cSPACE Eau Claire

Stories of Exclusion
2023-06-23 13:30 - 16:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
STORIES OF EXCLUSION
After years of Head Tax did not stop Chinese immigration, the Canadian government passed legislation that effectively stopped immigration from China for 24 years. The ironically named Chinese Immigration Act came into effect on July 1st, 1923. The holiday known as Dominion Day was called “Day of Humiliation” by the Chinese community. It was not repealed for 24 years. This legislation can create a complex relationship for persons of Chinese ancestry as they consider their identity as Canadians. The ‘Exclusion Act’ impacted the community in ways we are only now beginning to understand. It created an imbalance in male/female ratio within the Chinese community, and forced family separations for decades.
STORIES OF EXCLUSION is a workshop which will see Chinese community members share their hidden histories with Asian artists. The artist witnesses will use those stories as inspiration for their creative practice. Members of the public are also invited to witness these stories; however, we ask that you RSVP in advance with dale.kwong@shaw.ca Due to the sensitive nature of the interviews, there may be restrictions on access, and/or artists may be in rehearsal.
Throughout the project, Calgarians can learn more about Calgary’s first Chinatowns through the We Were Here: Stories of Early Chinatown exhibit on display a cSpace Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub. This exhibit was first created by Lougheed House National and Provincial Historic Site. As few artifacts remain from the early years of Calgary’s Chinatown, 5 artists were invited to imagine stories from that time and an illustrator brought it all to life. The exhibit is on long-term loan to the Chinese Cultural Centre and they have graciously allowed Stories of Exclusion to help create the atmosphere of the space we are using by surrounding ourselves wth the exhibit.
On Canada Day, we will host an alternative celebration at cSpace Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub. Canada Day: Stories of Exclusion will honour the hidden histories of the Chinese community as a result of the Chinese Immigration Act. Lion Dancers will chase away the evil spirits of the Chinese Immigration (Exclusion) Act, and artists will share how this project affected them and perhaps inspired projects for the future. We invite all who wish to reflect on the complicated history of this day.
Interview collection and research:

Friday, June 23 to Tuesday, June 27 – 1:30 to 4pm

Interviews:

Friday, June 23 – Dale Lee Kwong, anon interview
Sat, June 24 – Ronald Lee
Sun, June 25 – Lloyd Sciban (Historian, author of From Chopsticks to Hockey Sticks)

Note:
If you are a Chinese settler and have Stories of Exclusion you would like to share with the project team, please contact dale.kwong@shaw.ca

STORIES OF EXCLUSION - Chinese Canadian History with Lloyd Sciban
2023-06-26 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
Lloyd Sciban is a retired professor of East Asian Studies at the University of Calgary who volunteers actively in Calgary Chinatown. His research interests are the influence of Chinese culture in Canada and Confucian ethics. He published the book From Chopsticks to Hockey Sticks: The Achievements of Chinese Canadians. Since then he has begun research on the Chinese philosopher Wang Yangming (1472-1529) and how his thinking can be applied in environmental ethics.

Stories of Exclusion: Elder in the Making
2023-06-28 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire, 381 2 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5E9, Canada
In an effort to better understand Chinese and Indigenous relations, the STORIES OF EXCLUSION project members are watching ELDER IN THE MAKING. This 2015 documentary by Chris Hsiung is about two men – one Blackfoot and one Chinese Canadian – who embark on a spiritual journey of reconciliation. Upon request, we may also screen THE SHIFT, a documentary about Larry Kwong who was the first Chinese to play on the National Hockey League.

Songwriting Open House with Astral Swans
2023-06-30 00:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
Watch a diversity of songwriting collaborations unfold before your eyes and ears in real time! with Astral Swans!

Canada Day: Reflections from Stories of Exclusion
2023-07-01 13:30 - 16:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
On July 1, join us for a Lion Dance by the Jing Wo Cultural Association starting at 1:30 outside the cSpace Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub. Then, welcome the Stories of Exclusion artists for a discussion facilitated by Brian Wong from 2-4:30 inside the Hub.
The Stories of Exclusion project sheds light on how Chinese Calgarians and their families have been affected by the Chinese Immigration Act, which was passed 100 years ago on Dominion Day (now known as Canada Day). Also referred to as the Chinese Exclusion Act, this racist legislation essentially prohibited Chinese immigration to Canada. July 1 1923 was labelled Humiliation Day by the Chinese Canadian community.
Project leader Dale Lee Kwong and six other artists have spent a week witnessing interviews with community members about their Stories of Exclusion. On Canada Day, these artists will share their responses to these stories. This is an alternative celebration which acknowledges the intergenerational trauma caused by colonialism.
The Stories of Exclusion team includes:
Dale Lee Kwong (project lead + artist)
Cosmo Christoffersen (project manager)
Vic Ip (archivist + marketing coordinator)
Brian Wong (facilitator + translator)
Billy Kairan Guo (artist)
Kari Woo(artist)
Linda Kee (artist)
Michelle Kuku (artist)
Nick Wang (artist)
Yan Zhu (artist)
Stories of Exclusion is generously funded by the City of Calgary.

THE BREAK THRU
2023-07-01 17:00 - 23:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
Celebrate Canada Day in a unique way! Witness the electrifying showdown of Calgary’s finest bboys and bgirls as they battle it out for a $500 cash prize in an adrenaline-fueled breaking competition, showcasing unparalleled talent and jaw-dropping moves. Featuring sounds by DJ Playtime and judged by local favourites Rhythm Rhy and Igni.

The Break Thru
2023-07-01 17:00 - 23:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
1 vs 1 breaking competition showcasing calgary’s BBoy/BGirl talent.

Songwriting Open House with Astral Swans
2023-07-06 16:00 - 23:00, 2023-07-07 16:00 - 23:00, 2023-07-19 16:00 - 23:00, 2023-07-20 16:00 - 23:00, 2023-07-21 16:00 - 23:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire, 381 2 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5E9, Canada

A SECRET STAMPEDE SHOW (INDIE FOLK EDITION)
2023-07-08 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Edmonton) | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
cSPACE Eau Claire & Astral Swans Present: A very special, secret, Stampede Show. Shhhh!
Come celebrate (a less corporate approach to the Stampede)!
Saturday July 8th
Doors at 7pm
Featuring a very secret headliner in an intimate 40 person venue w/special guest opener Silverring.

Escape from the Stampede Secret Show
2023-07-23 19:00 - 23:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire, 381 2 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5E9, Canada
An intimate concert hosted by Astral Swans featuring secret guests!

Sing along with Matt Masters
2023-07-24 15:30 - 18:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
People are stopping by to sing a song with Matt Masters. Drop in and enjoy some live music in the community.

Sing along with Matt Masters
2023-07-25 15:30 - 18:00 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
People are stopping by to sing a song with Matt Masters. Drop in to enjoy some live music in the community.

Secret Concert Number One
2023-07-25 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
There is a secret concert
You are welcome to attend but you won’t know the artist until they are introduced.
The evening will be MC’d by Matt Masters but the artist performing is a secret.
Free to attend (limited seating).
Sign up to attend: info@mattmasters.ca
Come hear live music and enjoy the spontaneous nature of discovery.

Secret Concert with Matt Masters
2023-07-26 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
There is a secret concert
Free to attend, you can sign up in advance or just show up (limited seating).
The evening will be MC’d by Matt Masters, but the artist performing is a secret.
Sign up to attend: info@mattmasters.ca
Come to hear live music and enjoy the spontaneous nature of discovery.

Secret Concert
2023-08-02 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub, 381 2 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, T2P 0C5, Canada
Drop into cSPACE Eau Claire for a secret concert. You won’t know who the performer is until they hit the stage. Hosted by Matt Masters, this is a free event no reservation required.
