Harbourfront Centre presents Festival of Cool
January 20 – May 23, 2022
Harbourfront Centre
Festival of Cool kicks off Harbourfront Centre’s year-long cultural initiative, Nordic Bridges with spectacle and celebration.
Harbourfront Centre is welcoming audiences back for illuminating outdoor winter experiences, starting with Nordic Lights. Take a trip on the Bifrost, the dazzling rainbow bridge of Norse myth that connects us with the realm of the gods to our world of light and art.
Nordic Lights
Fjord Studio (Oslo, Norway)
January 20 – February 13, 2022 | CANADA, DENMARK, FINLAND, NORWAY, SWEDEN
Harbourfront Centre celebrates the opening of Nordic Bridges. Nordic Lights is a cross-campus series of public light art installations from Nordic and Canadian artists. Leading visual artists, lighting, and video designers from across the country and the Nordic Region create an immersive collaboration. Part of Festival of Cool and co-produced by Fjord Studio.
YOU NAME IT
Sasha Huber
January 29 – May 23, 2022 | FINLAND
The Power Plant presents Sasha Huber’s first solo show in North America. Swiss-Haitian artist Sasha Huber uses performance, photography, and film, among other media, to investigate colonial residues left in the environment.
Long Journey Home
Liv Aurora Jensen
January 21 – March 20, 2022 | GREENLAND
The textiles, ceramics, and objects Liv Aurora Jensen, alias Liss Stender, creates become a manifestation of her memories and a powerful way to connect with her Inuk roots. A consummate illustrator, her unique sense of colour motivates her to translate her interpretations. Curated by Marlee Choo and Melanie Egan.
Shared Terrain
January 21 – March 20, 2022 | CANADA, ICELAND, FINLAND, FAROE ISLANDS, SWEDEN, NORWAY, DENMARK
Structured around exchange and conversation, ten artists and designers from Canada and the Nordic Region become virtual collaborators discovering connections between their practices related to their regional locations and cultural histories. Curated and co-presented by DesignTO and supported by Lemay and the Embassy of Norway.
Design Matters
January 21 – April 20, 2022 | SWEDEN, FINLAND
Challenging our preconceptions of consumer goods, furniture, functions, and services, Caracara Collective, Jenny Nordberg, Jesper Eriksson, and company showcase works that invite reflection on functionality, durability, and beauty. Curated by Anders Jansson and presented in partnership with Bildmuseet/Umeå Universitet.
Story, story, die.
winter guests
February 4–5, 7:30pm | NORWAY
Alan Lucien Øyen’s visceral choreography and cinematic staging unpack the interdependence between lies and love. The Norway-based touring company’s cast of seven performers explores how everyday life is constantly re-arranged into stories that craft a desirable narrative. Part of the Torque Season.
One Night with Signmark
Signmark ft. Infinite Flow Dance
April 29, 8pm | FINLAND, USA
Finnish Deaf rapper, Signmark, spreads his message over strong beats where complex, low frequencies and bass play a crucial part. Through his music with hearing collaborators and positive approach, he seeks to recognize Deaf people as a linguistic minority with their own culture, community, history, and heritage. Part of CoMotion Festival.
A Story of a House That Turned Into a Dot
Teatret Gruppe 38
May 21–22, 1:30pm | DENMARK
Reflective, whimsical, and philosophical, a tale about fairness and family told through shadow puppetry. Bodil Alling, actor and Artistic Director of Teatret Gruppe 38, is renowned for her influence in the paradigm shift of Danish children’s theatre. Part of JUNIOR Festival for ages seven and up.
Spoiiiiiiiiing
Kitt Johnson X-act
May 21–23, 11am | DENMARK
A fantastic take on upcycling, Denmark’s Kitt Johnson X-act presents a magical performance for children and adults where two unusual trash-sorting experts find secret music and hidden treasures. Part of JUNIOR Festival for ages seven and up.
Those Who Run in the Sky
National Theatre of Greenland
May 21–23, 11:30am | GREENLAND
Pitu, a young shaman, finds himself lost in the world of spirits and must use his powers to find his way back home in this beautiful coming of age story. This performance is in close collaboration with Canadian and Greenlandic artists. Part of JUNIOR Festival for ages seven and up.