Event Details

Incorporated in 1992, the Iraqi Canadian Society was established to consolidate the bonds of mutual cooperation, assistance and fraternity among members of the Iraqi community residing in Canada. The ICS mandate includes: fostering education, scientific knowledge, technical skills, art and sports abilities; strengthening ties between the Iraqi community and the general Canadian society; respecting democracy and human rights; and introducing Iraqi history and culture to the Canadian society. Programs, services and special events are conducted by a group of dedicated volunteers. Revenue comes mainly from fundraising activities, supplemented by donations and membership fees.

This application is for the “The Iraqi Canadian Festival”, taking place at a variety of venues in Toronto (October 19 to 22) and Ottawa (October 27 to 29). The Iraqi Canadian Festival is an annual festival that celebrates and presents the Iraqi culture, heritage, music, and arts. The Festival includes musical and dance performances, movie/documentary screenings, visual art gallery, book fair, and seminars featuring more than 30 artists of different ethnic backgrounds and minorities. The Festival has traditionally taken place in Toronto but will be expanded to Ottawa for the first time in 2023. Programming will include:

(1) Toronto:

a) Day 1 (October 19): Khashaba performance, Ahmad & Tara Moneka, at the Meadowvale Theatre;

b) Day 2 (October 20): Iraqi music concert, Baidar Al Basiri with accompanying musicians, in the Aga Khan Museum Auditorium;

c) Day 3 (October 21): Workshop about Sumerian cuneiform with Khazaal Al Majidi in the Aga Khan Lapis Lounge; and a presentation about Iraqi Maqam and Santur (musical instrument) history followed by a concert by Mohammad Sajjad in the Aga Khan Museum Auditorium;

d) Day 4 (October 22): Presentation on Mesopotamian fashion, jewelry and Haut Couture followed by a fashion show by Hana Sadiq in the Aga Khan Lapis Lounge; a workshop on arts and spiritual healing and an art exhibition by Faisal Laibi in the Agha Khan Lapis Lounge; and an Iraqi Folk Dance performance Enkidu Troupe in the Agha Khan Auditorium.

(2) Ottawa

a) Day 1 (October 27): Khashaba performance by Ahmad & Tara Moneka at Harold Shenkman Hall; and a visual art exhibition with 14 local Iraqi Artists from Ottawa at the Shenkman Art Centre (October 27-29);

b) Day 2 (October 28): Iraqi music with Baidar Al Basiri at Harold Shenkman Hall; and a workshop about Sumerian cuneiform with Khazaal Al Majidi in the lobby of the Shenkman Art Centre;

c) Day 3 (October 29) Film screening (The Silence of the Shepherd) followed by Q&A with the director Ali Al Kaaby, at the Ottawa Art Gallery; Presentation about Iraqi Maqam and Santur (musical instrument) history followed by a concert by Mohammad Sajjad at the Richcraft Theater; and a book fair featuring Iraqi writers and poets in collaboration with Dari Books and Arabookish in the lobby of the Shenkman Art Centre.