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Media Stuff: A Panel on Material Media Cultures

DateFriday, April 17, 2026
Time2 pm – 4 pm
WhereGEM Lab, FB 630.15
Tags
Community
w/ Dr. Meredith Bak, Dr. Caetlin Benson-Allott, and Pat Bonner. Respondant: Dr. Haidee Wasson. As film moves to television and television to our pockets, the material conditions of everyday media consumption appear once again to have changed. But not only are past and present media practices more varied, unpredictable, and historically-rooted, they also challenge the (still dominant) visual-centricism of spectatorship studies. Indeed, our sensory experiences (of sound, touch, smell, etc.) are shaped and stimulated by diverse material forms, emotional attachments, and expressive rituals. Drawing on cultural history, media archaeology, and ordinary media stuff, this panel reconsiders the present focus on smartphones, social media and streaming by exploring transformations in material media cultures since the 1980s: toy voice devices, comfort viewing, and interactive video. Together, these talks examine the cultural politics of media consumption in recent decades. Presentations: Meredith Bak - Talking Back: Mediating the 90s Child's Voice; Caetlin Benson-Allott - The Material Culture of Comfort Viewing; Pat Bonner - Video Kids: How Home Video Transformed (Canadian) Children's Television

Climate-Responsive Architecture: Geometries, Materials & Design Futures

DateFriday, April 17, 2026
Time2:15 pm – 3:45 pm
WhereResource Room EV 11.705
Tags
Community
Third presentation of the Design & Computation Arts Speaker Series featuring Zherui Wang. Zherui Wang is a designer and building technology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design. His work focuses on devising architectural methods for cooling and climate-response design for extreme heat while being mindful of material use. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program, his PhD research explores the design integration of structural form-finding and building thermal mass performance, informed by architectural geometry, materials science, and life cycle thinking. He is a co-author of Hydroculus, an evaporative and radiative cooling roof prototype that was exhibited in the Venice Architecture Biennale and received a Holcim Foundation Award for Sustainable Design and Construction. Previously, Wang was an Academic Professional Researcher at CHAOS Lab in Princeton. He has practiced in design roles at Barkow Leibinger Architects and served on the design faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, Pratt Institute, and State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was named the 2020-21 Reyner Banham Fellow. Wang holds a BArch from Pratt Institute, a post-professional MArch from Princeton University, and a graduate certificate in Energy Policy from the Penn Kleinman Center.

Info/Training Event - Guerilla Grafting

DateSunday, April 19, 2026
Time6 pm – 8:05 pm
Where1900 Rue Le Ber, Montréal, QC H3K 2A4
Tags
Community
Training event at the end of a day-long event focused on learning various skills. The space is behind the main building so you need to walk outside to the left of the main building that faces the street until you see the sign for 'Recyborg'. This event will be similar to the other ones but it would be helpful to brush up on your skills before our spring campaign begins even if you've come before. This may be the last one before we begin doing the real grafting in May. There will be regular meetups throughout May and June but the plan is for none of them to be focused on learning how to do the technique, discussing the concept of guerrilla grafting, the reasons for doing it, etc. Having said that, if you fail to come to even a single training event, you are still welcome at the events in May and June.

Cookout session #1: Recipe Methodology in AI

DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
Time1 pm – 3:30 pm
WhereSpeculative Life EV 10.625
Tags
Community
Many, Many Machine Agencies' Writing Workshop. AI Chantier of the Hexagram Network brings together maker-thinkers whose work spans machine learning, interaction design, and experience design, to create a community of practice through a publication process. Prompting potential contributors with an unusual format, Many, Many Machine Agencies asks for recipes, instructions, or games that centre the problem of agency and interaction and the importance of new kinds of encounters with machines. This edited collection is indeed a kind of a cookbook for engaging critically with machines, and as such, we take inspiration from celebrated cookbook authors, like MFK Fisher, who provide recipes and instructions for dishes, while embedding them in a broader biographical and cultural narrative. This cookout session invites contributors to the AI Chantier publication drive to: Learn more about the recipe methodology and its relevance for engaging with machine agencies and AI, To talk about their writing project (share ingredients) and get feedback, Get a clearer picture about what the publishing process will look like. Prospective authors and those curious about the project are invited to participate. This activity is produced in collaboration with Machine Agencies and Milieux Institute's Speculative Life Cluster as part of the 2026 Interdisciplinary Encounters. To register or for any questions, please contact nicole.debrabandere@gmail.com

5@Tech: We organize ourselves together

DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
Time5 pm – 8 pm
Where4001 Rue Berri, Suite 301, Montréal, QC H2L 4H2
Tags
CommunitySocialDemos
Fourth 5@tech of the year, presented in collaboration with OBORO. Extended lab hours, a chance to meet other members, share your knowledge, and experiment with our equipment in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Recent graduate? Slightly stressed student? Or just someone with opinions? Come give advice, receive it, or simply enjoy good company. No degree required. Open to all – members and non-members welcome! Bring your friends! Please confirm your attendance in advance by email info@ada-x.org

Conversation: Jakob Kudsk Steensen and Daniel Fiset

DateTuesday, April 21, 2026
Time7 pm – 9:05 pm
Where407 Rue Saint-Pierre, Montréal, QC H2Y 2M3
Tags
Community
Conversation between artist Jakob Kudsk Steensen and curator Daniel Fiset

5 à SAT - Inclusive Design

DateWednesday, April 22, 2026
Time5 pm – 8 pm
WhereESPACE SAT
PriceFree
Tags
Community
A 5 à SAT focused on inclusive design bringing together the Living Lab in immersion and the new Department of Design at ÉTS to celebrate the launch of their new collaboration. At the intersection of academic research and field experimentation, this initiative aims to explore, experiment with, and create more accessible and inclusive immersive experiences. This event is intended to be a forum for discussion and bringing together communities affected by this issue. Goal: open up the discussion, get to know you, and discover your projects. RSVP (free) and full feature via the link in the bio.

COMIC JAM Drink 'N' Draw

DateWednesday, April 22, 2026
Time7 pm – 11 pm
WhereStar Bar
Tags
Community
Drawing hangout focused on comics and drawing games. Great way to loosen your hand, get creative, and have fun. Come anytime. Beginners welcome. Paper provided | Bring drawing stuff

The Ghostly Image

DateThursday, April 23, 2026
Time1 pm – 4 pm
WhereMilieuxMake Space EV 10.825
Tags
Community
The third workshop of the 'Reimagining Research' Spring Workshop Series. This workshop will allow participants to re-imagine and transform photographs, digital images and other works through Polaroid emulsion lifts. Exploring the materiality of film and photographic practice, participants will work directly with the image of their choosing, lifting, folding, stretching and tearing it. The process of emulsion lifting briefly reduces the image to a ghostly film to then be bonded to another material such as paper, cardboard, or fabric. This physical manipulation of imagery provides a framework to discuss transparencies/opacities of identity and selfhood, thinking through ideas of disclosure and (mis)recognition. Participants are invited to bring pre-existing digital images that can be printed on Polaroid film, or to take photos on site to experiment with the process. Spaces are limited. Please RSVP to Marc Beaulieu marc.beaulieu@concordia.ca and include within the subject line 'Ghostly Image'.

Artist talk: Paola Pivi and Kanika Anand

DateThursday, April 23, 2026
Time7 pm – 9:05 pm
Where407 Rue Saint-Pierre, Montréal, QC H2Y 2M3
Tags
Community
Artists talk between artist Paola Pivi and Kanika Anand, Senior Curator at Contemporary Calgary

Workshop: The Shape of Odour: Materializing and Digitizing Sensations

DateSaturday, April 25, 2026
Time1 pm – 3:05 pm
WhereAda-x
PriceFree
Tags
Community
This workshop explores the relationship between scents, 3D digital creation, and memory. Participants are invited to interact with different smells and use creative writing as a springboard to "translate" these scents into 3D digital sculptures, either by digitizing clay models or by using the Nomad app on an iPad. These sculptures become archival manifestations of place and smell, whilst simultaneously testifying to the subjectivity and mutability of memory. The event is free, and you can register by emailing mediation@ada-x.org.

April Translation Book Club

DateWednesday, April 29, 2026
Time7 pm – 9 pm
WhereArgo Bookshop, 1841a rue sainte-catherine, Montreal QC
Tags
Community
Join us for our next Translation Book Club meeting to discuss Season of Migration to the North, written by Tayeb Salih and translated by Denys Johnson-Davies. This event is open to all, so feel free to show up if you've read the book and want to talk about it; and if you haven't picked it up yet, but would like to participate, we have copies available in store! After years of study in Europe, the young narrator returns to his village along the Nile in the Sudan in the 1960s. He discovers a stranger among the familiar faces of childhood—the enigmatic Mustafa Sa'eed. Mustafa tells him the story of his own years in London, of his brilliant career as an economist, and of the series of fraught and deadly relationships with European women that led to a terrible public reckoning. Season of Migration to the North is a rich and sensual work of deep honesty and incandescent lyricism. In 2001 it was selected by a panel of Arab writers and critics as the most important Arab novel of the twentieth century. Masks are not required, but will be provided for free at the door. Please contact us at least a day in advance for elevator access to the store.

Clothing Swap

DateThursday, April 30, 2026
Time5 pm – 7 pm
Where1254 Rue Mackay, Montréal, QC H3G 2H4
PriceFree
Tags
Community
Join us for a clothing swap hosted by the Yellow Door Mending Circle. Bring clothes and accessories that are clean and in good condition, and take home a new wardrobe for spring. Find something that doesn't quite fit? You can come back to mending circle in two weeks to tailor or modify it with the help of our wonderful mender, Helen!

Altermode

DateSaturday, May 2, 2026
Time3 pm – 6 pm
WhereCentre de Saint-André (5720 St-André)
Tags
Community
Un événement mensuel où nous réparons, échangeons et repensons nos vêtements. Nourriture et breuvages par Chef Soma, activités pour enfants, venez passer l'après-midi à notre nouveau centre.

Book Talk: Trauma Sensitivity at Work, with Adriana Leigh

DateSaturday, May 2, 2026
Time5 pm – 7 pm
WhereArgo Bookshop, 1841a rue sainte-catherine, Montreal QC
PriceFree
Tags
Community
Join us for a talk with Adriana Leigh about her book, Trauma Sensitivity at Work. Trauma Sensitivity at Work is a clear, compassionate, and practical guide to building cultures of inclusion and safety by addressing an underlying cause of persistent workplace challenges: trauma. Drawing on two decades of global experience in workplace human rights, in leadership, and as a policy advisor—as well as her background as a human rights lawyer and her own healing journey—international changemaker Adriana Leigh demonstrates why trauma sensitivity is a core competency of leadership today and shows you how to cultivate it. Adriana Leigh is an award-winning international consultant and changemaker, and the founder and principal consultant at ALG Consulting. She is a former workplace human rights lawyer turned facilitator, working at the intersection of DEI, gender-based violence and harassment prevention, and psychologically safe workplace systems. She has collaborated with organizations worldwide, including the United Nations, international aid agencies, and both private and public sector entities. Recognized for her transformative work, Adriana has been featured by World Pulse as one of the "21 Women Leaders to Watch" and has received the CREA Global Award. She lives in Montreal, Canada. Masks are not required, but will be provided for free at the door. For elevator access to the store, please contact us at least a day in advance.

Untangle: Une journée de technologie, d'émotions et de résistance

DateFriday, May 8, 2026
Time12:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where7240 Rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2R 1Z3
PriceFree
Tags
Community
Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/untangle-une-journee-de-technologie-demotions-et-de-resistance

Une journée de réflexion alliant discussions et démonstrations autour d'enjeux féministes liés au soin, à la technologie éthique et à l'autonomie numérique. La rencontre s'ouvrira sur un moment d'échange collectif permettant d'explorer les liens entre les projets qui seront présentés et les enjeux portés par le festival. Présentation de Cursors of Care, un projet mené par l'artiste Tricia Enns, qui explore comment de petits gestes créatifs peuvent insuffler du soin et du sens dans nos espaces numériques quotidiens, à travers la création de curseurs et d'icônes pixelisées personnalisés. Atelier animé par Techtechtech sur leur projet To Weave a Web : the Poetics of Opting Out, réunissant les artistes et chercheuses Liane Decary-Chen, Marie LeBlanc Flanagan, Sarah Choukah et Chanel Robin. Elles inviteront à réfléchir aux moyens de se désengager des géants de la technologie et d'imaginer des outils éthiques, durables et centrés sur la communauté. Cet événement est présenté en anglais. Bar sur place lors de la soirée (comptant et carte). Horaire: 12:30 PM – Arrivée des participant·e·s en présentiel; 1:00 – 5:30 PM – Visioconférence (format hybride); 1:00 – 1:30 PM – Cercle de discussion avec les artistes participant·e·s; 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Présentation-démonstration de « Cursors of Care » par Tricia Enns; 2:30 – 5:30 PM – Atelier par Techtechtech; 5:30 – 8:00 PM – Rassemblement: Rencontre avec les artistes (en présentiel seulement); 6:00 – 6:30 PM – Micro-atelier « Construire son propre mini serveur » par Techtechtech.

htmlles - Black Pudding: Collaborative Speculation Workshop

DateMonday, May 11, 2026
Time5 pm – 8 pm
WhereMoving Image Research Lab, 853 Sherbrooke St W, room B55, McCall McBain Building, McGill University
Tags
Community
Black Pudding: Collaborative Speculation Workshop is a hands-on, in-person workshop series designed to offer an accessible and collaborative entry point into the creative re-use of AI. As a point of departure, we use Black Pudding, a research-driven, AI-based project that revisits the lost pornographic animation film Black Pudding (1969) by Nancy Edell. This workshop series now invites participants to collaborate on an AI-based short animation by contributing to a custom dataset of collages inspired by surviving textual materials (film reviews, critics, etc.) written about the film. The workshop series introduces participants to different forms of AI filmmaking tools in a low-pressure and ecologically mindful setting, and asks: what might AI look like if we slowed it down, made it smaller, and used it to make art together?