TALK Conference

 Voices We Need to Hear Series

March 24 2021 
The Reprise!

It’s been a year since the pandemic arrived in Atlantic Canada, and so much has happened and changed, been lost and created. In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we are bringing back Voices We Need to Hear to check in with some of the amazing Indigenous artists and artists of colour that we continue to be inspired by.

This time, along with a conversation about how they are doing, we will be showcasing some of the incredible work that they have created! 

Join us for two hours of art and important conversation, as we watch the powerful work these artists have created and hear about the messaging and experiences behind their work. 

 This conversation with be facilitated by Prismatic’s Artistic Director Raeesa Lalani and moderated by the Atlantic Presenters Association. 

May 28 2020 
Part 1

As we all try to restructure our thoughts and plans in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are still voices that we need to hear from, that need to be a part of the conversation: the artists.

Prismatic’s Artistic Director Raeesa Lalani will facilitate a conversation with Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across Canada to discuss how they are coping with the pandemic: their successes, their challenges, and what they need in order to move forward.

It is important to make sure all voices are represented in the conversation as we work together to make plans towards re-opening live performance within the art sector.

Panelists: 

Paul Wong

Liliona Quarmyne

Monique Mojica

Michelle Thrush

Santee Smith

June 15 2020 
Part 2

What do the artists need? How do they feel? The conversation has started, but it is far from over. We need to continue hearing the voices of Indigenous Artists and Artists of colour.

Prismatic’s Artistic Director Raeesa Lalani will facilitate the conversation with Indigenous artists and artists of colour from across Canada to continue discussing how they are coping with the pandemic. It is important to make sure all voices are represented in the conversation as we work together to make plans towards re-opening live performance within the art sector.

July 16 2020 
Part 3

Join us for the third instalment of our online conversation.

It is an open invitation to all, in particular Indigenous artists and artists of colour, to come together to share thoughts about experiences, challenges, and radical plans.

Let’s talk about how we are surviving, what we see for ourselves and our sector in the future, and how we can shape the new era of performing arts in Canada.

Prismatic’s Executive Director Shahin Sayadi and Atlantic Presenter Association’s Executive Director Laurie Gillis will lead the conversation.

Please come with your voices and comments to share.

Raeesa Lalani (Prismatic) and Lisa Gleave (APA) will be moderating the comments and conversation to ensure that attendees who wish to speak have space to do so.

July 30 2020 
Part 4

This is an open invitation to all in the performing arts sector, particularly Indigenous artists and artists of colour, to come together to share experiences, challenges, and radical plans.

Let’s talk about how we’re surviving, what we see for ourselves and our sector in the future, and how we can work together to shape the new era of performing arts in Canada!

The format of the conversation will be led by Prismatic’s Executive Director Shahin Sayadi, Prismatic’s Artistic Director Raeesa Lalani, and Atlantic Presenters Association’s Executive Director Laurie Gillis as an open discussion for all present to share their thoughts.

The intention behind these conversations is to create space to ensure that all voices are heard and it will be moderated to make sure that everyone who wishes to speak has an opportunity to do so.

August 27 2020 
Part 5

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For the 5th session of our series, Voices We Need To Hear: Indigenous Artists and Artists of Colour, we want to check in with people across Canada who are putting in the work!


 This has been a very trying time for our sector as a whole, but challenges create opportunities for ingenuity, creativity and hard work. We want to hear success stories and provide a platform for people to share what they are doing in response to global movements, conversations, and the pandemic.

 This is an open invitation to all in the performing arts sector, particularly Indigenous artists and artists of colour, to come together.

The conversation will be led by Atlantic Presenters Association’s Executive Director Laurie Gillis and moderated by Prismatic Arts Festival’s Raeesa Lalani and will include invited guests who will share their success stories along with an open round table discussion for all who wish to speak, ask questions, and share their own thoughts and ideas.

funders and sponsors-2020