JAYU FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

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WHAT IS JAYU FEStival of the arts?

JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA) is a 7-day celebration of creative expression rooted in human rights and social justice, featuring films, workshops, performances, an exhibition, and an artist market. We believe art can be a tool for change by sharing human rights stories, building empathy, fostering healing and community, and sparking the conversations that help push the world toward a more equitable, loving place.

MULTI-DAY FESTIVAL

  • EXHIBITION

    ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

    Bringing together emerging and established creators who invite viewers to see the world through their eyes and explore their stories and experiences.

  • FILM SCREENINGS

    SHORT + FEATURE LENGTH FILMS

    From short features to a feature film, each screening highlights voices often left unheard and explores themes of equity, resilience, and the human experience through a lens of truth and transformation.

  • POETRY SLAM

    JAYU SLAMS

    Poetry takes centre stage as artists share work that moves between vulnerability and strength awhile creating a space for reflection, and resilience.

  • ARTS WORKSHOPS

    YOUR TURN TO CREATE

    Get hands-on in our studio and explore a creative art-making experience led by talented artists and facilitators. Learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, and create a unique piece to take home while connecting with fellow creatives.

  • iAM ARTIST MARKET

    Discover and shop art and one-of-a-kind finds from talented local artists.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
November 13 – 26

  • Stitch by Stitch: Embroidery Workshop

    DAY 1

    NOVEMBER 13 @ 6:30-8:45PM

    Explore the art of embroidery in this beginner-friendly workshop exploring the connection between creativity, craft, and wellbeing.

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  • Opening Reception


    DAY 2

    NOVEMBER 18 @ 6:00-8:00PM

    View our Annual Juried Exhibition where artists from the community explore themes that shape how we see ourselves, each other, and the world around us through their work and a panel discussion.

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  • Short Films Screening


    DAY 3

    NOVEMBER 19 @ 6:30-9:00PM

    Experience short films that challenge assumptions, spark curiosity, and bring underrepresented perspectives to the forefront. These films invite us to look a little closer at the world we share.

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  • Feature Film



    DAY 4

    NOVEMBER 20 @ 6:30-9:00PM

    Feature Film to be announced along with Q&A panel!

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  • Poetry Slam



    DAY 5

    NOVEMBER 21 @ 7:00-10:00PM

    JAYU Slams brings together ten poets stepping up to the mic and share what matters to them, one verse at a time.

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  • Bound to Create: Book Binding Workshop


    DAY 6

    NOVEMBER 22 @ 1:00-3:30PM

    Learn how simple materials and decorative stitching can transform loose pages into a handmade book, creating something both functional and uniquely yours.

    REGISTER

  • iAM Artist Market

    DAY 7

    NOVEMBER 26 @ 6:30-8:45PM

    Drop in and shop art, creations, and one-of-a-kind finds from talented local artists.

"I crawled out of my year long hiatus of being anywhere to see this happen, and it made me realize that sometimes being in the right spaces does amazing things for the spirit.”

– JFA Artist & Attendee

thank you to our funders and sponsors!