[community] "Space for Grief", Creating Vital Spaces for Collective Healing, Returns to Evergreen Brick Works: November 2-11, 2024

Tue Oct 29 14:21:11 UTC 2024

[image: Space for Grief - Promo Poster.png]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*Space for Grief, Creating Vital Spaces for Collective Healing,  Returns to
Evergreen Brick Works: November 2-11, 2024*

Toronto, ON – October 28th, 2024

*As our world faces mounting global challenges, there has never been a more
urgent need to address how we navigate grief—individually and
collectively. * The innovative and evocative immersive public art
installation – *Space for Grief <https://www.spaceforgrief.com/> *– which
aims to destigmatize expressions of grief, is returning to engage audiences
at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, Ontario. In today’s fast-paced world,
grief is often silenced or kept private, leaving individuals to cope with
loss in isolation. Space for Grief provides a much-needed sanctuary for
healing and connection.

Created by the team at Toronto-based design studio Method Collective
<https://www.methodcollective.ca/>, this immersive experience has engaged
over 10,000 attendees and redefines how people view, navigate, and design
for human emotions and grief in our communities and institutions.

Back for its third major event, the installation combines multi-sensory
elements including flowers, plant materials, projection-mapped visuals, and
a custom-composed soundscape by Ziyan Hossain and Rakat Zami featuring Kurt
Swinghammer. The music, inspired by film scores, uses a blend of guitars
and synths to create immersive soundscapes that serve as a soundtrack for your
memories.

Visitors are invited to explore various environments, where
thought-provoking prompts are placed among remnants of industrial machinery
contrasted by the softness of organic plant materials. Both indoor and
outdoor experiences weave together to create a space designed for both
individual and collective reflection.

 As part of the interactive experience, visitors can write personal
messages on paper birds and hang them, sharing their stories of grief and
memories. These messages form a collective display that grows and evolves
as more contributions are added.

The installation also includes the “Museum of Grief”, where common cultural
artifacts offer insights into various types, expressions and observations
of grief.  Eric Vandermeersch, Regional Vice President at Park Lawn
Corporation <https://www.parklawncorp.com/> notes, “We witness the profound
impact of grief daily, which is why we’re proud to sponsor the Museum of
Grief. For us, it's about more than just providing services—it’s about
helping people heal.”

The installation also plays a vital role in placemaking, creating public
spaces where Torontonians can gather to grieve, heal, and connect. Since
its launch in April 2023 at the Toronto Reference Library, "Space for
Grief" has expanded in various ways, becoming a growing movement advocating
for public spaces and policies that support emotional well-being and
resilience. As discussions around mental health and communal healing
progress, the movement challenges societal norms that ignore and stigmatize
grief.

In addition to public installations, Space for Grief has influenced
organizational transition frameworks for organizations such as the National
Hockey League (NHL) and the David Suzuki Foundation, while also providing
guidelines for workplaces and institutions seeking to improve emotional
support practices.

Space for Grief is open and inclusive to all, providing a space for
visitors to express and explore grief in all its forms. Whether facing
personal loss, life transitions, collective trauma, or the challenges of
global events, participants will find opportunities for connection and
understanding. These experiences help ease the isolation often felt during
times of change and loss.

“Grief is an experience we all face at different times, but it’s something
many people feel they have to endure alone,” says Ziyan Hossain, co-founder
and lead artist. “With "Space for Grief”, we are creating a place where the
community can come together, share their stories, and find strength in
vulnerability. Considering current global events, providing space for these
conversations is more important than ever.”

Why Communal Spaces for Grief Matter

Grief is a deeply personal experience, yet its impact is global and
universal. Too often, individuals are left to mourn in isolation, without the
necessary community support. Unsupported grief in the workplace costs
companies billions of dollars every year – up to $225.8 billion, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Communal spaces like Space for Grief offer a vital remedy—helping to
nurture emotional well-being and resilience through shared experiences. Social
isolation and mental health challenges are at an all-time high, Space for
Grief provides not just art, but necessary infrastructure for emotional and
social resilience, as well as education and access to resources.

With its unique approach to grief, "Space for Grief" encourages
participants to rethink their personal issues, and their workplaces as well
as how public spaces can be created to support mental health and foster
deeper community ties.

 The installation encourages a more compassionate future, where grief is
acknowledged as a natural part of life and integral to public health
conversations. Join in redefining how we engage with grief—come and
contribute your story.

Panel Discussion: Designing for People: Exploring the Role of Grief in
Social and Cultural Change

As part of the Good Mourning Festival
<https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-work/events/good-mourning-festival-2024/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7Py4BhCbARIsAMMx-_ItK2REXysTTcOGWp225NVcEFN4EAdT7-48OObP9gRPTq1OJOUUdDcaAinkEALw_wcB>,
"Space for Grief" will kick off with a panel discussion on Sunday, Nov 3rd,
2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave.,
Toronto, ON). Speakers from Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists
<https://www.facebook.com/groups/562446623836569>, CP Planning
<https://cpplanning.ca/>, Toronto Shelter Network
<https://www.torontoshelternetwork.com/>, Canadian Grief Alliance
<https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/>and Mobilizing Justice
<https://mobilizingjustice.ca/> will share and discuss the role of grief in
driving systemic change. Registration is free and attendees can register
here.
<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/space-for-grief-presents-designing-for-people-tickets-1058294390009?aff=oddtdtcreator>

Event Details:

   -

   Space for Grief Dates: November 2-11, 2024
   -

   Hours: 10am-5pm daily, with extended hours to 8:30pm on Nov 8 and Nov
   11.
   -

   Location: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON, M4W3X8
   -

   Admission: Free

For more information on the installation & event schedule, please visit
https://www.spaceforgrief.com/  | Instagram
<https://www.instagram.com/space_for_grief/>

Transportation Accessibility: If transportation is a barrier for any
community groups interested in attending, please contact us to arrange
transit support for your group at hi at methodcollective.ca.

Media Contact: Fran Quintero Rawlings | Co-Producer | hi at methodcollective.ca
| 647.686.6840

 Please access our media kit here
<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13goYPZFnLy5X6dI8zmOfolAHUc0NlWWX>
or contact us.
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