Visit to Toronto
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston were in Toronto on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, to take part in activities that highlighted innovation and education through the arts. Their first stop was at Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0077-001
The artists met at Workman Arts came from various disciplines, such as theatre, visual arts, literary arts and music. Mrs. Johnston is seen here during a movement workshop.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2012-0081-006
Workman Arts helps the artists through training programs, public performances or exhibit opportunities, and by partnering with other art organizations.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2012-0081-005
His Excellency also tried out some of their award-winning, science-based video games which teach complex scientific concepts in an engaging, fun environment.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0079-003
Spongelab is an interactive science education company based in Toronto.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0079-002
The Governor General was then introduced to the online teaching platform and game-based learning created by the teachers, scientists, artists and programmers of Spongelab.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0079-001
The visit to Sketch ended with a singer performing in studio for Their Excellencies.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0078-006
Their Excellencies took a walk to Sketch music studio, while continuing the discussion.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0078-005
Peter Bones was one of the artists met. He performed a rap for Their Excellencies.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0078-004
Their Excellencies took part in a discussion on how SKETCH has created opportunities for youth to contribute to culture-building and the arts.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0078-003
The Governor General and Mrs. Johnston then met with young artists involved with SKETCH, community arts initiative that is recognized for its capacity-focused approach to engaging youth (aged 15 to 29, who are dealing with homelessness, poverty or marginalization) through both the arts and skill building.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0078-001
The Zone is also a technology hub that commercial enterprises can turn to for progressive and creative digital solutions. The young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to explain to the Governor General how they turned their innovation into marketable products.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0077-004
Their Excellencies met with young entrepreneurs at the offices of Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone, a workplace and incubator where students and alumni come to innovate, collaborate and market their products and services.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Pvt Ariane Montambeault, Rideau Hall GG2012-0077-002
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston had the opportunity to interact with artists of Workman Arts, an arts and mental health company that facilitates aspiring, emerging and established artists with mental illness and addiction issues to develop and refine their talents. One of the projects presented to Her Excellency showed beautiful dresses created by artists who do not usually design clothes.
Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:00 Rideau Hall GG2012-0081-003