Playing Masquerade: Parading Radical Participation

WORKSHOP + PARADE:
 

Rooted in the ecologies surrounding OCAD University’s campus, we are drawing inspiration from OCAD University’s pollinator garden, Toronto’s native pollinators, and migratory species to reimagine public spaces and participation as sites of collective gathering and climate imagination.

After the series of presentations exploring participatory design, collective expression, and creative climate interventions, we invite participants to become part of the experience themselves. We will then transition into a collaborative costume-making workshop using reused, recycled, and upcycled materials to create masks, costumes, and wearable interventions for the parade to follow.
The event culminates in a celebratory sidewalk parade around the OCAD University campus accompanied by music – reclaiming public space for visibility, climate imagination, and radical public participation.
Open to everyone and all ages. No prior experience necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring hats, reusable materials, and empty plastic bottles or containers that can be incorporated into their costumes, decorated during the workshop, or transformed into handheld noisemakers for the parade. As the TDSB has an elementary school PA day planned for that day, please feel free to register with your family.
 

Please note that workshop capacity is limited. The workshop portion will conclude with a celebratory parade around the OCAD University campus - attendees are encouraged to stay and join the parade, even if they are unable to register for the workshop.

Come join us! Come participate! Come play masquerade!