The FOLD

On May 13, half of The [204] Design Collective returned for a #CommUNITYCatchup, and it was a real full circle experience. Last year I introduced them on episode 10 stating, "For The [204] Design Collective, the roof is not made of wood - it's a glass ceiling - and they're smashing it to let the light shine through." Founded in Winnipeg (hence the 204 area code in their name) but based worldwide, the 204 is a POC and women-led design studio that challenges and exposes inequality in the built environment, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and exploring alternative forms of practicing architecture, working towards establishing a more accessible and diverse profession. The Toronto-based crew, Cait Brock and Gaby Perezanta, discussed what the collective has been up to, what has changed for them, and how they are adapting to space and time by bringing The [204] to an expanded, accessible digital realm and what we can stay mindful of when it comes to our environment and design. Much love to the other half, super sisters, Sameera and Saira Abdulrehman who represented via London, UK!

Brothers Shaunt and Raz have offered community through coffee and music in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood and beyond since opening the doors of Antikka Café & Records a few years ago. I interviewed the guys in January for Episode 19 and at the time, they were preparing to launch a new endeavour – The Oud & The Fuzz – another community-focused space in Kensington Market, this time offering a part of their own; inviting locals and visitors alike to experience elements of their Armenian heritage through food, drink, music and good company.

I have had the honour of playing some of my first DJ gigs at Antikka and these brothers are like brothers to me – never at a loss for support, an encouraging conversation, a comforting beverage at the café and a space where you can feel at home, connected to culture.

Nothing is stopping Antikka from keeping the good vibes up and they're doing so in various ways; the cafe is still open for takeout coffee and tea at 960 Queen Street West, they're selling their carefully-curated vinyl, and bringing the space to you with Antikka Live, which can now be streamed weekly via Mixcloud.com/live/antikka. I caught up with Shaunt and Raz to hear about what has been keeping them inspired, how they're engaging with the community, reflecting on the value artists and creatives hold and why the meaning of #supportlocal will transcend time and space.

Trevor Twells is one of the most "championing" people I know.

Every time I see Trevor, it's usually at an event where we're both supporting a mutual friend or cause. He is on the front lines of unconditional support. Not only is he one of the most genuinely kind people in the local arts scene, he gives back effortlessly, mostly done through his own non-profit, Make Room, enabling marginalized and emerging artists to reach audiences when they don't have the resources or access to do so.

You may remember Trevor from Episode 14 of The Fold Podcast. That's when we initially discussed his initiative, The Space Project, where artists submit their work to be exhibited in partner gallery windows. One cool element is the time; you only experience the art between 9 pm and 4 am, and it's all done through a projector. Completely subsidized, accessible and engaging people in a unique time of day.

Trevor is holding space for artists, helping them to grow, removing labels and breaking barriers to creativity. Trevor was on Episode 14 of The Fold, so today I wanted to have him unfold for a CommUNITY Catchup to talk about how and why Make Room has been continuing to support artists – and #SupportCollection, the fundraiser he is running to continue creating resources for the arts community. You can contribute to the #SupportCollection here until May 4.

On April 21, I had an awesome #CommUNITYCatchup with Bo Large, aka The Alshemist, into the The Fold to discuss a variety of wellness practices we can incorporate into our daily lives, especially as artists and creatives. Bo shared insight about breathwork, vocal toning, somatic healing and more, as we navigate how to access wellness at home, and methods to get inspired and stay connected with the creative flow of life within ourselves, and in confined spaces.

To learn more about The Alshemist's services and Patreon campaign, where you can engage in Bo's incredible guided Breathwork course, visit Bo on Instagram at @thealshemist.

You can stay connected with me on Instagram, where you'll be updated with more #CommUNITYCatchup interviews @sonicfold, and myself, Ola @olamazz.

We discussed her approach of choosing love over fear 24/7, how this acts as a foundation in her work, a recent online collab for IsoLab, created by award-winning producer, Rainer, and sharing insight with other artists on how they can share their art and explore opportunities to build and create with others in a meaningful way.

It sounds like community at Antikka Cafe & Records in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood. Owners Raz and Shaunt Tchakmak are brothers in business who now share their bond with the people around them. Whether local regulars to traveling visitors, all are welcome in their cafe and record shop hybrid that celebrates music and art in a unique, inclusive way. For this episode in The Space mini-series, we discuss the concept around community spaces, the challenges and rewards in running + supporting local businesses, the power of music, family bonding and what Antikka has in the works this year, including a fresh new spot called The Oud and the Fuzz – it's going to be big.

It sounds like community at Antikka Cafe & Records in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood. Owners Raz and Shaunt Tchakmak are brothers in business who now share their bond with the people around them. Whether local regulars to traveling visitors, all are welcome in their cafe and record shop hybrid that celebrates music and art in a unique, inclusive way. For this episode in The Space mini-series, we discuss the concept around community spaces, the challenges and rewards in running + supporting local businesses, the power of music, family bonding and what Antikka has in the works this year, including a fresh new spot called The Oud and the Fuzz – it's going to be big.

The Fold Podcast heads into a new direction this month as we kick off our mini-series covering music communities with Joseph Galiwango (aka DJ Spin So Nice), Founder/DJ/Dad of Records With My Daughters, who shows us how #ThePlatform can change the way we share art and culture within families to inspire greater connection. Ola hangs out with Joseph and his crates to discuss his roots as a teacher, DJ, all-around music lover, African heritage, fatherhood and cultivating community through in every groove.

What you'll hear in PART 2: How Hip Hop translates into Josep'h's life as a father and career as an educator, The importance of sharing knowledge and ideas with others through the platform, Crate digging and his favourite spots around town, Strengthening his connection to his African roots through the music, Collaboration and plans for the future.

The Fold Podcast heads into a new direction this month as we kick off our mini-series covering music communities with Joseph Galiwango (aka DJ Spin So Nice), Founder/DJ/Dad of Records With My Daughters, who shows us how #ThePlatform can change the way we share art and culture within families to inspire greater connection. Ola hangs out with Joseph and his crates to discuss his roots as a teacher, DJ, all-around music lover, African heritage, fatherhood and cultivating community through in every groove.

What you'll hear in PART 1: Ola and Joseph discuss the origin of Records With My Daughters, Joseph's childhood and first experiences with music, the importance of connecting your brand with who you are and how you live, bringing art/music/culture into the home as a tool to communicate, connect and learn, and balancing your passions with parenting.

Rachel Romu makes strides. On stage, the runway, industry spaces and wherever we happen to be hanging out. You could call Rachel an artist/activist/model and beyond; but its best to define Rachel as Rachel – someone who lives with integrity, purpose, passion and intention to inspire progress.Our conversation acknowledges International Day of Persons With Disabilities (#IDPD), observed annually on December 3 around the world. In this episode, we dive into the world of arts and accessibility, the folds of inclusion within Toronto's music scene, their ideal venue and the growth they've experienced to date.