EVENTS
'
August 31 - September 1, 2024
Tracing A Life .... Solo Show and Collaborative Retrospective by Odette Laramee
Arts and Culture Heritage Centre, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada
During the day Odette Laramee will present a Solo Show of original mixed media art, prints, and a giant puppet installation. Collaboratively created short films will be screened each evening during the Artists Talks. Also, there will be an invitation to support ‘Artists Creating Change’, a project to be launched during the United Nations - Summit of the Future.
When you have a conversation with Odette Laramee you will be introduced to the surprising combinations of art forms and engaged-arts projects she has been involved in over 25 years. From working through metaphysical and socio-political speculations by creating various mixed-media art series, to building giant puppets and co-creating plays and performances with communities on four continents. Laramee’s experimental, narrative, and documentary short films have now screened at 44 film festivals and events on 6 continents.
During the evening Artists Talks there is the opportunity to view short films and meet with a number of the creative collaborators. Many of the films have been developed on Gabriola Island and in Victoria. For example, the experimental piece entitled ‘nameless’, made entirely from images of jellyfish, was filmed near Twin Beaches. What really carries this work is the musical composition of long-time collaborator, Antonio (Tony) Gradanti. With co-creator Jennifer Langley, the film ‘Kuno Sings’ was written, directed and produced, in the backyard of an old three-storey house in Victoria. This narrative film explores a young woman’s courage to reckon with her past. In collaboration with Kit Pepper, the video-poem ‘elle tango’ was filmed using green screen with writer/dancer Kit performing. The film was then completed through multi-layered editing with images of butterfly wings. With K. Louise Vincent, Laramee co-created the short ‘Fire on the Sea - An Oratorio'. The star of this piece is an ancient rock, which has a face, that became a 15-foot flaming puppet. The decades of contributions by Cindy O’Dell, through her keen photographic skills, make the line being ‘traced’ in this show accessible to the viewer. With his keen eye and text editing skills, collaborator Wayne Poohachoff ensures the work is taken to the next level. Johanne Galipeau has generously mentored Odette in puppet construction. And a tribute must also be given to Vic Fafard, co-designer/builder of the model of 12-foot puppets for arts-based projects in Canada, Eswatini, Suriname, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nepal. Maya Laramee, the initial co-creator of ‘Nine Plus One - Return to Wisdom’, and Laramee's family who joined in as performers at the 2022 Cultivate Festival, have been life-long allies. Radha Paudel (Nepal) hosted an artist residency for the co-creation of the documentary, ‘Giant Puppets for Dignified Menstruation’. And Lisa Russell (USA/Kenya) has been instrumental in the on-going United Nations focused Arts and Culture initiatives.
Laramee says, “It is very meaningful to me to be preparing the ‘Tracing A Life …. Solo Show and Collaborative Retrospective’. I imagine the fun in sharing clips from ‘Swan Lake - A Twisted Telling’, the infamous giant-puppet show built on kayaks, performed by Jennifer Langley and myself. Also, the opportunity to offer a sneak preview of new work. Plus, presenting an invitation to community to support the upcoming international creative adventure ‘Artists Creating Change’, which will begin this September (2024) when I attend the United Nations - Summit of the Future as a member of the Arts & Culture ImPACT Coalition and Working Group.”
Further, there will be original works and prints to purchase.
Special thank you to the Gabriola Arts Council, CINEVIC, MediaNet, and the Canada Council for the Arts for mentorship, technical, and financial support over the years.
September 13 to September 29, 2024
Arts for the Future Fest
New York - United Nation General Assembly, Summit of the Future, and Climate Week
(Applications open for presenters in-;erson and on-line - August 2024)
Good day Artists and Cultural Workers. Please consider this opportunity to take part in the “Arts for the Future” Festival.
Powered by the Arts & Culture ImPACT Coalition and Working Group will be organizing an artist-led, global hybrid festival leading up to and during the United Nations General Assembly, the Summit of the Future, and Climate Week, 2024.
The festival is essential to re-envision and transform the role of arts and culture in sustainable development. This festival aims to create a more representative, fair, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem for artists and creative practitioners to lead and be represented. It addresses the urgent need to change outdated systems that currently limit the impact and potential of the arts sector.
To learn more about how you can take part virtually and/or in-person.
LInk: artsforthefuturefest.com
August 1 to August 31
Absolutely Abstract
Odette Laramee - Selected work, So Above, So Below
Las Laguanas Gallery - Laguna Beach, Calaifornia, USA (in-person and on-line)
The digital art piece, So Above, So Below, has been selected by Las Lagunas gallery for the Absolutely ABSTRACT, August 01, 2024 - August 31, 2024.
"Abstract art not only utilizes flexibility and freedom; it also employs bold uses of color, line, pattern, form, process, mark making and composition. Selected from hundreds of local, national and international submissions, this unique collection of work provides a snapshot into the Abstract works being created today. This exhibition can be seen at our gallery located in Laguna Beach, California, USA, as well as viewed online."
Link: laslagunaartgallery.com
Nov 30, 2023 – Dec 13, 2023
Report Launch - Arts and Culture Working Group - "We, the Artists"
COP28, Dubai
How can we create a just, inclusive, and sustainable environment for creative practitioners to join the climate action movement? Check out our inaugural report launched during COP28 in Dubai.
"The Arts & Culture Working Group is an autonomous, self-coordinated, and dynamic stakeholder assembly dedicated to championing sustainable development through the transformative power of arts and culture. Rooted in the belief that creativity is an essential catalyst for progress, we serve as a vital conduit between the realms of artistic expression and the complex tapestry of global health and development initiatives. At the global level, we foster artist representation, artistic collaborations, and cultural diplomacy to foster a shared global consciousness. Regionally and nationally, we engage with communities, artists, and cultural practitioners to harness the creative spirit for local development, social cohesion, and empowerment. We are tireless advocates for the arts and culture practitioners as legitimate stakeholders for sustainable development, recognizing their ability to transcend language, transcend borders, and inspire change."
Link: Arts and Culture Working Group -
https://www.artsandcultureworkinggroup.org/#
Link: We the Artists COP28 Report https://d1yei2z3i6k35z.cloudfront.net/4385045/6575cd012b0e8_WetheArtistsReportforCOP28.pdf
September 13 to September 29, 2024
Arts for the Future Fest
New York - United Nation General Assembly, Summit of the Future, and Climate Week
(Applications open for presenters in-;erson and on-line - August 2024)
Good day Artists and Cultural Workers. Please consider this opportunity to take part in the “Arts for the Future” Festival.
Powered by the Arts & Culture ImPACT Coalition and Working Group will be organizing an artist-led, global hybrid festival leading up to and during the United Nations General Assembly, the Summit of the Future, and Climate Week, 2024.
The festival is essential to re-envision and transform the role of arts and culture in sustainable development. This festival aims to create a more representative, fair, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem for artists and creative practitioners to lead and be represented. It addresses the urgent need to change outdated systems that currently limit the impact and potential of the arts sector.
To learn more about how you can take part virtually and/or in-person.
LInk: artsforthefuturefest.com
September 15 - 28, 2023
MIXING IDENTITIES – SENSES INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR
Medina Art Gallery, Rome
A submission to the world of Contemporary Art - Thank you ITSLIQUID, Luca Curci, Giulia Tassi and team for accepting the video art work, 'ditto'.
"The concept of MIXING IDENTITIES is based on the reconstruction of new identities: their transformation is essential to face the changes of the contemporary world. The process of building ourselves passes through the continuous relations with other people’s identities and the identities of communities, cultures and societies. The event focuses on the human body as a changing system that connects us with other bodies and spaces to perceive the surrounding reality, a strong communication system with its own language and infinite ways of expression. We invite artists to analyse the hidden parts of our identities, through an immersive experience inside the fascinating universe of the complex labyrinths of our consciousness."
Link:
September 2, 2023
Forest Fest Sound Symposium
Gabriola Island, Canada
Gabriola's Second Annual. Sound Symposium is an invitation to explore connections to our shared sonic environment with guided sound Walks, radiophonic events, workshops, installations, Audiovisual environments, Ambient Soundscapes and Performances. A 'proof-of-concept' preview, "Orphan Odyssey" - experimental projection onto the cieling of performance tent.
July 17 - 23, 2023
Women Deliver 2023 - Arts and Film Festival
Kigalia, Rwanda
We are honoured to have our film 'Giant Puppets for Dignified Menstruation' be a Finalist for the Women Deliver 2023 Conference, Kigali and online.
Thank you so much to each and all of the project participants, community leaders, and families who made this project and film possible!
Radha Paudel (Founder, Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation)
Sapna Paudel (Radha Paudel Foundation)
Samir Pariyar (Coordinator, Dignified Menstruation Campaign Nepal)
Punam Kunwar (Program Coordinator, Gift for Girls Campaign)
Sabitri Bhandari (Chairperson, Meteri Jaibik Pad)
Usha Paudel (Teacher, School event Lead, Hospitality)
Odette Laramee (Project Co-Facilitator, Mutual Productions).
Link: https://www.wd2023.org/film-festival/
March 6, 2023
NGO CSW 67 Forum - Parallel Event to the United Nations - Commission on the Status of Women
Please join us for the NGO CSW 67 - Virtual Event.
NGO Committee on the Status of Women, NY (or NGO CSW/NY) is a convener of global civil society for the annual UN CSW and global gender equality advocacy. We are a coalition of NGOs, civil society organizations, and individuals concerned with gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls. NGO CSW/NY's main project is organizing the annual NGO CSW Forum in order to bridge the gap between global civil society and grassroots organizations, and the official UN Commission on the Status of Women process in New York.
You can register for the March 6th to 11th Forum - free. See: Giant Puppets Advocate for Dignified Menstruation - March 6th 9:00 AM EST
Registration Link: https://ngocsw.org/ngocsw67/
October 2022
Artist Residency, Nepal
Imagine .... As the song was being sung, children arrived at the Organic Pad Production Factory and Learning Centre in Chitwan Province, Nepal. The song is about menstruation. Some of the children's parents are in the workshop and they wanted to know more about puppets. We sat together, told stories, and created a tune. Later, the eleven project participants returned for the third day of engaged arts-based training.
We had our opening circle, and talked about the creation of the giant puppet show, and began to sew the faces on the puppets. We also decided to add a dramatic piece and a poem written by one of the young co-facilitators. In preparation for public presentation, the young leaders agreed to speak about dignified menstruation as foundational to addressing patriarchal structures which re-enforce gender roles. The intention is to address the silences around gender-based violence, to end child marriage, and to foster acceptance and pride in being menstruators.
We had the opportunity for a full first rehearsal when the local women's leadership group arrived. Some added stories. One woman sang a song celebrating menstruation, which she had written for the annual women's festival.
At the end of the day, during a meeting with Radha Paudel, she stressed the importance of focusing on empowering education for girls, and boys, age 6 to 9.
This is the age when gender roles are set, girls are taught that menstrual blood is unclean, and because they will menstruate, they are inferior to boys.
Through the Radha Paudel Foundation, there is the teaching of the importance of dignified menstruation, in the family, the schools, and amongst our leaders. We can engender a fresh vision for girls, and adult menstruators. It is through the process of the menstrual cycle that each and all of us are born into this world - menstrual blood forms the stream of our lives.
Special thank you to the Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this Artist Residency with the Radha Paudel Foundation, Nepal.
Sincerely, Odette Laramee
LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2022 - 4TH EDITION
THE LINE Contemporary Art Space, London - October 5th - 20th, 2022
Wonderful to have our video art, SHE, selected to screen at The Line gallery during the London Contemporary Art Fair 2022.. Thank you to Luca Curci and the ITSLIQUID team and YMX Arts.
LONDON CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 2022 will analyze the relationship between body and space, and the hybridization between identities and cultural/physical/social/urban settings in contemporary times.
Link: Opening https://www.itsliquid.com/review-londoncontemporary-4th.html
Venice International Art Fair - 15th Edition - 2022
Palazzo Bembo | September 09 – 30, 2022 and Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello | September 14 – October 05, 2022
So pleased that our film 'nameless' is screening at this contemporary art event in Venice. Thank you Luca Curci and team for all your work.
ITSLIQUID Group, in collaboration with ACIT Venice – Italian-German Cultural Association ... is pleased to announce the opening of the 15th Edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2022, international exhibition of photography, painting, video art, installation/sculpture and performance art.
VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR provides artists and exhibitors with the unique opportunity to present their works to an international audience of professionals such as curators, gallerists, collectors, editors and publishers who seek to acquire, publish and encourage the best contemporary art talents.
VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2022 analyzes the relationship between body and space, and the hybridization between identities and cultural/physical/social/urban context in contemporary time.
LIQUID ROOMS analyzes the hidden parts of our identities, through an immersive experience inside the fascinating universe of the complex labyrinths of our consciousness. The human body is a changing system that connects us with other bodies and spaces to perceive the surrounding reality: a strong communication system with its own language and infinite ways of expression.
Link: Opening - Venice International Art Fair - Edition 15 - 202
UNIMA International -World Puppet Day
March 21, 2022
Thank you UNIMA International for including Mutual Productions - Swan Lake images in this collective video piece (photo: Odette Laramee, Jennifer Langley, Vic Fafard).
UNIMA International has created a common and participatory video to celebrate World Puppet Day on March 21st. UNIMA, "we invite you to dive into the unknown and the marvelous of life in the waters."
FESTIVAL PANAFRICAIN DES MARIONNETTES ET DES ARTS ASSOCIES
1 AU 5 FEVRIER, 2022 (EN LIGNE)
Merci / Thank you Maitre HERITIER NGOIE SONWE for generously allowing me to participate. I am humbled by the honour to be named amongst these true Masters of Puppetry.
Le bureau du festival de marionnette et des arts associés ont distingué trois grand marionnettistes de la planète et du continent.
1 YAYA COULIBALY (Mali)
2 VISSEHO Grégoire (France - Benin)
3 MADJI BEN SAAD (Tunisie - USA)
Tous les participants auront un trophée mais les trophées de haute distinction doivent être décernés à 5 cinq personnes.
1 YAYA COULIBALY et sa compagnie Sogolo pour la protection et la vulgarisation de l’art de marionnettes Africain.
2 VISSEHO GREGOIRE et sa compagnie dit tout pour la protection et vulcanisation de l’art de marionnette Africain
3 MADJI BEN SAAD et sa compagnie pour la créativité et l’Arts contemporain dans la marionnette.
4 Odette Laramée Pour l’ensemble de ses œuvres de création moderne et contemporaine dans le festival.
5 Maitre HERITIER NGOIE SONWE pour la création du festival panafricain et des arts associés. La création de future banque de donné de marionnettiste africain. Et la création de future Réseaux du festival panafricaine de marionnettes et de arts.
PANAFRICAN FESTIVAL OF PUPPETS AND ASSOCIATED ARTS ONLINE FROM 1 TO 5 FEBRUARY 2022
The office of the puppet festival and associated arts distinguished three great puppeteers from the planet and the continent.
1 YAYA COULIBALY (Mali)
2 VISSEHO Grégoire (France - Benin)
3 MADJI BEN SAAD (Tunisia - USA)
All participants will have a trophy but the high distinction trophies must be given to 5 five people.
1 YAYA COULIBALY and his company Sogolo for the protection ... of African puppet art.
2 VISSEHO GREGOIRE and his company for the protection ... of the African puppet art
3 MADJI BEN SAAD and his company for creativity and contemporary art in puppet show.
4 Odette Laramée for all her works of modern and contemporary creation in the festival.
5 Master HERITIER NGOIE SONWE for the creation of the Panafrican Festival and associated arts. The creation of the future African puppet show bank. And the creation of future Networks of the Pan-African Festival of Puppets and Arts.
International Women's Day
March 8, 2022
Screening of 'Creative Delivery'
Our film, 'Creative Delivery', will screen March 8th, 2022 in the city of Victoria, Canada, for International Women's Day. Please take a look at the exceptional line-up of presenters/performers/films. Thank you to each of the organization leads/staff/volunteers who have made this possible. Sincerely, Odette
"We are pleased to announce that Kulea Culture Society has partnered with the Victoria Arts Council for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration and live event, with a screening presented by CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers. Who Is Your Shero? will include presentations by four community leaders, performances by four local artists, and five short films by local filmmakers."
ARTS X SDGS On-Line Festival
January 12 - 18, 2022
"The ARTS x SDGS Online Festival aims to be the most dynamic, artist-led event bringing together members of the growing creative economy along with UN/NGO actors in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.)
A showcase of SDG-related art, a practical skills-building opportunity with creative workshops and presentations by SDG actors, the ARTS x SDGs Festival invests in the development of artists and storytellers who want to forge a career path or produce creative content around the SDGs. " Lisa Russell
Link: https://sites.google.com/view/arts-x-sdgs-online-festival/home
United Nations General Assembly - Side Event
September 20, 2021
If you are available, please join me on Monday, Sept. 20th - 7:00AM PDT (10AM EDT) - for a retrospective on our many giant puppet projects.
This is a side event to the United Nations General Assembly. We are celebrating artists' contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.
You can view the video in the link below -
Link: UNGA Guide
Play, Perform, Learn, Grow - Creating Belonging in Times of Pandemic
Sept. 10 - 12, 2021
Immense gratitude to the founders and team of the 'Play, Perform, Learn, Grow Conference' for fostering community to explore the work of grassroots creatives from around the globe. Being selected as a presenter for this conference offers the opportunity to share a short retrospective of the work of 'Mutual Productions'. We will introduce tools and techniques, outline multiple aspects of the work, and celebrate the 'Giants of Participation'.
"PPLG is a conference, an international gathering and a growing community. 190 presenters and communities from 48 countries across the fields of dance, theatre, music, therapy, education, community work are weaving together a rich tapestry of workshops, performances, panels, project presentations and community ritual. Through art, performance, ritual and play, PPLG honors and celebrates the power of collective creativity to endure and transform adversity, to create new possibilities."
Link: PPLG Home
Link: PPLG Presenters
Generation Equality Forum - UN Women - Paris
June 29 - July 2, 2021
Such an honour to be awarded a media accreditation for 'Generation Equality Forum'. Mutual Productions looks forward to engaging with artists, creative activists, and cultural leads.
"The Generation Equality Forum is a global gathering for gender equality, convened by UN Women and co-chaired by France and Mexico, in partnership with civil society and youth. The Forum kicked off in Mexico City from 29 - 31 March 2021 and will culminate in Paris from 30 June - 2 July 2021.
Over twenty-five years after the historic and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Forum is taking stock of progress and driving concrete actions to accelerate progress towards gender equality.
The Forum reaffirms the value of multilateralism and brings together the leadership and participation of various stakeholders - civil society, governments, business, cities, parliaments, trade unions, media and more - focusing on intergenerational and multi-stakeholder partnerships. To drive towards securing transformational commitments for gender equality, the Forum elicits and highlights both a feminist agenda (incubated during the Mexico Forum) and the launch of the 'Action Coalitions', partnerships for scaled-up and urgent action."
Link: Generation Equality Forum (Paris)
DCAC - 2021 Academic Conference (on-line)
May 28 - 29, 2021
Thank you to the Scientific Committee for this opportunity to present at the Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges - Interdisciplinary Creativity in Arts and Technology Conference. It is such a pleasure to meet individuals and teams who are working at the forefront of these intersecting fields of study and practise. My presentation, which includes a synthesis of the video 'Virtual Conference', is an occasion to offer viewers/participants an opportunity to reflect on the themes of the paper, Empty Spaces in Epistemology - Perspectives of Persons Holding Doctorates on the Future of Knowledge Creation.
"... the 3rd International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges. DCAC-2021 will again afford an exceptional opportunity for renewing old acquaintances, making new contacts, offering a worldwide connection between researchers and lecturers, from a wide range of academic fields, facilitating partnerships across national and disciplinary borders. This year the International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges will be held online. It is hosted by the Department of Audio & Visual Arts (Ionian University) ...
The aim of the DCAC-2021 is to bring together technology, art and culture in the Digital Era, as well as to provide a forum on current research and applications incorporating technology, art and culture, to deepen cooperation, exchange experiences and good practices.
Researchers, artists and scholars are encouraged to participate in the discussion about the interaction between interdisciplinary creativity, technology, arts and culture. Authors are invited to present original papers for oral or poster presentation in the fields of New Media Arts and Digital Culture."
Link: DCAC 2021 Conference
Link: Abstract (Odette Laramee)
ARTS X SDGS Online Film Festival
April 15 - 21, 2021
So wonderful that our film 'Creative Delivery' (see link to film, below) will premiere at the ARTS x SDGS Festival. This week-long event engages artists from around the world who create films/music/poetry/artwork/tech design and more. Interactive webinars, workshops, and formal presentations also include leads from the United Nations who support the movement to engage artists/creatives in work to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
"Did you know the United Nations declared 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development? Amazing, right? It's actually HISTORIC! To harness this important year, Create2030 is hosting it's fourth edition of our ARTS x SDGS Online Festival from April 15-21, 2021 to coincide with World Creativity and Innovation Week/Day. An artist-led festival, the ARTS x SDGS Festival brings together members of the growing creative economy and influential UN/NGO actors to promote arts, creativity and storytelling to promote acceleration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.)Artists are some of the most resilient , creative thinking and problem solving people on this planet. It is for this reason, we believe a festival of this nature with a focus on social good during the COVID pandemic can help to boost morale, create community and document the historical narrative of this unique time through art. A combination of creative arts programming, workshop facilitation and unique networking opportunities, the ARTS x SDGS Online Festival invests in the development of artists and storytellers who want to forge a career path or produce creative content around social good issues such as gender equality, climate change, sustainable production and consumption, health, education, peace and security and more." Lisa Russell
Link: ARTS X SDGS Film Festival, April 2021
Generation Equality Forum - United Nations Women - Mexico City
March 29 - March 31, 2021
Exceptional work from the Action Coalitions presented at the Generation Equality Forum, Mexico City!
It is an honour to have been selected as a participant. I intend to follow the 'Equality Fund' updates and look forward to the launch of the 'Global Alliance for Sustainable Feminist Movements'.
There are 6 Action Plans which will have follow-up at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris in June/July 2021.
Keep your eyes and ears open for, Feminist Action for Climate Justice.
I recommend the Live Stream video 'The Role of the Media' (link below).
"The Generation Equality Forum is a global movement for gender equality, convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France. The forum will bring together governments, corporations, NGOs, youth-led groups and Foundations to secure concrete, ambitious, and transformative commitments for gender equality. These will be shaped by the Action Coalitions. They are the world’s roadmap for gender equality.
Link: Generation Equality Forum (Mexico)
Creative Delivery - Launch
January 28, 2021
Today Women Deliver released: Citizens Call for a Gender-Equal World: A Roadmap for Action
My question to the panelists: As the United Nations has designated 2021 - Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, what plans are in place for inviting Artists, Cultural Leaders, Creative Leads and Activists to the table at the planning, policy development, and implementation phases?
As the recipient of a media scholarship to attend the Women Deliver conference, I have had the opportunity to develop the short film:
Creative Delivery .... from Women Deliver 2019 to Insights for 2021
Thank you so much to each presenter for your extraordinary contributions to the conference, the film, and to our world.
Link: Creative Delivery
Link: Citizens Call for a Gender-Equal World: A Roadmap for Action
Link: Launch 2021 - Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development
November 17-18- 19, 2020
Women's Forum - Virtual Edition
Beyond Recovery: Designing an Inclusive World
Such an honour to be participating as a Media Delegate in this extraordinary event! An invitation has been shared requesting short videos. We have submitted a piece entitled: Inclusioning Stories - a short except from the Creative Delivery documentary presently in the final stages of edit.
"As the world is lurching towards an unknown new normal with the pandemic, the Women's Forum’s mission to redesign a more inclusive world becomes even more urgent and critical. When diversity might be at risk of losing its momentum worldwide, now is the time for us to take bolder action and foster inclusion in our businesses, communities and societies to tap into the power of our collective action. It is the time for us to embrace women’s leadership and leverage our collective ingenuity to fight existing challenges and co-create a brighter future for all. In this time of uncertainty, we strengthen our conviction to turn challenges into opportunities and explore new horizons to reinvent ourselves. With the very first virtual Global Meeting, this November will be an opportunity for us to meet again virtually after the crisis. We will continue our daring dialogues and cross-pollinate our ideas and innovations for an inclusive recovery where leaders and change-makers worldwide, both women and men, are inspired to redefine the norms, and reshape the new world map. We strive to bridge not only virtual and physical worlds, but also connect more than 25,000 change-makers from different sectors, across cultures and generation at this transformative Meeting. We invite you to join our community to take action and commitments to lead positive changes and to forge our future with a common purpose. Together, we will seize this moment to drive forward our inclusive progress! "
Link: https://www.womens-forum.com/
October, 2020
ARTS x SDGS FESTIVAL (Virtual)
We are honoured to have 'Kuno Sings' selected to screen at the ARTS x SDGS Festival.The work of Lisa Russell on this festival, the up-and-coming 'Arts Envoy', and CREATE 2030 is exceptional. She brings together people, ideas, and action plans with determination and grace.
"The ARTS x SDGS Online Festival is a one-of-a-kind gathering bringing together members of the growing creative economy and influential UN/NGO actors to promote arts, creativity and storytelling to elevate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.) A combination of creative arts programming, workshop facilitation and unique networking opportunities, the ARTS x SDGS Online Festival invests in the development of artists and storytellers who want to forge a career path or produce creative content around social good issues such as gender equality, climate change, sustainable production and consumption, health, education, peace and security and more."
Link: Festival
https://sites.google.com/view/artsxsdgsonlinefestival/home
Link: Create 2030
https://www.create2030.org/
Shakti Film Festival
September, 2020
We are so pleased that our narrative film 'Kuno Sings' is an Official Selection for the Shakti Film Festival. The film has also been awarded an 'Honorable Mention'. Thank you to each of you who has participated in organizing this new festival and for the invitation to sit on a panel with artists and filmmakers.
"Shakti Society is a non profit society committed to empowering women, families and children through community forums, Shakti Awards, annual wellness days, women’s luncheons and healing circles. Our mandate is to support all members of society, especially women, in finding their power and voice to become strong leaders and advocates for themselves and the community. We have introduced various initiatives that help ‘awaken the power within’ and create dialogue around feminism and gender equality. The Shakti Film Festival is our latest undertaking in our mission to increase and acknowledge women’s contribution to our society and their representation in film."
DIGITAL SHIFT - Independent Media Arts Alliance 2020
October 8 to 14, 2020
A special thank you to CINEVIC for selecting 'nameless' to screen during DIGITAL SHIFT 2020. If you are interested in Media Arts consider registering for this multi-week event. Thank you to each of the organizations (below) for bringing together 'virtually' an extra-ordinary group of artists and arts managers.
"The Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA) in partnership with Flux Media Gallery, the Media Arts Alliance of the Pacific (MAAP) and the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (NIMAC) are pleased to announce the Digital Shift Virtual National Media Arts Gathering. From September 16 to October 28, 2020, the gathering will host a variety of online events including Round-Table Discussions, Screenings, Featured Artists, and Artist Walks."
.webp?ts=1724460720)
Art Quake Kyoto 2019 (Creativity Biennale of Art Exhibitions and Film Festival)
August 25th - September 1st
Kyoto, Japan
The Museum of Kyoto
Such an honour to attend Art Quake Kyoto 2019 (Creativity Biennale of Art Exhibitions and Film Festival) for the screening of our film nameless. This week in Kyoto is the renewal of a lifelong arts-based practise. The theme 'peace', is perfect for the explorations in this experimental film. Thank you to the Art Quake team for your heartfelt work.
"Art Quake Kyoto is an initiative to provide a platform for artists for global exchange of creative talents and ideas. International artists will discover and interact with the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Kyoto, which is one of the most unique and interesting art capitals of the world. Likewise, in attracting diverse works of art from known and respected artists worldwide, this event also brings to Kyoto and its residents a multi-cultural experience as well as showcase Kyoto and its myriad artistic treasures to the world thru a Juried International Art Exhibitionilm Festival."
FLUX Media Gallery
Victoria, Canada
June 13, 2019
Screening of film, nameless. An experimental short developed in the spirit of "the universe in a single atom". 'nameless' is an animation made entirely from extreme close-up images of 3 large jellyfish. Filmmaker, Odette Laramee, has a great appreciation for exploring story, across cultures, histories/futures, and media. (see FILMS section for poster).
WOMEN DELIVER 2019 - Satellite Event and Women Deliver Conference
May 27, 2019 (Victoria, Canada) and June 3 - 6 (Vancouver, Canada)
Women Produce - A Gathering of Film Producers and Directors
Media Delegate and Filmmaker - Mutual Productions
Mutual Productions is hosting a Satellite event in anticipation of a gathering of over 8000 women in Vancouver, June 3 to 6, for the ‘Women Deliver 2019’ Conference.
Women Film Producers and Directors gather to present short segments of their work and learn about the leadership process each has developed to engage others in this multi-faceted team endeavour.
We will also ‘entertain’ the question: how do we, as Filmmakers, support the right to power over one’s self and one’s future through innovative approaches to film production and distribution within movements for social change?
Location: sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch Library - Victoria, BC Canada
Link: Women Deliver 2019 Conference
Nov 30, 2023 – Dec 13, 2023
Report Launch - Arts and Culture Working Group - "We, the Artists"
COP28, Dubai
How can we create a just, inclusive, and sustainable environment for creative practitioners to join the climate action movement? Check out our inaugural report launched during COP28 in Dubai.
"The Arts & Culture Working Group is an autonomous, self-coordinated, and dynamic stakeholder assembly dedicated to championing sustainable development through the transformative power of arts and culture. Rooted in the belief that creativity is an essential catalyst for progress, we serve as a vital conduit between the realms of artistic expression and the complex tapestry of global health and development initiatives. At the global level, we foster artist representation, artistic collaborations, and cultural diplomacy to foster a shared global consciousness. Regionally and nationally, we engage with communities, artists, and cultural practitioners to harness the creative spirit for local development, social cohesion, and empowerment. We are tireless advocates for the arts and culture practitioners as legitimate stakeholders for sustainable development, recognizing their ability to transcend language, transcend borders, and inspire change."
Link: Arts and Culture Working Group -
https://www.artsandcultureworkinggroup.org/#
Link: We the Artists COP28 Report https://d1yei2z3i6k35z.cloudfront.net/4385045/6575cd012b0e8_WetheArtistsReportforCOP28.pdf