Holding Space for BIPOC opera artists in Canada

Amplified Opera and Tapestry Opera are inviting all IBPOC-identifying (Indigenous, Black, Person of Colour) opera artists in Canada to join them for a series of open conversations. 

 The events will take place on Zoom, and will be a place for artists to share their experiences in an open forum, and gather information to help shape further action. The sessions will NOT be recorded. In the interest of creating a space that is safe for discussion, arts administrators and company representatives (including those from Tapestry Opera) will not be present. Additionally, participants may choose to submit their thoughts or questions anonymously at any time via this form.     

The goals of these gatherings are to hold space for dialogue, networking, relationship-building, and create support for IBPOC artists in the Canadian Opera Industry. Please forward to your own networks and circulate widely!

Who is invited?

• IBPOC-identifying opera artists in Canada (ex. Singers, Directors, Conductors, Stage Managers, Composers, Librettists, Repetiteurs).
• IBPOC-identifying opera artists in Canada who also identify as the leadership of an indie-level opera company/collective.

Who should step back?

• Non-IBPOC individuals and allies. We are grateful for the support of White allies and are looking forward to inviting everyone into the conversation at a future date. However, we feel it is important to start by creating space for artists of colour to speak openly about their experiences.  

Who is Amplified Opera?

Amplified Opera is a new opera/theatre company co-founded by director Aria Umezawa (she/her), opera singer and theatre creator Teiya Kasahara (they/them), and opera singers Marion Newman (she/her) and Asitha Tennekoon (he/him). Since the summer of 2017 they have been exploring how a new type of performing arts company might use the operatic/vocal medium to inspire a revolutionary, ethical, and new artistic mandate through multidisciplinary theatre and music. 

Questions, concerns, comments, can’t make these dates but still want to participate? Email us info@amplifiedopera.com or fill out our google form here