House of PainT - UrbanArtFest

Dancers: Meet your HoP x craniumfestival AllStyles Battle judges!
* * * Mystic Rootz & VLove & Slynks * * *
Some longtime HoP faves and a lot of funk in this mix!

Mystic Rootz joins us from Montreal, where he is a member of Symbiotic Monsters and specializes in Popping
🔥
VLove is homegrown Ottawa talent specializes in Hip Hop
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Slynks is an Ottawa bboy, representing Breadcrumbs crew and owner and operator of the Flava Factory dance studio.

You ready?!

Day 3 line up is 🔥🔥🔥 Are you coming for Cranium x HoP 1v1 All Styles Battle and staying for the music?!? Or the other way round?!? No wrong answers here. See you this Saturday!

An event you don't want to miss 🎤🔥👀

CityFolk Slam: A Spoken Word Event Coming to CityFolk this fall, the CityFolk Slam is a go!

So you're looking for that street dance fix?! We got you!! HoP and craniumfestival are bringing you that battle flavor you've been craving at The Main Stage Cranium Festival. Sept. 21.

Get on the Floor with a 1v1 All Style Battle from 2-4 then stay to dance with music from Sadboi, Keysha Freshh, Melo Grifith, Kinash Mtl), Leila Dey, LeFlo Franco, Ashton Forever, Miss McLeod and Fae, and DJ Karyen keeping the vibe flowing into the night.

Dancers - register in advance! Full event details in the comments below.

See you there!

Happening this weekend! Get your tickets! Watch poets compete for 1000$ prize!

What a night! 😍🎤✨🔥

Last week, was crowned the WINNER 👑 of this year's OG500 - his energy and passion making him an audience favourite!

11 talented poets set the .cna stage on fire with thought-provoking and emotive spoken word performances. And the audience was blessed with 's energetic and charismatic hosting abilities, along with the poetic and musical stylings of 😱. Definitely a night to remember.

Let's show these poets some love!!!

NOW: SPIN and top performers will go on to compete at City Slam at , against poets from . Don't miss the event on September 15! Tickets through the CityFolk website.

📸 :

The OG500 is THURSDAY! Meet the amazing poets participating in this year's competition (3/3):

👉🏽 is a student and creative based in Ottawa but, born in the city of Edmonton, Alberta. Known for her story-telling, she uses spoken-word poetry and photography to translate her experiences growing up as a second-generation Nigerian woman in spaces that did not represent her history and that of the people who preceded her. Her work focuses on themes of identity, transformation, and social change as it observes the minuscule details of life we unknowingly miss in a world filled with disinformation and distraction.

👉🏽 is a poet with a rich portfolio in Ottawa's spoken word and performance art scene. Known for her compelling performances in the OG500 competition, she has graced the stage twice, first time at 17 years old, showcasing her skills and stage presence. Her talent has garnered attention beyond the stage, as evidenced by her interview on Alan Neal's "All in a Day" and features in articles highlighting her artistic contributions. Shay has also left her mark in projects like "Pieces Of Us". Adding to her performances, Shay has achieved runner-up status twice at Urban Legends, cementing her reputation as a formidable talent in the poetry community.

👉🏽 writes poems about life, loss, and experiences correlating to such.

👉🏽 is an award winning Guatemalan spoken word artist and slam poetry champ on national, provincial and municipal levels. He is a longtime youth advocate, arts educator, former refugee, proprietor of the One Mic Educators arts enterprise and cofounder of the One Mic Educators open mic collective. He has also paid out thousands of dollars to racialized artists across Turtle Island through the LA3 Raza Open Mic series. SPIN was most recently honoured with the 2021 Arts for Human Rights award in the Established Artist category by the JAYU Film Festival.

*****
Get your tickets ASAP, event details below:
📍 WHERE: National Arts Centre .cna
📅 WHEN: August 29 at 7pm
💲 HOW MUCH: $25 tickets at the link in bio

The OG500 is THURSDAY! Meet the amazing poets participating in this year's competition (2/3):

👉🏽 was born and raised in Nova Scotia. He is a multidisciplinary artist whose journey began with music. Over time, Xavior discovered the power of the pen and the paintbrush, allowing him to express himself in new and profound ways. His passion for writing ignited at the age of 13 when he found that, while people no longer listened, the pen spoke, and the paper always listened. He first slammed at ULPC and was hooked from then on, further fueling his creative drive.

👉🏽 Keshana is a long-time poet with comically neat handwriting. Since entering the spoken word scene in 2014, she has graced stages in Toronto and Ottawa with organizations like Black Like Me, Tell 'Em Girl, Spoken Weird, and BAM Youth Slam. In 2020, her poetry was featured in the The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW)'s Feminist Word Magazine. Keshana mentored young poets at the Ottawa Public Library's YouthSpeak Program for 3 years.

👉🏽 is an Ottawa born English Lit graduate, storyteller, author and poet. She utilizes creativity to reclaim difficult experiences of girlhood, grief, identity, abuse, biracialism, and belonging that promote hope and healing. She placed second at the 2024 Canadian Individual Slam, and represented Ottawa on the Women of the World Poetry Slam stage held in Baltimore. Her self-published collection of work chronicling the loss of her younger brother is set to be re-released in the fall.

👉🏽 is a full time public servant with a longtime passion for poetry. Luna began writing as soon as she discovered perfect rhymes in primary school, only to later in life discover the magic that is spoken word. Her work is inspired by her personal experiences and observed global injustices, which inextricable, form an important part of her identity.

*****
Tickets are going fast so get yours ASAP!
📍 WHERE: National Arts Centre .cna
📅 WHEN: August 29 at 7pm
💲 HOW MUCH: $25 Tickets at the link in bio!

🙌🏽 We're excited to announce the headliner for this year's OG500, Sergio Guerra aka ! 🚨

Sergio is a Salvadorian-born, Ottawa raised Hip-Hop recording artist, producer and writer poetically engaging with the issues around migration, identity formation, memory, and decolonization. The haunting nature of living in exile from a homeland is what imbues Cheko's art with militancy and urgency. His poetic style reflects the time we are living in, times of revolutionary change, for better or for worse.

WIth a long and storied career as a spoken word artist and rapper, having been director of the Urban Legends Poetry Slam, twice as a finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, and has opened for marquee acts like Nas, Illa J, Blackalicious, and hundreds of small to large stages across the country. He was also the winner of the very first OG500 🔥!

He has released several independent albums with groups like Missing LinX and Tapas ( ), and solo projects such as Codebreaker Mixtape (2022), 4 A Time Being EP (2023) and a string of singles in 2024. His Masters Thesis reads a master in "Hauntology, Hip Hop and Diasporic Memory". With the help of a grant from the Council for the Arts, he is currently completing an album entitled, "I Never Left The Mountains", using all live instruments, continuing his artistic exploration of the diasporic memory.
Check out more of his work at: www.countermagik.com

🎫 💸 Remember to get your tickets - this is an event you're not going to want to miss! (Link in bio)

⌛ Applications to the OG500 are closing this Sunday August 11! We'll be reaching out to performers early next week ✨

Hosting the OG500 Poetry Slam is 🥁🥁🥁.... 🙌🏼🔥

We're so excited to have Apollo bringing his knowledge, passion and warmth to the .cna stage as MC again this year! Khaleefa ‘Apollo the Child’ Hamdan is a spoken word poet, hip hop artist, former radio host, youth worker and is the former co director of the - Urban Legends Poetry Collective. Apollo created the free after school youth writing program Youth Speak with the Ottawa Public Library. His cinepoem 'My Hero Drives a Cab' was featured on Button Poetry and he was part of the CBC documentary 'In Their Words'. Apollo has represented Ottawa a total of 9 times nationally. Apollo continues to be an active part of the art scene as he continues to mentor and spread positivity.

Have you applied yet to perform at Ottawa's largest poetry slam on August 29? Applications are closing in a few days. 🚨⏰👀

Link in bio for application details.

Throwback to last year's slam when took home the OG500 for a SECOND TIME. What an amazing night with so many talented poets ✨🔥

We'll be hosting Ottawa's Largest Poetry Slam once again: poets will take the stage to vie for the title at the .cna on August 29 - mark your calendar 📆

In addition to the $500 grand prize, as an added bonus, this year the top poets will then have the opportunity to move on to Slam, a spoken word showcase, co-hosted by CityFolk, House of PainT and on September 15 with an opportunity to win an additional cash prize 😱

🚨 Applications are closing soon for this year's OG500 - have you submitted yours yet?! 👀

Application link in bio, tickets on sale soon 🎫⏰

⏳ OG500 Call for Artists 🚨

Our annual OG500 Poetry Slam is coming up on August 29!

Applications for poets and spoken word artists are now open, with a grand prize of $500 awarded to the winner.

Applications here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJ8wFxqB4zbQlPqli4SqKi2xjQDTJ1YK_0kFjnLkjd3plWAQ/viewform

➡️Tickets on sale soon 👀

- art credit to Kenji Toyoöka

It is with mixed emotions that we announce our Executive Director, Veronica Roy, is stepping down. We want to take a moment to thank Veronica for 5 years of remarkable leadership & to big up their accomplishments at the House of PainT helm.

During their time with us, Veronica presented several unique editions of HoP, implemented programs like HoP in the Hood and Take it to the Streets (taking HoP out from under the bridge and across the city), elaborated an Ottawa mural map and boosted our internal capacity with new resources and improved processes. They developed partnerships with cultural institutions and creative businesses, strengthened ties with youth, francophone and LGBTQIA2S+ communities, and worked to better showcase new-school artists in HoP line-ups, bridging many divides. And they brought together creative & inspiring teams to do this work.

The last few years have been challenging ones for HoP. As many arts organizations struggled to survive COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent fallout, Veronica's steady hand helped us adapt. And, when our 2023 event was cancelled last-minute due to flooding, they pivoted fast & found alternate homes for many elements of the festival, enabling us to come together and celebrate 20 years, despite the challenges. The House of PainT Board recognizes the hard work Veronica has done to hold the organization together at a time when too many others have been forced to close their doors. We applaud them for always putting artists first - finding ways to support even at the most difficult times.

Veronica's dry wit, dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion, love of hip hop, and willingness to push boundaries - socially & artistically, will be missed. We understand that this is the right time for them to step away, though, and wish them all the best in their next endeavours. We look forward to following what they do next and are forever grateful for all they have done for our community. Thank you for everything, Veronica - we ❤️ you!

(And if you're wondering what comes next, please stay tuned! This is a time of transition for HoP & our Board is working to establish a path forward. More updates coming this week!)

https://youtu.be/0Wefi9MCk6c?si=OrhneXJJLuShv7ET

DMC On Adidas, Jam Master Jay, Run-DMC's Impact, Curtis Blow, Untold Stories & More | Drink Champs Join N.O.R.E and DJ EFN as they welcome hip hop legend to . In this episode, DMC dives deep into his journey with Run-D.M.C., from their ear...

REWIND 🛼

A Roller Skating Jam - Volume 1

You requested it, so we REWIND.

~ Fresh since 1998 ~

Saturday January 27, 2024

2PM - 8PM | 9PM - 2AM

*Dance floor available for the non-skaters.

Music by MACE x TREVOR WALKER x KAM x HOUSE OF WAYNE playing the very best in Old School, ‘90s R&B / Hip Hop, ‘90s Dancehall, Early 2000’s, Funk, Rare Grooves, Soulful House and so much more…

From the ones that brought you SOLÉ☀️ The music lovers day party.

Hosted by

Direct ticket link: https://rewindrollerskatingjam.eventbrite.ca/

Tickets: www.Eventbrite.ca

Skate, vibe out, dance, shop and skate some more. 🛼

4 Wheelies Rollerskating Center 🛼

1101 Baxter Rd. Ottawa, On

Hip Hop Food Drive organizer J Morris fundraises for youth centre that supported him as a teen – Apartment613 Justin "J Morris" Gunderson is the organizer and host of the Hip Hop Food Drive for a ninth year. It’s an opportunity to give back during the holidays, but this year it also includes an event paying tribute to a musical genre celebrating 50 years on air waves.

Promoting yourself online can feel grueling.

The ‘Brand Storytelling for Creatives’ workshops is for artists who cringe at the idea of self-promo but also know that, by leveling-up their online presence, their work can reach new heights.

Join Nickie Shobeiry for a 4-part in-person workshop on January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6-8pm EST.

Together, we’ll:
🔍 Identify your unique brand story.
🖊️ Sharpen copywriting skills to transform social media posts.
🗓️ Plan a story-driven promotional campaign.
✨ Build networking skills to bring your brand story to new audiences.

https://www.nickieshobeiry.com/

Call for Visual Artists: Honouring Mario
In Partnership Between Radical Connections and Bruyère

Bruyère and Radical Connections are looking for a Visual Artist to create a permanent public art installation inspired by and bringing honour to Mario Daponte. Bruyère is an academic health care organisation committed to providing compassionate and holistic care, respecting the dignity and diversity of all. Radical Connections links artists of professional calibre with people in care in hospitals, long-term care homes, and those aging in place. In February 2023, Bruyère lost a very special person when Mario Daponte passed away. Mario was the clinical manager for the palliative care unit at Bruyère - and his compassion towards patients and his staff was extraordinary.

The artist would construct indoor and outdoor mosaics on both the Saint Vincent Hospital (SVH) and Elisabeth Bruyère (EB) sites. They would plan the project in collaboration with a small team from Bruyère. Aspects of the project would incorporate direct participation from the community. The project would incorporate textual elements drawn from the words of Mario Daponte.
The artist would need strong knowledge of the construction of permanent public art installations, the desire and capacity to design art work in collaboration with community members, and experience in facilitating community based art-making.

At SVH, a mosaic will be constructed on a cylindrical load-bearing pillar, drawing on the symbolism of the tremendous support Mario gave to the community. Elements of the mosaic will continue from the pillar to the garden where a bench and word art will be placed in his honour. The word art will pick up on themes from Florence Nightingale quotes that capture his ethos.
At EB, the “The Mario Daponte Garden '' will be constructed with a plaque in his honour, continuing the word art from SVH.

The artist will be paid a fee of $10,000, not including materials. Fundraising for the project is underway.

The jury will meet to select an artist in early December and the project will begin in the new year.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send us:
-A letter of interest explaining why you would like to participate in this project and describing similar projects you have completed. (500 words)
-An artist bio detailing your medium, thematic interests, and your experience working in community and/or healthcare contexts and collaborating with other artists. (500 words)
-An Artist Resume 2-3 pages
-A link to your artist website or another site with images of your work.

Submit your application or send questions to: [email protected]

Deadline to Submit: November 30th

We’re really excited for this one! Our first indoor jam since 2019! Our showcase will feature our youth classes presenting a little performance followed by our gift exchange dance battle! The event takes place at Tom Brown arena from 1-3pm. Ask your instructors for more details on the format! Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.735020101999689&type=3

All the albums for this year are up!

Much gratitude to all of our supporters who come out to volunteer their time, services and provide donations so we can keep the festival acccesible for all.

Thank you to those that have donated. Please considering giving what you can. Boosting by sharing or commenting Is appareciated.

You can check out the campaign here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/fundraising/ff10666a-bb3f-4bfa-9abc-298edbf432d9

Behind the scenes with just some of the amazing crew.

You can help us keep the festival accessible to all by donating here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/fundraising/ff10666a-bb3f-4bfa-9abc-298edbf432d9