Grant For Imago
Stronger Together 2010 is a collaboration of philanthropic organizations in Canada that wish to support creative charitable endeavours found in the Christian community. This past June Imago was pleased to learn that its proposal had been successful in obtaining a grant. The grant is to enable us to host Imago events in four urban centres in Canada. Toronto has been the primary location for Imago events in the past and this grant allows us to engage with artists and communities in four cities outside of Toronto. Plans are underway for hosting Imago evenings in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kitchener/Waterloo and Montreal. These will take place in the first half of 2011.
World Premier Of The Glory Man
Brief excerpts of The Glory Man by Dennis Hassell were read aloud at Imago’s annual celebration in June 2007. This work was done as part of Imago’s Green Ink Project. On October 7, 2010 the Lamb’s Players Theatre in San Diego California will host the world premiere production of Hassel’s play, The Glory Man. This theatre company one of the 50 largest in the USA and is celebrating a 40 year history. Associate Artist Dennis Hassell (A Divine Comedy) gives us an epic new play filled with passion, humour, and stirring music. The production provides a glimpse into an important American story that reaches beyond the borders of the USA. This fruit comes seven years after writer Dennis Hassell’s first visit to Koinonia Farm in the deep south of Georgia. The story is the true-life genesis of Habitat For Humanity birthed in a small embattled inter-racial Christian community, that stood up against both the Ku Klux Klan and southern white society. The show runs to November 14th. Perhaps there will be a Canadian production before too long.
www.lambsplayers.org
Arts In Mission
Two years ago Imago’s Executive Director was invited to be a guest Editor for the magazine Connections – published by the Mission Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. The double issue now complete will be published in October 2010 and is entirely devoted to the theme of ‘arts in mission’. Senior editor William Taylor writes: “This issue of Connections is a glorious cornucopia of the arts in the context of worldwide mission. There is nothing like it in the world; and thankfully its lavish contents are not only available in print but free at www.weaconnections.com. There are plans to see a book published on this same topic drawing on the work done for the magazine. In a world where mission is under scrutiny and considerable suspicion this deeply Christian call may find a fresh paradigm though its engagement of the arts.
Refugees In Canada
In an unusual opportunity Imago is partnering with the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre (TIM) in a project to raise awareness of refugees in Canada. It consists of an opportunity to submit artistic accounts of the refugee experience through story, poetry, photography and drawing or painting. The submissions will be considered by a panel of artists and will be part of a creative arts celebration to honour the winners and to support three Toronto refugee homes.
Flying Bow Gains Charitable Status
Those who have attended the June Imago events over the past few years have heard the engaging and energetic music of violinist Trevor Dick. After a lengthy process Flying Bow was delighted to be approved as a charitable project in Canada. This opens new possibilities for the fine artistry of Trevor and those who work with him at Flying Bow. Imago is pleased to have had a part in launching this new project and we wish them well as they engage a wealth of talent in the good work they do.
The ever energetic and inimitable dance troupe Moto O is celebrating 20 years of dance. Launched under Imago back in time – they have been a consistent source of high calibre entertaining work for audiences over their 20 year history. For upcoming shows see www.motuso.com 
Betty Spackman in her studio at the Cantina Bar of her installation Found Wanting.
Photo by Marion Franklin.