Workman Arts, a Toronto based multidisciplinary arts organization that promotes a greater understanding of mental health and addiction, hosted their 32nd Annual Rendezvous with Madness Festival this year.
Located in Toronto, Workman Arts works to promote a greater understanding of mental health and addiction issues through creation and presentation. The organization supports artists living with mental health and addiction issues through three pillars: peer-to-peer arts education, public presentations and partnerships with the broader arts community.
Hosted by Workman Arts in the fall of each year, the Rendezvous with Madness Festival taps into each of these pillars, bringing together the work that the organization does year-round into several weeks of public programming that illuminate and investigate the realities and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction.
2024’s tagline, “Shine; Together”, reflects Rendezvous’ aim to illuminate the often unseen and marginalized narratives surrounding mental health, addiction and recovery. Through creative expression, we shine light on these experiences with all of their complexities and nuances, helping us to understand and share them in different ways. The semicolon, a known symbol of suicide prevention, rests in the middle of a simple but powerful phrase. It stands as a symbol of hope during dark and challenging times, reminding us that our stories are not over. We are here, strong together, shining together. There is a light, and the light is us.
Rendezvous with Madness showcases films that center mental health and addiction from Canada and around the world. The festival opened with the film “WaaPaKe (Tomorrow)” by director Dr. Jules Anita Koostachin in collaboration with organizations Shkaabe Makwa, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction and ImagineNative. The festival also collaborated with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival for a shorts program, exploring the theme of ‘In/Visible’.
This year’s centrepiece film, “My Dad’s Tapes”, was directed by Kurtis Watson — a Workman Arts artist member and alum of Workman Arts’ annual IYAM (If You Ask Me) program. For the eighth consecutive year, the program has supported emerging filmmakers with lived mental health and/or addiction experiences to create new short films. These new films were developed from July – September 2024 under the guidance of Robin Riad, along with IYAM alumnus Esteban Powell serving as mentor.
The festival annually features a visual arts exhibition as a component of the festival’s programming. This year’s exhibition, titled “The Looms We Resemble”, featured textile-based works developed by 6 artists in a 6 week train-to-present program led by instructor and artist Jana Ghalayini in collaboration with Workman Arts’ education department.
The education program is one of Workman Arts initiatives to support artists in reaching their creative and professional goals through peer-to-peer art training and professional development. The programs are available to Workman Arts’ artist members; artists who identify as having lived experience with mental health and/or addiction and have applied to join. The organization provides over 500 artist members with free access to programs, studio spaces, resources, and more.
Rendezvous with Madness brings together both artists and audiences to create a platform where the powerful, often overlooked narratives of mental health and addiction can be seen, heard, and discussed. Through its programs, mentorship, and public presentations, Workman Arts helps its artist members bridge the gap between creation and professionalization, empowering them to thrive both artistically and professionally.
Rendezvous with Madness is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strength of those who navigate mental health challenges, offering a vital space where their stories can shine and inspire others.
With thanks to Tai Nguyen, Communications Manager at Workman Arts.