On March 28, 2017, participants from the London region joined us for a some hands-on and interactive professional development sessions led by Bollywood Dance artist-educator Amol Pai and Indigenous musician artist-educator Erik Mandawe.
Attendees were able to network with peers to explore collaborative and partnership opportunities with other arts and learning professionals from a variety of sectors and leave with new tools and ideas to rejuvenate their classrooms, workplaces or artistic practices.
There was also a presentation and discussion regarding The Canadian Network for Arts & Learning's ‘Mapping Project’ – an innovative digital map representing arts and learning across Ontario. Through focus groups and guided discussion, participants were invited to help guide the development of this vital tool for arts and learning in Ontario.
Read the Summary of Findings Report for the London Hub. Read a blog by one of the Hub attendees.
Event Schedule
9:00 - Welcome and Introductions
9:10 - Indigenous Arts Interactive Workshop with Erik Mandawe
9:40 - Bollywood Dance Interactive Workshop with Amol Pai
10:10 - Presentation of the map
10:30 - Refreshments and Networking
11:00 - Mapping focus groups and discussion
1:55 - Wrap up and reflection
Workshop Facilitators
Amol Pai
A disciple from India’s Premiere Bollywood Dance Company, the Shiamak Davar International. Handpicked and personally trained by Shiamak in various dance forms including Jazz, Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Western and Indian Contemporary, etc.
After doing over 500 shows with World's Biggest Bollywood Musical ‘Zangoora - The Gypsy Prince,’ is now in Canada to spread the joy of Dancing with Bollywood Express.
Erik Mandawe
Erik Mandawe is currently the Indigenous Liaison Admission Coordinator at Western University, and also works as a cultural teacher at the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). Growing up in urban Toronto, Erik's family is originally from the Beaver Lake Cree Nations in Northern Alberta. Erik is a practicing musician, film maker, and photographer, currently pursuing a Honors Bachelor in Musical Arts at Western University.
The London Eduarts Hub is presented in partnership with the London Arts Council
The mapping project and the Ontario Eduarts Hub series are supported by a grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.