The Gathering Divergence Multi Arts Festival & Conference (GDMAF/C) that focuses on supporting and amplifying Indigenous, racialized, deaf, disabled and mad, women and other historically – marginalized arts communities. Held over 3 days, GDMAF/C features artist showcases, literary readings, a visual arts exhibition, panels, workshops and networking opportunities. Geared towards meaningful conversations, professional development, sharing strategies, it encourages divergence across arts practices and collaboration.
This year's festival will feature an online day May 12, 2026 and two in person days, May 14 -15, 2026 at Nightwood Theatre, 877 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3M2
Joy is delighted to serve both as a panel curator and a moderator for a session focussed on nothing other than steelpan.
Session Info: From Symbol to Substance: Advocating for Steelpan in Music Education and Performance
This panel explores the urgency of recognizing steelpan not merely as a cultural symbol or entertainment medium, but as a fully realized musical instrument with technical, historical, and artistic depth. Bringing together performers, educators, and cultural practitioners, the
conversation will examine how acknowledging the possibilities of the instrument will not only drive its sustainability but fill important gaps in traditional music pedagogy.
Panelists will also address issues such as institutional exclusion. Why is steelpan still underrepresented in schools, conservatories and orchestras? What does true recognition look like, and who defines it? This discussion invites audiences to reconsider how value is assigned in music—and to imagine a future where steelpan is acknowledged,
studied, celebrated and sustained, on its own terms.
The session will take place on May 15th, 1:30PM - 3:00PM
JOIN US IN PERSON OR ONLINE - TICKER REGISTRATION INFORMATION IS LINKED BELOW
https://cpamo.org/2026/04/22/registration-now-open-gathering-divergence-spring-2026/
