Alone Together: Connecting in the City
2012 Community Summit
In this inaugural AV Public Square Community Summit, we explored the issue of civic disconnection and discussed ways of strengthening engagement across community and cultural divides. Over six event packed days, we heard from citizens, artists, librarians, businesses, film makers, and mayors in our region, we learned how youth would create a more connected city, and we celebrated the extra-ordinary people who surround us and work to make our lives better, bringing neighbourhoods and communities together.
Summit Events
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Open Space
A public square is not only a place for AV to engage with the community, it is also a space where individuals and community groups may self-organize. We were excited to offer free open space at our three AV campuses as part of the Alone Together Community Summit.
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Opening Night at the Orpheum!
Where it all began! Featured some of Canada's innovative minds discussing how we can create more connected communities. With special appearances by Bend Sinister and Shane Koyczan.
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Alone Together: Connecting a City with One Voice
The AV Public Square ONE VOICE Music Project is an exciting initiative that harnesses the power of music, media, performance and collaboration to bridge across differences and inspire meaningful connections between (and an appreciation for) our diverse community members.
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Our Voices: Youth Building a Connected City
Designed for youth, by youth, explored issues related to isolation and disconnection while helping develop solutions at this interactive daylong conference.
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Big Ideas for Libraries in Communities
Community spirit thrived at libraries – virtual, cooperative, academic and public! We heard the top ten ideas submitted by community members, on how libraries can contribute to building stronger and more meaningful connections.
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Creating A Connected City: The Role of Business in Addressing Urban Isolation
Metro Vancouver's business leaders discussed the role that the business community plays in building urban connections.
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Lonely in Vancouver | City Conversations
As part of the AV Public Square Community Summit, City Conversations will feature a dialogue on the Vancouver Foundation report on isolation in the region, featuring the foundation’s Catherine Clement, Vice President, Public Engagement and Communications, and Daphne Bramham, award-winning columnist for the Vancouver Sun.
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Urban Conspiracy Cabaret
CBC Debaters Charlie Demers and Richard Side hosted a unique and eclectic night of comedy, music, arts and poetry.
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Rain City Chronicles – Extra Ordinary
An evening of storytelling and music, this event featured extra–ordinary community folks sharing personal reflections on how they have brought their neighborhoods and communities together.
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Alone Together: A Mini Film Festival
Films from across the globe, exploring the issue of isolation in the urban environment, was screened at the Westminster Savings Credit Union AV Surrey Theater for the Alone Together Film Festival.
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Reports and Resources
In the News
— Gail Johnson, The Georgia Straight (September 11, 2012)
— Charlie Smith, The Georgia Straight (June 20, 2012)
Opening a Public Square: AV closes gap in “disconnected” community — Andrew Petter, The Vancouver Sun (June 18, 2012)
Blog Posts
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Oct 21, 2013
Why Do We Stay Unconnected?
Novia Shih-Shan Chen, PhD Candidate, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, AV; Assistant Festival Director, AV Public Square Alone Together Film Festival
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Nov 30, 2012
Seeking and sharing the intercultural histories of Vancouver; view to the past, guide for the future
Naveen Girn
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Nov 14, 2012
The role of business in creating resilient cities: Why community relationships are worth it
James Yang
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Sep 18, 2012
Connecting a City with One Voice
Sarah Van Borek
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Aug 25, 2012
The search for the modern “third place".
Bob Ransford