Canada often boasts itself as a “cultural mosaic” -- a city of limitless cultural identities, all of which are valued and uplifted as part of the Canadian identity. Our exploration is to question the validity of these statements through an analysis of policy, government, and global contexts that can influence or force one to leave their home. Through our research, we look to open up honest and realistic conversation around the experiences immigrant and refugee families face, and how they compare to the narrative of the “melting pot,” and “cultural mosaic”.

Our collective graduate group, Advocates for Equitable Design Education (AEDE), is conducting a two part research project through The Cohos Evamy Scholarship from the local design firm DIALOG. The research project, No Place, Like Home (Of Other Spaces), aims to examine the experiences of immigrant and refugee families, and how they compare to the narratives of Canada’s “cultural mosaic.” Through mediums such as photography, video, physical artifacts, as well as policy and urban analysis, we will develop an exhibit to try to understand the complexity of these communities and highlight the positives and negatives of coming to Canada (Calgary).

We are seeking an interdisciplinary team of designers, artists, writers, and researchers who share a passion for urban life and are interested in how our cities are inequitable, designed for a select few. A wide range of volunteer positions are available including: videographer, photographer, interviewer, data collection, exhibition planning/curation, and translators. Although experience in the position you are applying for is great, we would like to encourage anyone who shares the same passion to join us!

We anticipate volunteers will need to commit 5-10 hours/week, varying and depending on what stage of the project we are in. The project will take place from August - November 2021, the earlier months focused on interviewing the community members, and the latter half around data collection and curation of the exhibit.

If you are interested in the project and would like to join our team please send us an email at aede@ucalgary.ca. Feel free to tell us a little about you and your passions through a statement of interest, along with the role you’d like to participate in! You may include a resume or portfolio for photography and videography, however experience is not required.

Thank you for your interest in the project and we look forward to welcoming you to the team!