The Innovation Hubs

This June, the Library’s Innovation Council presents a three-part series of online programs that explores the theme of what it means to return to a place.

TPL’s Innovation Council is an advisory group of recognized leading individuals from the academic, creative, and technology communities.

Grab your lunch and get inspired with these online programs, happening between 12-1 pm on June 9, 14 and 22.

Post-COVID Toronto: How Can We Come Back Well?

Wednesday, June 9 12:00-1:00 pm

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us, over the course of 2021 there is real hope that we’ll begin the process of returning to a more open, social, public life in-person. We have an important opportunity now to think creatively, inclusively and intentionally about what it means for us to return well. How do we want to be together in our post-COVID lives? What kinds of deliberate efforts can we make now so that as we return to a more public life, we are active about being more inclusive, equitable and sustainable in our community investment and engagement efforts?

Moderated By:

TPL Innovation Council member, Pamela Robinson (Director, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University).

Featuring:

Adriana Beemans, Director, Inclusive Local Economies Program, Metcalf Foundation

Daniel Fusca, Manager, Public Consultation for Parks, Forestry & Recreation, City of Toronto

Post Pandemic Hybrid Futures

Monday, June 14, 12:00-1:00 pm

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with museums, stages and studios closing there was a rush to move any and all manner of experiences online. In the culture sector experiments in digital dematerialization were heralded as breakthroughs. But this narrative excludes vast sectors of creative work and experience where it is not ideal or possible to move entirely online. In response, often out of necessity, sometimes out of creative opportunity, some explored a world between worlds, a hybrid future where the physical and digital exist together, not as binary opposites but complementary partners. This panel will explore individuals who are actively navigating this tension in exhibition, practice and writing.

Moderated By:

TPL Innovation Council member, Jeremy Bailey (Artist and Head of Experience, FreshBooks)

Featuring:

Anika Meier, Writer and Curator

Alda Escareno, Artist, Designer and Instructor at OCAD university

David Maggs, Metcalf Innovation Fellow, Senior Fellow, Institute for Advanced Studies in Sustainability, Potsdam, Artistic Director, Gros Morne Summer Music

The Return: Learning From the Best of our Year in the Virtual World

Tuesday, June 22, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m

What does it mean to come back to a place?

Lessons from our experiences in the virtual world.

In response to our changing contexts, the opportunities to connect and engage virtually have expanded. In many cases, virtual has meant that accessibility is increased for many individuals who may have otherwise experienced barriers. In this discussion, Bramble Co-Founder, Salimah Ebrahim, will discuss the opportunities that the virtual world has opened up, and what elements can continue to serve us in a post-pandemic world. She will be joined by Adam Roy Cohoon, who will speak to accessibility dynamics that have shifted as a result of leveraging online platforms. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the member platform after the 30 minute panel discussion.

Moderated By:

TPL Innovation Council member,  Zahra Ebrahim (City Builder and Organizer)

Featuring:

Salimah Ebrahim, Co-Founder of Bramble and Artery

Adam Roy Cohoon, Artist, access advocate and tech tester.