2 PM EDT

    The Making of the Chinatown Opera: Live Conversation with Librettist, Composer and Hoisanese Translator

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist

    Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer

    Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator

    Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert

    Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here.

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    An Asian Heritage Month Event

    THE EVENT

    In this virtual event taking place in three different cities, the making of the new CHINATOWN opera will be revealed by librettist Madeleine Thien speaking from New York, composer Alice Ping Yee Ho from Vancouver, Hoisanese translator Paul Yee from Toronto, Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan from Ontario, together with moderator award-winning writer Dr. Lien Chao from Toronto. Please join this wonderful conversation.

    CHINATOWN will be produced by City Opera Vancouver at the Vancouver Playhouse 13 – 17 September 2022.

    https://cityoperavancouver.com/

    EVENT DETAILS:

    With great honour and excitement, AHM invites all of you to the first virtual interview of a new Canadian opera, Chinatown, prior to its concert staging preview on September 13th, 2022 in Vancouver.

    This new Western opera is created by a team of award-winning Chinese Canadian artists: penned by award-winning writer Madeleine Thien as the librettist, composed by multi-award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, and the Hoisan dialect was translated by award-winning writer Paul Yee. Chinatown Expert Arlene Chan will also provide the contextual information.

    The virtual interview will be conducted by award-winning critic Lien Chao.

    Opera Chinatown is emotionally connected to different generations of Chinese immigrants in Vancouver. Many of them arrived and worked with their lives being confined for decades in Chinatown, and yet they built their home and community with their resilience.

    Opera Chinatown stages an old dream coming true: Chinese immigrants’ historical experience will not be forgotten, parts of historical Chinatown, hopefully, would be preserved as Canadian heritage sites. City Opera Vancouver is the proud sponsor for the creation and production of the new landmark opera Chinatown.

    Please join us on Sunday, Sept 4, at 2:00pm EDT, to participate in the first virtual interview with the creation team and the cast in their current busy rehearsal. We will play a few clips from the rehearsal.

    We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, Sept 4 at 2:00PM EDT.

    Here is the actual link to log onto the event:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Here are some sample arias, generously provided by City Opera Vancouver:

    Anna aria:

    Eugene aria:

    Hoisan singer aria:

    Wenli aria:

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund

    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Join us for a discussion and celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau.

    Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau talking about the Moon Festival

    Fruits eaten at Moon Festival

    About this event

    The Moon Festival – a taste of sweet home and harmony! 

    Beloved Toronto Chef Leo Chan will join Dr. Maria Lau in conversation about the traditions of the Chinese Mid–Autumn Moon Festival. There will be displays of traditional seasonal fruits and foods, bright lanterns, music, and a conversation between friends about one of the most well-loved Chinese festivals. Join us to celebrate! 

    Q&A to follow. 

    This event is part of Toronto Public Library’s Asian Heritage Series, generously supported by TD Ready Commitment. It is also presented in partnership with  Asian Heritage Month-CFACI.

    About Leo Chan

    About  Maria Lau

    Read The Moon Festival: A Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

    Read Cultural Traditions in China

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; City Opera Vancouver; Toronto Public Library; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society

    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund


    Sunday October 23, 2022 | 2 PM     | Virtual Event

    “From the Eyes of the Eagle | Created by Sharon Cook, Lien Chao and Patrick Haynes
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation with Q & A
    Presenters:     two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.


    FREE ADMISSION: Please register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/from-the-eagles-eyes-landscape-painting-and-bilingual-poetry-tickets-363207041037


    Please access event here: 
    https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83587569441?pwd=R1VtSDVVWWJnV3gxYmhScjI3Tmh2dz09

    Passcode: 634889

    From the Eagle’s Eyes created by two inter-art artists, Sharon Cook and Lien Chao; digital interpretation and production of the original music by Patrick Haynes.

    This new multi-media art project presents a wider inter-disciplinary exploration of traditional, classical art forms, including Chinese brush painting, oil painting, bilingual poetry, original music for piano, paper-cutting art, and landscape photography.  The intermingling process of the art forms has produced a series of contemporary, experimental, artistic fusions. 

    All fusions resulted from inter-art blending, leading the artists and hopefully, the audience, to discover new metaphysical spaces, while boundaries of the traditional art forms have been crossed.  Philosophical and conceptual exploration coincides with the artistic exploration and hence, the fusions.

    Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00pm for the visual, audio, poetic, and digital interactive production, which will be followed by Q & A.


    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Saturday April 15, 11:00 am – 12:30 noon | In-Person Event 

    Tai Chi Brush Work: A Meditative and Creative Process
    Artist: Henry Ho – Award-winning visual artist, Taiji calligrapher, videographer

    Location: North York Central Library, Toronto Public Library, Room 101
    5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, M2N 5N9, ON

    Details at: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT463798&R=EVT463798

    FREE ADMISSION: Space is limited to 30 participants. Please register at Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brush-strokes-a-creative-process-tickets-431846272827 

    Henry Ho is an award-winning multimedia artist, a performer and teacher of Tai Chi and calligraphy. In a live performance of Tai Chi, brushwork and videography, he will introduce the participants to ancient Chinese art media: ink, water, paper, and paint brush. Participants will start practicing standing meditation and Tai Chi movements, and follow Henry’s performance into a realm of energy to work with the paint brush and ink on paper.
    This is a co-sponsored program hosted by Toronto Public Library and Asian Heritage Month-CFACl. 

    Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event

    Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art

    Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao

    Duration of the Art Workshop:  60 minutes

    Date and Time: Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 10:00 – 11:00AM

    The Artists:

    Irene Hung and Lien Chao are Canada-Council certified professional artists.  Irene is an abstract artist; she works with paper, canvas, and many other 2D materials, including recycled wood and board, abandoned vinyl records, CD and DVD disks, etc.  Lien is an award-winning Canadian author; she writes stories and bilingual poetry.  Lien enjoys working with AHM visual artists in multimedia art projects.

    Purpose:

    This special art workshop brings an environmental awareness to the SSN seniors. The rapid development of computer technology has left various hazardous material in every family, including no-longer-wanted products like CD and DVD disks.  Instead of throwing them in garbage bins to be dumped into landfills, our art workshop teaches SSN seniors how to make them into decorative art.

    Process and Results of the Art Workshop:

    The participants will watch a short version of the two artists’ 2022 AHM presentation, “The Seed of Life” which shows various abandoned materials have been made into amazing decorative artwork. They are now hanging on the gallery wall.

    The participants will design and create their own decorative art with CD or DVD disks found at home or left behind by their children.  The process will give them personal pride when they make personal contribution to protect our environment.  They can make Christmas decorations for their Christmas tree, hall way, and their sitting-room.  They can share this process with their family members, especially their grandchildren.


    May – June 2022
    Unity in Diversity Artist Workshops in Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board
    FREE ADMISSION for Schools only

    Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund 

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    Please also see Other Events for Asian Canadian heritage events that are
    not part of the Asian Heritage Month Festival
    presented by CFACI.Click here for our list of SponsorsBack to topList of Supporters of Asian Heritage Month
    Main Partner: Toronto Public Library
    Canadian Heritage Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program
    Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund
    Toronto Arts Council Digital Communities Fund

    Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
    Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture
    Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, University of Toronto
    Chi Ping Dance Group
    Chinese Canadian Photographic Association of Toronto
    Chinese Collective Arts Association
    City of Toronto

    City Opera Vancouver
    Justin Poy Agency
    Moon Pointer Production Inc.
    Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Reel Asian Film Festival
    ReelWorld Film Festival
    Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library
    Toronto Arts Council Toronto Catholic District School Board
    Toronto District School Board
    Toronto Public Library
    WE Artists Association

    York Centre for Asian Research, York University
    York Centre for Education and Community, York University
    York Region District School Board
     Back to topUPCOMING EVENTSAHM Virtual Events 2022-2023
    May 7, 2022
    Launch of Asian Heritage Festival 2022
    Other EventsPREVIOUS YEARS2021 EVENTS2020 EVENTS2019 EVENTS2018 EVENTS2017 EVENTS2016 EVENTS2015 EVENTS2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,

    Musicus Bortnianskii
    Wendy Zhou
    Spire
    Haneum
    Shirshendu Mukherjee, Ravi Naimpally, Vibhas Vatve
    Derek Kwan, Vania Chan, Chan Ka Nin, Alice Ping Yee Ho

  • Virtual/In-Person Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022

    presented by
    The Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.


    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    A Motion proposed by The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, the first Canadian of Asian descent to be appointed to the Senate of Canada

    Asian Heritage Month Declaration, Senate of Canada
    Declaration of Asian Heritage Month, May 21, 2002. Click here to enlarge image. The Motion was passed in December 2001.
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy signing Asian Heritage Month Declaration


    2022 GREETINGS FROM HIS WORSHIP JOHN TORY, MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

    A Welcome Message from Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture


    Mr. Poy at the Asian Heritage Month Reception held by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa, 2019

    2019 Canadian Heritage | Celebrate Canada’s Asian Heritage – Asian Heritage Month

    2022 to 2023
    ***Events Index Quick Links***

    • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00AM | Virtual Event
    • Use Recycled and Abandoned Materials to Make Decorative Art
    • Designed and Presented: by Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • The Artists” Irene Hung and Lien Chao
    • —————————————————————–
    • —————————————————————–

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    4 September, 2022 | 2 PM

    The Making of the new Chinatown Opera

    Presenters:

    Madeleine Thien, Librettist; Alice Ping Yee Ho, Composer; Paul Yee, Hoisanese Translator; Arlene Chan, Chinatown Expert; Moderator: Dr. Lien Chao

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-making-of-the-new-chinatown-opera-tickets-407161500007

    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83437637278?pwd=UkloUFNYaDRoQ3VrVnNxTHQ1MDg2Zz09

    Event details

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-CHINATOWN-VIRTUAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    8 September, 2022 | 7 PM

    Moon Festival Celebration with Chef Leo Chan | Partnership with Toronto Public Library

    Presenters: Professor Chef Leo Chan and Dr. Maria Lau

    In-person event: Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto

    View map

    Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-festival-celebration-with-chef-leo-chan-tickets-404737991227

    Event Poster

    ASIAN-HERITAGE-MONTH-MOON-FESTIVAL-EVENT-POSTER-2022Download

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    DETAILS OF EVENTS

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    Opening Ceremony with His Worship Mayor John Tory, The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Mr. Justin Poy and Mr. Stephen Siu

    Saturday May 7, 2022 | 2 PM EDT
    Opening Ceremony | Asian Heritage Month Festival 2022
    Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Signing of the Asian Heritage Month Declaration by the Senate of Canada
    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    Presenters: Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients
    Mr. Justin Poy, Mr. Stephen Siu

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asian-heritage-month-virtual-opening-ceremony-2022- tickets-315685532927
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86007789033?pwd=V1F6aE9vREkrdFJ1MEt3UGpqN3JPUT09
    Meeting ID: 860 0778 9033
    Passcode: 8HQe1c
    Event Poster

    Land Acknowledgement & Opening Remarks
    Host: Mr. Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)

    The Honorable Ahmed Hussen (Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion)
    His Worship John Tory (Mayor, City of Toronto)
    Video https://youtu.be/1XFh6v4Qvl0

    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Video https://youtu.be/JX48T-ME3iE

    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/gN8Xr0ZRI50

    “Asian Heritage Month: purpose, relevance and what we can expect”
    The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy (former Senator who tabled the Asian Heritage Month Motion in the Senate of Canada, and Founding Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI)
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/_CrLHHs43zU

    In this interview, AHM-CFACI Hon. Patron Justin Poy, will interview his mother, retired Senator who put forward the Motion in the Senate of Canada to declare May as Asian Heritage Month, Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy — exploring the original purpose of Asian Heritage Month and how it is relevant today and tomorrow.

    Presentations by Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipients

    Asian Heritage Month Lecture |“Asian Pop Culture and how it influences Canadians”
    Mr. Justin Poy (Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI, and Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video https://youtu.be/Z2wa7Sui0rQ

    In 2019 “Parasite” became the first film from South Korea to win an Academy Award. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, “Squid Game”, a South Korean TV production, captured the minds of the young and old alike and garnered multiple awards in the west including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. While Korean film and TV was sweeping across Canada and the world, China cracked down and cancelled one of iQIYI’s highest rated global reality TV shows “Youth With You 3″ for “wasting milk”, after thousands of people in China were seen buying a sub-brand of milk from dairy giant Mengniu, just to scan the QR code in the cap, only to then pour all the milk down the sewer. This violated food-wasting laws, which prompted further laws against extreme pop culture. It’s clear that Canadians are influenced by Eastern trends — but to what extent?
    About Justin Poy: Justin Poy is the Founder and Creative Director of The Justin Poy Agency (JPA), an award-winning advertising agency that specializes in multicultural advertising. In 2020, JPA became the exclusive ad agency for iQIYI North America in Canada (iq.com). iQIYI (NASDAQ: IQ) is one of the world’s largest media streaming companies with hit shows such as “The Rap of China” and “Youth With You 3”. Justin is the Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month (CFACI) and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He has been awarded the Chinese Canadian Legend Award and is recognized as Alumni of Distinction by both Ryerson University and The Toronto French School. He has received the prestigious Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. Mr. Poy eagerly supports education and sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Faculty of Science at York University and supports Canadian media as the Founder of The Justin Poy Agency Award at Ryerson University’s RTA School of Media.

    “For the Sake of Our Multicultural Heritage”
    Stephen Siu (Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient)
    Video Part I https://youtu.be/QvJNElHC_eY
    Video Part II https://youtu.be/qZ0s6aLjbxM

    This lecture explores human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations. From indigenous land acknowledgements to responses to Chinese head tax and Japanese wartime internment, Stephen Siu, a Chinese Canadian Legend Award recipient and an accomplished photographer, will be doing a photographic presentation to explore human rights issues that impact Asian Canadians and the First Nations and look at the visions of human rights today and into the future.
    About Stephen Siu: Mr Siu, former Executive Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, is currently the President of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation. Yee Hong is largest Chinese Canadian charity in Canada. He has served as advisor to several non-profit groups including the Ontario Cross-Cultural Music Society and the Canada-Hong Kong Library. He recently founded the CanAsian Creative Exchange to drive creativity exchanges. He was presented with the Chinese Canadian Legend Award in 2009, the Arbor Award in 2010, the Canadian Senate 150 medal and the House of Commons “Canada 150” medal in recent years.Co-Organizers: Asian Heritage Month—Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.; Toronto Public Library; York Centre for Asian Research, York University; Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto; York University; Richard Charles Lee Canada Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto; Chinese Canadian Photography Society of Toronto; WE Artists’ Group; Social Services Network; Cambridge Food and Wine Society
    Asian Heritage Month Festival is partially funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Asian Canadian Artists in Digital Age is funded by Canada Council for the Arts Digital Strategy Fund Back to top

    Ms. Irene Hung, Mr. Peter Lo, Dr. Lien Chao, Mr. Justin Poy, Ms. Avianna Chao

    Sunday May 8, 2022 | 2 PM – 3:15 PM EDT
    “The Seed of Life: Irene Hung’s Creative Wall Art with Recycle/Found Materials”
    Live-streaming, virtual presentation, bilingual poetry presented in English, Mandarin and Cantonese; video of interviews; with Q & A
    Presenters: Irene Hung, Peter Lo, and Lien Chao

    Opening Remarks: Mr. Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month-CFACI

    FREE ADMISSION: Please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-seed-of-life-irene-hungs-creative-wall-art-with-recycled-materials-tickets-326503228947
    Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84797310240?pwd=bTlMb2RYblNVdytJYm5XVkxucm9DQT09
    Event Poster

    From dusted shelves, recycle bins, and garbage dumpsters, various recycled and other found materials were reclaimed before being dumped into landfill sites. The abandoned and out-of-date materials, especially those left behind by the computer technology, were dusted off, rejuvenated, and their values were rediscovered by the artists in the creative process to make unique and admirable wall art.


    Videos

    Part I https://youtu.be/xHq2NuFhlm4

    Part II https://youtu.be/IQherZj_CtE