Programs
AOTI Programs, 2013 (In development)
Please note that programs are all-ages, unless an age range is specifically mentioned.
Hacking Reality: Tactical Technology and Social Media
Coordinated by Jesse Hirsh
Tactical technology, social media, and entrepreneurialism programs will be offered in conjunction with the ongoing efforts of the Metaviews think tank. Associates and experts will join the group to lead workshops on specialized topics, including YouTube Engagement, Role Playing Games, Investigative Journalism, Improvisational Theatre, and Multimedia Production.
Toronto Street Writers: A Free Writing Group
Coordinated by Emily Pohl-Weary
Founded in 2008, the program caters to a diverse group of 16-to-29-year-old poets, musicians, novelists, filmmakers, artists, and playwrights who work with established writers from the community to learn about writing, generate careers in the arts, and use writing as therapy to overcome complex life challenges. Participants learn self-expression, literacy skills, and develop strategies for their careers. Perhaps most importantly, they become part of a community that will help them overcome their personal challenges and a space that they can consider safe no matter who they are.
Sound Poets' Circle
Facilitated by Rosina Kazi and Nic Murr (
Sound Poets’ Circle is a free hip-hop and spoken word workshop series for youth ages 16-29 on Monday evenings. This workshop focuses on creating and recording sound and music, writing hip hop lyrics and spoken-word poetry. It's a "use what you got to get what you want" program to inspire group participation, creativity and resistance through art. Participants work with established and emerging facilitators and artists. Space is limited. To join, please register: soundpoetscircle@impossiblearts.ca.
Getting Paid in the Knowledge Economy
Coordinated by Jesse Hirsh
This is a course on how to get others to value your knowledge and pay you for it. The knowledge economy remains a nebulous concept, which makes getting paid in said economy even more difficult. Yet there are growing numbers of people who are getting paid, and not always for the right reasons. In this course we discuss what the knowledge economy is, who some of the players are, what they do to get paid, and what you can do too.
Impossible Words
Curated by Irfan Ali and Emily Pohl-Weary
Impossible Words is a unique literary salon that presents culturally and stylistically diverse Canadian writers in conversation with young writers from the Toronto Street Writers. Our events are open to the public and free. They take place two Saturdays each month from 1:30 pm to 3:30. They are a great "entry event" to check out the Academy for people who might be shy. Join us!
Self-Defense and Social Change
Coordinated by Josh Hehner
This program will focus on synthesizing the principles and philosophies of Aikido, a peace-oriented martial art, with the larger social and political movements of activism and social change. We will explore topics including: nonviolent self-defense (Aikido & defensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) and emergency medicine (First Aid and Street Medic practice). The program is led by Josh Hehner, paramedic, humanitarian worker and martial arts instructor, and will begin with self-defense classes and by hosting monthly public skills sharing fora with the Toronto Street Medics.
Law School
Coordinated by Melissa Reiter
Laws impact every aspect of our existence but legal education is rarely accessible (or interesting!). Law School is about bringing legal concepts and principles into functional use: about making legal education interesting and applicable to real life situations.
Led by Melissa Reiter this course will cover practical topics like starting a business or non-profit organization, charter rights like freedom of expression & freedom of the person, provide a practical guide for dealing with common legal issues and teach you to negotiate like a pro in any situation.
Art Speaks
Coordinated by Volunteers
Art Speaks is an opportunity for the hottest new and emerging visual artists to speak and showcase their work. Art Speaks welcomes writers, visual artists, photographers, curators, galleries, multi-media artists, and performing artists from all walks of life who want to engage with arts enthusiasts.
Writing Is a Business
writingisabusiness.wordpress.com
Coordinated by Edward Keenan
Many writers, even those working at it full time, are utterly lost when it comes to figuring out how to profitably run a writing business. Most writers, it seems, chose the trade because they consider concepts like “running a business” to be foreign, or even kind of gross. But if you are working as a writer today, you pretty much need to run a business if you are fond of concepts like “eating” and “paying the rent.”
Fright Film Academy
Coordinated by Rose Bianchini and Impossible Arts
For youth 16-29 years. More info coming soon. Starts in July 2013.
Projects Requested, Proposed or In Development
- Poetry Intensive (focusing on lyrical and formal structures)
- Graphic Novels Intensive
- Filmmaking and Acting
- Hip Hop and Music Recording
- Writing Group for Adults
- Board game creation and design
... plus weekly brunch/discussion groups, collaborative art sessions and critiquing circles
Propose Your Own Program
If you have an idea for an impossible program we would love to hear about it. We are currently accepting applications for programs. Please submit your idea and hopefully we can find a way to make it happen.
