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CSI Regent Park- What’s Next? Fest
By Deborah Arellano
Deborah is a Cooperative student at FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE
On February 3rd, 2023, the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) announced the closure of the CSI Communal living room after almost a year of its operations beginning in March 2022.
On Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, CSI brought the Regent Park community together for a celebratory farewell party to reflect on the work they have accomplished during their time within Regent Park.
A year after the CSI Living Room opening, the project has skyrocketed with success in their communal aspects unfortunately, CSI has faced many issues regarding the continuation of the project economically. Sadly, the consequences of inadequate funding led to the closing of the CSI Community Living Room.
The CSI Living Room was a community experiment located on the first floor of the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre in Regent Park, and was designed to inspire and build community wealth in Regent Park. The Community Living Room offered many opportunities for community members, like a communal event space, a financial platform for entrepreneurial development, while offering initiatives for local residents the space allowed participants to flourish.
With great appreciation towards Regent Park and its residents, the CSI’s farewell event highlighted and recognized the everlasting impact of CSI in the Regent Park community.
Denise Soueidan- O’leary the Director of Projects and Partnerships, and Tonya Surman Chief Executive Officer (CEO) co-hosted the event while sharing their vision for the future, and continuing opportunities for community success as they conclude this chapter in Regent Park. They were supported in their visioneering by Kristyn Wong Tam, a Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario (MPP) for the Toronto Centre
The Snooky Tymes band provided upbeat music for the event and a Dream Machine (art installation) that represents CSI’s dreams was prominently displayed at the event.
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FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1990 to counter negative media stereotypes of low income communities and provide relevant information to residents living in the Regent Park area and surrounding communities.
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