ISSUE 28

January 2025

Greetings from our first newsletter of 2025! It looks to be an exciting year for the arts, with plenty of opportunities and film festivals on the way. Harbour Collective wrapped up 2024 with a bang in Vienna, with a showcase of amazing AR artworks by Indigenous artists.

Read more on La Leun Waashisho below.

Feather Miigwans, Jason Baerg, Liz Barron, Quinn Hopkins, and Casey Koyczen in Vienna at the opening of La Leun.

Illuminating Indigenous Stories Through Augmented Reality:

La Leun Waashisho

The Harbour Collective proudly presented La Leun, a groundbreaking project featuring the work of four visionary artists: Feather Miigwans, Casey Koyczen, Quinn Hopkins, and Jason Baerg. Under the artistic direction of Liz Barron, the exhibition brought together traditional Indigenous storytelling and cutting-edge augmented reality to create an immersive, transformative experience.

La Leun debuted at the iconic MuseumsQuartier in Vienna, a historic venue known for hosting contemporary artists and collectives. The project was presented during the traditional time of storytelling for Indigenous peoples, seamlessly weaving past and present through technology and artistry. Each of the participating artists shared traditional moon stories, interpreted and expanded through the innovative use of augmented reality. The works celebrated the cyclical connection between the moon, the natural world, and Indigenous cultural practices.

The event’s opening night, supported by the Canadian Embassy, set the stage for the project’s success. Over 40 attendees, including art enthusiasts, curators, and members of the local Indigenous collective in Vienna, gathered to experience the unique blend of storytelling and technology. The Canadian Embassy also played a vital role in promoting the event, amplifying its reach and significance.

In addition to the exhibition, the artists held individual talks, offering attendees deeper insight into their creative processes and the stories behind their works. These conversations sparked dialogue about the intersection of tradition and innovation, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange between artists and audiences.

La Leun not only captivated those who experienced it firsthand but also opened the door to future collaborations. Early conversations with the Indigenous collective in Vienna suggest the potential for another gathering in the coming year, promising further exploration of shared narratives and creative synergies.

The success of La Leun reflects the power of storytelling to connect cultures and generations. Through its blend of tradition, technology, and collaboration, the project has laid the foundation for new partnerships and an enduring legacy of artistic innovation.

Feather Miigwans AR artwork, She Bends the Light to Her Will / Obiskaatebidoon Ezhi-Dibendang and Casey Koyzen presenting his piece “adzęzah ; moon”, 2024.

News & Events

The Independent Media Arts Alliance (IMAA) announced the new Media Arts Fee Schedule for 2025. On Thursday, January 30, you can meet with the IMAA team to ask question and discuss the fee schedule.

Join Harbour Collective co-founders Liz Barron and Jason Baerg at the Banff Centre for Kapishkum: Métis Gathering, a visual arts residency, taking place June 20 till July 4. Applications due February 12.

February 7-16, the both the Victoria Film Festival (VFF) and Available Light Film Festival are taking place, in Victoria, B.C. and Whitehorse, Yukon.

The IMAA is hosting its second Climate Change and the Media Arts conference Thursday, March 20. The talk will be hosted on Discord.

Giizisoo-Mazina’igan – The Thirteen Moons and Turtle’s Back, by Quinn Hopkins, presented in Vienna.

Job Opportunities

Executive Director – UrbanArts

Responsible for building strategic partnerships with government entities, organizations, artists, and community stakeholders across Toronto to foster collaboration and drive impact.

February 14

Interpretive Planner & Programs Manager – Remai Modern

Leads the development and implementation of in-gallery wide interpretive deliverables including in-gallery texts, interactive and resources and audio tours, videos and online resources.

February 14

Executive Director/Curator – Plug In ICA

This role involves curatorial expertise, team management, community engagement, and financial oversight to maintain the institution’s position as a leader in contemporary art.

February 14

Programming and Outreach Assistant – Trinity Square Video

Support Trinity Square Video’s presentation and education initiatives. The assistant will work within a team structure to organize programming and outreach activities that engage the community, promote inclusion, and enhance TSV’s exhibitions and workshops.

February 15

Program Officer, Film and Audiovisual Programs – The Japan Foundation, Toronto

This position is responsible for the administration of Audiovisual related grant programs, Public Relations, and Media Relations, including website maintenance, and the organization of Japanese film-related events.

February 20

Executive Director – Canadian Actors’ Equity Association

The position presents the opportunity to lead a professional association of artists working in Canadian live performance who are united within a vital and evolving national arts community.

February 25

Administrative Director – Native Women in the Arts

The Toronto-based grassroots Indigenous run arts organization is seeking an individual to manage day-to-day administrative tasks and operations of the organization alongside writing grants.

Open until filled.

Chief Curator – Contemporary Calgary

The Chief Curator will advance the gallery’s vision by embracing a wide range of styles, genres, themes, and discourses, creating meaningful connections with diverse communities.

Open until filled.

Managing Director – Reelworld Screen Institute

Have a knack for operational efficiency? The new MD will oversee the day-to-day operations and overall performance of Reelworld Screen Institute, Reelworld Film Festival and Reelworld Foundation.
Open until filled.