SPRING 2003

Published by 401 Richmond Ltd. volume 10 n u m ber 1 4014 WIRED here's been a huge 1 T change at 401 9 Richmond in the past 2 two years that, if you are 0 not a tenant at the building, you probably know nothing about. After all it really can't be seen; 401 is "wired." Wiredd with a network consisting of thousands 1 profile of feet of fiber-optic cable 9 capableb of carrying 9 ENANT information at lightning 5

TE Roots of Empathy fast speed: a gigabit per secondd within the building to be exact. A speed that Welcome... very few computers are even capable Trinity Square Video of...yet. It's been Studio 376 a long journey to TSV is a not-for- successfully profit artist-run bring broadband centre that provides (continued on video and post production support page two). and services at accessible rates. 2 0 Red Head Gallery 0 Studio 115 3 A collective of 17 artists Red Head is committed to the exnibition and promotion of contemporary art. Illustration by artist John Scott 4 0 1 RICHMO N D PAGE 2 pro file RootsRto s of fEthf Empathym t

The Roots of Good Citizenship s he chooses between two toys offered by the A young students, the beautiful baby boy is the focus of attention for the grade three class. When the infant cries, the children observe how his parents soothe him. These children, parents and teachers are participating in a program called Roots of Empathy. Empathy, the ability to identify with another person's feelings, is essential to competent parenting and to basically every successful social relationship. As students observe the way babies communicate, they learn about reading another person's point of view. Newfoundland native and Roots of Empathy's Founder and President, Mary Gordon, is a former teacher and founder/administrator of parenting centres at the District School Board. She is a much sought after speaker and consultant for all areas of early childhood education. Heather McFarlane, Director of Training, is constantly on the go. From Vancouver to Newfoundland, Heather calls Roots of Empathy "the link that weaves Canada together." She is busy training the instructors who will eventually operate programs in their particular regions. With Roots about to expand internationally, Heather is preparing for Roots of Empathy - Standing left to right: Shayna a trip to Japan to train instructors in a pilot program for Stevenson, Kristen Campbell, Mary Gordon, Sandra grade six students. She's grappling with the enormous Weeks. Sitting left to right: Heather McFarlane, cultural differences between the two countries and all the Karen Offord and Susan Cook changes that means in her training materials. Roots of Empathy found its home at 401 Richmond in October 2000. In its short term of operation, it has grown from 50 programs in to 450 in schools across Canada. There's a pilot project in Japan, and extensive interest coming from as far as South Africa, the Middle East, Australia and England. The headquarters and training centre for this charitable not-for-profit organization is in 401's Studio 205. The door is always open. The space is bursting with staff and materials. There is a comfy couch where we recently sat with Mary Gordon. "People are seeing Roots of Empathy as a possible way of curbing societal violence and a way of nurturing civility and social compassion. In the wake of September 11 and with war looming around us, we are exquisitely sensitive to our vulnerability." Mary describes what she teaches as Emotional Literacy, the ability to identify feelings and give them names. "Without question, we've found evidence that the program helps children become more empathic. It makes children kinder, it allows children to reflect and project. If children aren't taught how to pause and hover and reflect, they don't understand the impact of their action or their inaction. When children see and discuss the caring attitude from parent to infant, it allows them to identify how their friends are feeling and respond accordingly." For school classes participating in Roots of Empathy, the cornerstone of the program is the family visit by a neighbourhood infant and its parent. Prior to and following each visit, a certified instructor prepares and reinforces the Roots of Empathy in the teachings. "The students observe, ask questions, discuss classroom the baby's behaviour and temperament, and the sounds the PAGE 3 Where Are They Now ?

Amy Marcus moved into studio E 353 at 401 way back in 1995. Her company, Marcus Gilbert, designed and produced training programs for corporate clients. In 1999, she noticed her clients turning to on-line learning, and it occurred to her that these programs were providing good theoretical knowledge but no practical experience. Amy hit on 'e-roleplay', a unique way of giving her clients the practical know-how they required. Trainees contact her call-centre, staffed with improv actors playing grumpy customers, and practice their customer service. The idea took off, but alas, her space at 401 became too cramped. 3 years ago, Amy utilized 400 square feet; today she occupies 12,000 square feet and employs over 100 in her new digs at 489 Queen Street East. Amy Marcus of e-roleplay Check out e-roleplay on line at www.e-roleplay.com.

Profile Continued

baby makes, gaining insights into the infant's growth and development and learning to respond appropriately to what the baby is trying to 'tell them' through physical cues." The program increases students' knowledge of human development, learning, and infant safety, better preparing them to be responsible and responsive parents. According to teachers, the program connects science, math and social studies. "It just crosses all disciplines and provides children with strategies to effectively recognize and respond to their own emotions and the emotions of others." Last year, Mary Gordon received an Ashoka Fellowship (one of only 2 Canadians so Roots of Empathy "Link" newsletter honoured). A pioneering global association for social change, Ashoka is dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurial vision (think Florence Nightingale, Susan B. Anthony or Margaret Sanger). With this honour, Mary joined more than 1200 Ashoka Fellows from 43 countries who have been selected over the past 20 years. Mary's award means a 3 year stipend to cover her cost of living expenses, thus freeing her to focus efforts fully on increasing the impact of Roots of Empathy, which currently reaches over 10,000 children. Using infants and their parents in a classroom setting is certainly a giant step for mankind, one that is aimed at childhood aggression with the hope of ultimately breaking the generational cycle of child abuse, domestic violence and poor parenting. "I really believe we can turn the world around through children and I really believe that children are the answer to the messes adults get the world into". One Toronto principal has praised Roots of Empathy as "the only classroom program that teaches neuro- science to kids in kindergarten." But Mary Gordon insists, "I refuse to be the medicine; we are the vitamin, we are the prevention."

PAGE 4 Njo Kong Kie ianist Njo Kong Kie, or P'KongK ' as we know him, shares Studio B10 with fellow musician Warren Beck. Kong and his family moved to Canada from Macao (he was born in Indonesia but moved to the Portuguese colony when he was seven years old) in 1991. Having previous- ly visited Canada to study Computer Science and Music at the University of Waterloo, his background Kong on tour in Paris this fall immediately secured him a healthy position with an insurance company. But music was his true love, and he craved to connect with the Toronto music scene. "I could hear singing coming from the other side of the wall in my apartment, so one day I just knocked on the door and introduced myself." This encounter led to a job accompanying his vocal neighbour, and an introduction to his teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music which brought him more gigs accompanying others. Finally, Kong was able to arrange enough freelance work to quit his day job. For the past 3 years, Kong has been performing with Canada's internationally renowned avant garde dance troupe, La La Human Steps. These days, he's on the road for half the year. Having just wrapped up dates in Montreal and Ottawa, tours are set for Europe in October and the US in November; 2004 will take the company to the Far East and Australia. When he's in Toronto, Kong is busy with his own projects as well as performing with others. Upcoming in March, he will accompany soprano Stacie Robinson at the University of Waterloo. And then, there's the Midnight Yoga Events at the Yoga Sanctuary (2 College St.,10:30pm to midnight on Saturday nights), an "alternative remedy to your Saturday night" at which the yoga class utilizes Kong's compositions. Ringing in the New Year E ric Cadesky (studio B105) and The Glass Orchestra performed 8 concerts children and adults. The ensemble performed a selection of works from their repetoire showing off the half ton of glass musical instruments in their collection. The Glass Orchestra has toured the world with their instrument collection for the past 26 years, while making 401 Richmond Street West their current home for rehearsing, developing and building new instruments and repairing those that break. All of the instruments will eventually break so repairs are an ongoing process. Currently the ensemble is investigating the possibility of giving performances at 401 Richmond that could also be broadcast live on the Internet (see cover story).

Eric Cadesky playing glass instruments at The Glass Orchestra's performance in Singapore

PAGE 5 nlike most workplaces, 401 Richmond is pet-friendly. Well known four-legged friends are Fraser Mustard’s U famous ginger cats (Bailey and Betsy) and our resident scruff, Ernie Moody. So now, 401 UPDATE has decided to launch it’s first-ever contest. Because we've noticed similarities between the owners and their pets, we want you to match up the couples. (We've matched up Mike Moody with his Ernie on the ballot as an example.) Send us your ballot (on page 10) by April 1. We’ll draw from the correct entries, and the winner will receive a fabulous 401 Gift Pack and lunch for two, courtesy of Chef Bryan Dawkins and Carmella Matias at Loftus Lloyd Café. Every dog must have his day. You could have yours!

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9 E 4 HATS O reen energy has received a boost in Ontario. G Studio 380's TREC (Toronto Renewable Energy ats off to Lisa Co-operative), in partnership with Toronto Hydro, H Kiss of Lisa Kiss has erected our city's first wind turbine at Exhibition Design (studio 356) Place. The imposing structure stands thirty stories whose poster for dada tall, with three blades each the size passenger jet kamera's (studio Designer F wing. Its high profile 385) production of Lisa Kiss location makes the turbine Daniel McIvor's play North America's most INONIT was part of the Design Exchange's visible wind power exhibition of the best theatre posters from generator, one that will around the world. Oh yes, and keeping it soon be producing enough in the 401 family, the photo of Daniel on F green power to sustain the poster was take by fellow 401 tenant, 250 households. Head of photographer Guntar Kravis (studio 366). TREC, Bryan Young proclaimed this first turbine as "the tip of the iceberg in terms of what this is going to represent for green power in the province of Ontario". For more information, www.windshare.ca. C HIC AGO

ongratulations to talented costume-maker Susan C Dicks (studio 360) who worked on the blockbuster movie-musical, Chicago! Working with designer Colleen Atwood, Dicks produced all the men’s clothes for the film - including those for Richard Gere. ith the successful Six Stages Festival Chicago is nominated for 13 Oscars including Best W under her belt, da da Costume Design. Could anyone think of a finer job than being able to fit Richard Gere for his suit? kamera's (studio 385) Lookin' good Susan! Sherri Johnson heads of to Europe with Prime Minister Jean Chretien and the Provincial Premiers on a trade mission to promote all things Canadian. Sherri was selected for this special honour based on her experience both creating and exporting Candian culture.

Richard Gere in Chicago donning suit by Susan Dicks ax Striecher's massive exhibit, "Silenus" M was quite a sensation at 401 during the early weeks of 2003. Sponsored by 401 Richmond and organized by YYZ board member Scott Sorli, the show starring five giant, inflatable figures, occupied every bit of space in Studio 124, drew huge crowds and received highest marks from Toronto's art media. Peter Goddard interviewed Streicher in his January 11 Toronto Star series "Art by Numbers". NOW's Thomas Hirschmann gave Silenus 5 stars (Ns) and praised it as "an amazing piece," while the Globe and Mail's Sarah Milroy wrote that the artist "is drawn to the notion of breath and spirit when he creates these enormous floating figures out of gossamer-weight material, which rise and fall with hypnotic grace." We Saw You

01's pre-Christmas event, 4 Holiday Marketplace, celebrated its tenth anniversary last December. Once again, our building was busy with Toronto's savvy shoppers. With art pieces priced from $20 to $100, A Space Gallery's (studio 110) show, "Gifts That Fit", was highlighted in the Globe and Mail's seasonal feature "Have yourself and Arty Little Christmas".

he February 10 issue of MacLean's T magazine featured "Baghdad Diary" written by Doctors and Samantha Nutt of Canada (studio 420). The couple, who have worked extensively in the world's war zones, recently joined a 10-member uritah Teresa Wignall is a familiar face at 401 international study team to assess the S Richmond. Not only did the 21-year-old OCAD humanitarian impact a new war may grad serve behind the counter Loftus Lloyd Café, have on Iraqui children. The diary is a she now interns at Mix Magazine (studio 446). compelling read for anyone interested in And in its December issue, Verve Magazine the human condition while living under (studio 245) published a profile of Suritah, and the threat of war. Read the full report or showcased her colourful images. Check out more about War Child at its website 'vervegirl.com' to see more of her work. www.warchild.ca.

PAGE 9 VISITORS TO 401

etro Councilor and Childcare Advocate M Olivia Chow recently toured 401 Richmond, campaigning for her partner Jack Layton’s (successful) bid for the national NDP leadership. She visited many tenants and sat in on Fraser Mustard’s think tank on “Experience-based brain development” for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIAR).

Olivia Chow drops in on C.I.A.R. think tank (studio 382): (left to right) Dan Offord, Fraser Mustard, Ron Barr, Joanne Weinberg, Olivia Chow & Barrie Frost

Connecting Creative Communities ndrew Lee, Cultural Affairs Officer at City Hall’s Department A of Economic Development and staunch 401 Richmond booster, brought a group of delegates from the Creative Cities Network Conference for a visit on February 17. The CCN dined at Loftus Lloyd Café, and joined our Property Manager, Sandra Lewis, for a building tour. The CCN, which is mirrored to 401's innovative approach to community-support endeavours, was impressed, informed and entertained by some of our amazing tenants.

Andrew Lee (left) and members of the Creative Cities Network are toured around the building by Property Manager, Sandy Lewis

Ballots can be dropped off Contest Ballot to Studio 204 or mailed to: A 1 E I No Pets Allowed Name: 401 Richmond St. W. B F Studio 204 Phone: C G Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 Email: D H

PAGE 10 bulletin board

Opening Thursday, March 13, 6 - 8 pm In the vitrines: continuing to April 12 Images Festival

Time and Again April 25 & 26 Featuring Raymonde April, Diane Bos, Opening April 25, 7 - 11 pm Bertrand Carrière and Tashia Friesen Curated by Sara Angelucci Photopia, a Spring fundraising event an exhibition and sale of In the vitrines: framed artwork donated by Interface members and invited artists by Frances Key Opening Thursday, May 1, 6 - 8 April 16 to April 24, 2003 continuing to May 31 Diane Bos Opening Saturday, April 19th, 2 - 5 pm "Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy" Limbic Resonance CAMERALINKS 2003 Featuring Ève Trembley Work by Elementary and Secondary and Michel de Broin School students A regular feature of 401 Richmond UPDATE is your opportunity to communicate with other bulletin tenants and keep them in touch with what is happening in your organization. If you are having a sale or exhibition, or just want to tell others about your product/service, simply supply board the management office in Studio 204 with the

A multimedia group exhibit organized and hosted by “Post Secondary Education Hot Breakfast Menu ”. March 4 to 15. The Starving Artist Opening reception: March 6, 6-9pm. The Day Job Special The Council Grant Gala “Sibyllae” The Biennale Paintings and drawings by Alex Bartosik. Re-Opening of March 18 to 29. Daily Menu Opening reception: March 20, 6-9pm. North American Mondays Asian Tuesdays Material Matters “Cakewalk” South American/Caribbean at a new location 215 Spadina Avenue Rundi Phelan & Kelly O’Neal Wednesdays April 1 to 12 Opening reception: Apr. 3, 6-9pm. European Thursdays Featuring new work by Mid Eastern/African Fridays g “Explorations in Light” Don't miss... Tanya Lyons Micheal Zarowsky March 1 - 30, 2003 Thursday Open Mic Night April 15 to 26. Hosted by Matty Powell & Chris Opening reception: Apr. 24, 5-10pm O'Connor. An evening of original a and cover songs done by some of "Rock Bay Hotel" David Drake Toronto's best undiscovered artists. "Dreamlands" Eric Abrahms Bring your instruments. Part of CONTACT 2003 From 6 - 9 pm l April 29-May 17 Opening reception: May 4, 1:30 to 4:30pm

l "The Wedding Album" The Wedding Co. celebrates the Material Matters Wedding Photograph Contemporary Canadian Glass Part of CONTACT 2003 Director Lisa Wouhela e May 20 - 31 215 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON Opening reception: May 22, 5-9pm. M5T 2C7 Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 416.766.7870 r 12-6pm. y 4 0 1

Published by 401 Richmond Ltd. Canadian Publications Agreement #1533657. Published quarterly. 401 Richmond St. W. Studio 204 Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 Editor Tel: 416.595.5900 Fax: 416.595.5904 Heather Topp Website: www.401richmond.net (Studio 204) E-mail: [email protected] Design Erin MacKeen (Studio 204)

Printer Rite Printing

Deadline for submissions for the Summer Newsletter is Thursday May 1, 2003. Publication date: June 2, 2003