By Jessica Ruano
The power of the arts is unparalleled. I realize that’s an expected statement from someone who works in the arts. But let me give you a couple of examples of how the arts transcend both time and geography, not to mention keep us connected while we’re having to stay apart. And here’s the best part: both these stories take place in Lowertown!
A few weeks ago, as part of the Lowertown Virtual Concert Series, MASC artist Brad Lafortune performed Métis jigging for a friendly group of seniors from the Centre de services Guigues. One of the residents, Marjolaine, was interested in the ceintures fléchées (traditional Métis arrowhead sashes) he presented and said that she had a very similar one.
After the concert she got in touch with MASC and said that she wanted to give Brad her arrow sash as a gift, because she felt he should have it. Delighted by the offer, Brad went to pick it up from the Centre and a few days later wore it for a virtual performance for children in the Northwest Territories. Thanks to Marjolaine’s generosity, her meaningful gift alongside Brad’s performance was enjoyed by young students thousands of kilometres away!
Meanwhile, at York Street Public School, students worked in collaboration with MASC artist Tina Le Moine on an animated video about La bataille des épingles à chapeaux (The Battle of the hatpins) that told the story of two sisters in 1912 who rebelled against the government of Ontario in order to teach French at a school in Lowertown. (See the article about the Desloges sisters elsewhere in this issue.)
The video – now available on YouTube, featuring another MASC artist Mehdi Cayenne – was released on the same day a private member’s bill was proposed at Queen’s Park to have January 7 named Le Jour de la bataille des épingles à chapeaux to honour the two Franco-Ontarian women and their community who fought for the right to teach in their own language. When we connect with history, history connects right back.
Over the past year, we’ve discovered so much about what is possible through the arts. It is wonderful that we continue to be surprised by each other’s gifts, by the generosity of strangers and by the ingenuity of young and older people. And to think, it’s all happening right here in Lowertown, amid your neighbours, teachers, and friends. May our creativity continue to thrive!
Next up from MASC: The Lowertown Community Association’s Arts & Culture Committee are working on a new mural in the ByWard Market with MASC artist Jimmy Baptiste, and community members are needed to help paint! For more information, come to our virtual information session on Tuesday April 13 at 7 p.m.. Register at
Jessica Ruano is the Communications Director and Community Program Coordinator at MASC