Let's Build a Collective Memory of Chinatown opening reception

Join us on Thursday, December 12 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm as we celebrate the opening of Let's Build a Collective Memory of Chinatown!

Through intergenerational storytelling with more than 200 community members, we invite you to explore how shared memory, imagination, and co-design can build community power. “Cold” memories anchor Chinatown in its legacy of anti-displacement organizing and mutual aid traditions. “Hot” memories celebrate Chinatown as an everyday, dynamic, and active space. Together, these memories honour Chinatown’s past while reminding us that Chinatown’s story is still being written every day.

Interactive co-maps of Toronto’s Chinatowns weave personal stories with collective hopes for the neighbourhood's future. Co-design models reimagine present-day spaces while honouring Chinatown’s history of placekeeping. Architectural models use archival documents to reconstruct displaced landmarks, igniting old memories and new possibilities.

Featuring work by Samira El Badaui, Kayla Estacio, Lana Dang, Cindy He, Jenny Hu, Khadeejah Kazi, Avory Lai, Alisa Lau, Jhony Li Feng, Tina Lin, Nathan Man, Areeba Saleem, Derek Shin, Jacquelyne Jane Villaspin. 

Co-designed with Eva Chu, Christie Carrière, Bryan Hong, Sharon Hong, Phyllis Lam, Chiyi Tam, Shulan Tien, Beryl Tsang, Julie Wang, Angela Wang, Amy Wang, Eric Wang, Wendy Yang and Linda Zhang.