Convening: An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure – Day 2

Things Fall Apart is developed with a set of propositions anchored by the question: What can we learn from artists who explore rupture as an ontological tool or a way of understanding? In connection with this guiding question, Allison Glenn collaboratively curated the convening, An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure, which creates space for those who hold and share knowledge, including farmers, growers, musicians, Elders, artists, and more, to exchange and build intersectional and collective ways of understanding.

An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure is organized with some of the exhibiting artists as well as invited co-curators, and consists of dialogues, performances, meals, and moments of collectivity that engage with six new commissions. Thematically grouped into three puncta, it unfolds over three days across the geographies, people, and ideas that make up the place known as Toronto.

A Grounding brings attendees together around TBA artist Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu’s new commission A Deathless Potential In Remembrance By You, 2026. This permanent public sculpture and garden is located on the grounds of the Scarborough Gurdwara, and the day’s programming, led by Sidhu, will bring together speakers, musicians, Simran, and sangat in the embrace of a living sculpture, through a deathless memory.

Etiquette for visiting Gurdwara (Gursikh Sabha Canada): remove your shoes and store them in separate shoe rooms. Your head must be covered, and the artist will provide coverings as needed. Baseball caps and hats are not permitted. Dress modestly; sleeveless tops, short skirts, torn jeans, and shorts are not allowed.

Note: a bus seating up to 56 people will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, departing from Art Museum at the University of Toronto. All remaining attendees will meet directly at the Scarborough Gurdwara.

Schedule as follows, subject to change:

1pm: Buses depart Art Museum at the University of Toronto for registered bus-users
1:30pm: Chai & refreshments at the Gurdwara
1:30pm – 2:30 pm: Ongoing Simran program, from without SHAPE without FORM sevadars
2pm: Buses arrive at Scarborough Gurdwara
1:45 – 2:30pm: Attendees not joining Simran are invited for tea and refreshments
2:30pm – 4:30pm: Discussion & sound with Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu and guests
4:30pm – 5pm: Chai and vegetarian langar served
5pm – 5:30pm: Gather around the monument and activate the sculpture with Nep Sidhu and Sangat. Nep speaks on Simran and his artwork.
5:30pm: Buses depart Scarborough Gurdwara for registered bus-users
6:30pm: Arrival at the Art Museum at the University of Toronto, second day wraps

This program is free, but registration is required in order to attend.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Presented in partnership with the Scarborough Gurdwara and without SHAPE without FORM.