AMPD Professor Karen Burke’s Influence on Black Gospel Music Education in Canadian Academia
Karen Burke, Chair of the Music Department at York University, has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of Black gospel music in academia. Since 2005, she established the first courses of this kind at York, emphasizing the interconnectedness of gospel and jazz in African American musical traditions. Burke's influential efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive academic environment, including her mentorship of Darren Hamilton, who established the University of Toronto’s first Gospel Music course.
Final Mile Club: Strategic Thinking for the Creative Mind
The Final Mile Club (FMC) prepares emerging artists, makers, performers, and designers for life after graduation. As a project by York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), FMC examines creatives’ unique challenges through conversations with prominent alumni and industry experts.
York University Alumnus Beau Han Bridge’s Film, “Moving Matter,” to Premiere at the Dance on Camera Festival
Moving Matter, a short film co-created by actor, director and York University alumnus Beau Han Bridge, will see its world premiere at the Dance on Camera Festival at the Film at Lincoln Center venue in New York City.
Cinema & Media Studies PhD student’s research highlighted in recent Radio-Canada article and broadcast
Research by Cinema & Media Studies PhD student Cleo Sallis-Parchet about the 1973 Women & Film International Festival was featured in a recent article and broadcast by Radio-Canada
AMPD Alum Appointed Executive Director of Toronto Fringe
Toronto Fringe Appoints Rachel Kennedy, York University Theatre Alum, as the new Executive Director and co-lead ahead of the 36th annual Toronto Fringe Festival this summer.
Shaking Up Shakespeare: New Podcast Examines Shakespeare’s Role in Canadian Theatre
In a new initiative set to launch on Monday, January 15, 20243, a ten-episode podcast series titled "Shaking Up Shakespeare" promises to redefine the conversation around William Shakespeare's influence on Canadian theatre. The series, part of the (Re)setting the Stage project funded by a Tier 2 York Research Chair in Theatre and Performance, explores the legacy of Shakespeare's work within the context of Canadian society, shedding light on issues of diversity, colonialism, and accessibility.
AMPD professor Ali Kazimi inducted into the 2023 Royal Society of Canada (RSC)
York filmmaker Ali Kazimi elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Canada 2023. Among the country’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Kazimi’s work explores issues of race, social justice, migration & history.
York University Leads Ontario in Culturally Diverse Performing Arts Education, Study Reveals
In a new research report conducted by Community Researchers, the York University School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) has been ranked the #1 University in Ontario for the cultural diversity of its performing arts curricula in Music and Dance. The comprehensive study, spanning June to July 2023, analyzed 77 performing arts programs and over 6,000 performing arts courses across Ontario colleges and universities. This accolade affirms York University’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and positive change in performing arts education.
