Today, Toronto History Museums launched new content for the City of Toronto’s Awakenings program called “It’s Been a While”, in time for World Children’s Day on Saturday, November 20. This project brings fresh perspectives of youth and children storytellers from diverse backgrounds through 10 audio tours and Reflections films, which take viewers behind the scenes and in conversation with the youth.
Through the lens of young people, “It’s Been a While” addresses the lack of diverse representation in the stories of Toronto’s history, as they re-imagine the stories from the past and share their thoughts and observations. “It’s Been a While” includes the following audio tours:
• Colborne Lodge – Emily and Julia
• Fort York National Historic Site – Aaron and Noah
• Gibson House Museum – Alik and Jermaine
• Market Gallery – Rya and Mya
• Mackenzie House – Oscar and Reefat
• Montgomery’s Inn – Katya and Amyra
• Scarborough Museum – Lily and Tristian
• Spadina Museum– Kayden and Zoe
• Todmorden Mills – Ruby and Tara
• Zion Schoolhouse – Ahnuf and Amare
Visitors at some of the Toronto History Museums will be able to engage with the audio tours as part of their guided tour experience. To learn more about the youth and children’s on-site visits and experiences, watch the “Awakenings Reflections: Behind the Scene Discussions” films. Program details are available at https://www.toronto.ca/explore
The City is grateful for the continued support of community partner Toronto Raptors, technology sponsor Panasonic and media partner 106.5 ELMNT FM Toronto.
Launched in December 2020, Awakenings is a series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour, operating under the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism and anti-racism. The series is part of the City’s efforts to address anti-Black racism.
Media can access the new Awakenings program promotional video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The United Nations’ World Children’s Day offers an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that build a better world for children. More Information is available at:
https://www.un.org/en/observan
Quotes
“This new Awakenings project provides Torontonians with an opportunity to reconnect with their communities through Toronto History Museums and hear perspectives of young storytellers from diverse backgrounds. We launched Awakenings to help Black, Indigenous and artists of colour reveal Toronto’s hidden history. This is one of the many ways that the City is working to address anti-Black racism and I encourage people to experience Awakenings and rediscover our city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Awakenings changes the narrative by adding a youth perspective to the hidden stories in Toronto’s history. With more than 80 per cent of the creators involved in these projects emerging from the Black, Indigenous and people-of-colour communities, the program adds fresh and authentic viewpoints to Toronto’s historical narrative.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee
“As part of Panasonic’s commitment to support art, culture and our communities, we are very honored to participate as the technology sponsor for City of Toronto Awakenings programs. This project truly resonates with our philosophy of contributing to society by providing cutting edge technology and help bring art and history to life.”
– Stefan Berens, Head of Media Entertainment Business Division – Panasonic Canada Inc.
Source City of Toronto
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