The Jamii Hub

The Jamii Hub Jamii is an arts organization based in the Esplanade, Toronto. Arts org committed to enhancing social cohesion within The Esplanade & beyond.

Our vision is to enhance togetherness within the communities we engage through creative experiences, arts events and workshops with, for and by the people of the Esplanade and beyond! Recipient of the 2020 Community Arts Award by Toronto Arts Foundation

12/12/2025

8,000 visits to The Jamii Hub.
Over 400 workshops.
More than 30 events.

2025 was another year full of shared memories at Jamii’s whimsical world. We can’t wait to share what we accomplished together.

Subscribe to our enewsletter now to receive Jamii’s 2025-in-Review in your inbox on Tuesday, December 16. www.jamii.ca/subscribe

12/12/2025

Sewing Studio Series is back and this time, with costume designer and artist Diséiye Thompson! Tickets: https://www.jamii.ca/special-events/sewing-studio-series-january2026

January 11 – Beginners
Make a patchwork denim tote bag while learning how to thread and operate a sewing machine, practise foundational stitches, and follow a simple pattern. No experience needed.

January 25 – Advanced Beginners
Take on a wearable kimono project. You’ll review the basics, work from a full pattern, assemble the garment, and focus on clean finishing touches. Prior sewing experience required.

Each session runs from 10am to 3:30pm, with a lunch break at 12:30pm.

Cost: $150 per workshop. Your payment includes a $75 donation that directly supports Jamii’s free arts programs and is eligible for a tax receipt.

Location: The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade.

Sessions are capped at 10 participants. All materials are provided, and each person has their own sewing machine.

Register now! https://www.jamii.ca/special-events/sewing-studio-series-january2026

12/11/2025

September to November, a group of older adults from our neighbourhood learned how to play ukelele through ten weeks of ukulele workshops with musician Santiago Herrera. Learning to read music and play new chords has stretched everyone’s minds and spirits in the best way.
 
With patience and laughter, the group worked on Que Sera Sera and Silent Night. Listen to a part of the Silent Night in this reel!
 
Workshops were made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor. With their support, the group proved once again at The Jamii Hub that it’s never too late to learn, create, and connect through music. 💛
 

12/10/2025

There are moments that stay with us. Warm like memory and alive like movement. When Vrunda tells us she began dancing at five years old in Baroda, you can feel the start of something lifelong. Indian classical dance became her rhythm. A thread she carried across continents to Canada where diversity asks us to listen to one another with care.

Through Jamii’s Emerging Artists program supported by the RBC Foundation Emerging Artist program, Vrunda explored what it means to evolve tradition without losing where it comes from. Classical roots opening into contemporary shapes. Collaboration unfolding between poetry and dance. Asia represented through stories of the Philippines and India. Nova guiding gently. Children watching, eyes wide, realizing this kind of movement exists too.

Her video holds that feeling. Growth. Trust. Culture shared gently into young hands that have never seen it before. A step forward that keeps echoing long after the stage quiets.

Produced by Jamii Esplanade
Artist: Vrunda Upadhyay
Project Director: Isorine Marc
Filmmaker & Editor: Laura Dittmann
Supported by RBC Foundation Emerging Artist Program

Jamii’s Emerging Artist program uplifts young artists through mentorship, collaboration, and community grounded practice.

On November 28, we hosted our third Bingo Night and it ended up being one of those evenings where people enjoyed being t...
12/10/2025

On November 28, we hosted our third Bingo Night and it ended up being one of those evenings where people enjoyed being together. Aline Morales brought her humour and warmth to every round, and Nesrin supported the night with the same steady kindness and support she brings to all her volunteer work. Serenity Kitchen shared food with us and it definitely was a bonus in between games.
 
With everyone’s support, we raised almost $1,000 for Jamii’s 2026 programming. We are grateful for every person who showed up, played a few rounds, donated a prize, or simply added to the atmosphere. These events remind us that it’s not just the fundraising goal. It’s the small moments in between like the smiles, the shared jokes, the feeling that we’re building something together while having fun.
 
Thank you to our supporters for gifting prizes: Demetres , TIFF , Théâtre Français de Toronto , Untitled Hair Salon , Roselle Desserts , Stephen Targett, Cobs Bread St Lawrence , and Laura Dittmann .
 
If you were not able to attend this time, we hope you can join us at a future Bingo Night!

Last summer, two youth from the Esplanade community had the special opportunity to attend the Summer Architecture & Sust...
12/09/2025

Last summer, two youth from the Esplanade community had the special opportunity to attend the Summer Architecture & Sustainability Camp for Youth, presented by The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and No.9 - at no cost. We are deeply grateful to The Power Plant for making this possible and opening meaningful creative pathways for young people in our neighborhood.
 
Throughout the week-long camp, participants explored Toronto’s waterfront, learned about sustainable city-building, and worked hands-on with artists and architectural designers to imagine more environmentally responsible communities. The program encouraged creativity, curiosity, and a sense of belonging — and the experience left a lasting impression.
 
Dario shared:
“I got to meet a lot of new people, and everyone was very kind. The environment was really interesting. My favorite part was the arts and crafts, and I also learned so many new things, like urban architecture and aquaculture. I learned a lot about the environment and sustainability too. I really enjoyed sitting in the sun during lunch, watching the big boats and planes pass by, and going on walks with the group. Thank you for helping me have such a wonderful summer!”
​
And from Feras’ parent, Ghader Bsmar:
“Thank you for giving my son the opportunity to join the camp. Feras had a wonderful experience exploring art and creativity. He discovered Toronto’s waterfront for the first time and was so inspired that he took me and his little brother to show us how beautiful it is. He even wished his high school was closer to the water! Thank you for providing such a memorable and enriching experience.”
​
We are proud of Dario and Feras for diving into this learning journey with curiosity and enthusiasm - and we extend our heartfelt thanks to The Power Plant, a contemporary art gallery known for showcasing innovative work by Canadian and international artists. Their ongoing commitment to youth arts education and community partnerships is invaluable.
 
We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years to come.

12/08/2025

It’s coming!!! Save the date and subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive it to your inbox! Link in bio 💥

THE LITTLE ESPLANDE | It’s been a year since we unveiled the first phase of The Little Esplanade, proudly displayed in f...
12/08/2025

THE LITTLE ESPLANDE | It’s been a year since we unveiled the first phase of The Little Esplanade, proudly displayed in front of The Jamii Hub. Over the past year, our community has been busy building the second phase and we are excited to share that it is now complete and ready for its debut.

This new section stretches from Princess St to Frederick St, featuring 15 Scadding, Time and Space Condos, 176 The Esplanade, the baseball diamond and the beloved dog park, where you might even spot our barker Omelette , in David Crombie Park!
 
In the weeks ahead, take a stroll by The Jamii Hub and have a look at what neighbours of all ages have created together!

12/04/2025

Got a crafty friend who keeps saying they want to learn to sew?

Gift them a spot in our beginner workshop on Jan 11 and they’ll leave with a denim tote bag they made from scratch!

Led by Toronto costume designer and artist Diséiye Thompson , this workshop is hands-on, creative, and beginner-friendly.

$150 | 10 spots only | Get them a ticket now at https://www.jamii.ca/event-details/sewingstudioseries-beginners-jan11-2025

A gift you’ll actually want to brag about!

12/02/2025

Earlier in October, Jamii travelled to Pikangikum First Nation with artists Aline Morales and Ana Higuera. In this short recap, Isorine Marc , Jamii’s Alchemist, reflects on the visit and what it meant for the community.

Video portraits from the October 2025 visit are currently in editing and will be shared throughout December and January, so keep an eye out for those stories.

We’re also excited to share that Jamii will be returning to Pikangikum in January 2026. Program details will be shared once confirmed.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario, the JP Bickell Foundation, and our private donors for their continued support.

BELONGING - VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS | In October, we tried something new at The Jamii Hub - a visual arts technique we’ve ...
12/01/2025

BELONGING - VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS | In October, we tried something new at The Jamii Hub - a visual arts technique we’ve never explored to this level before!

Artist Yasir Hameed taught our older adults how to paint with oil pastels. Participants experimented with both fruit still lifes and landscapes - it was challenging, but the results are beautiful.
 
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Yasir Hameed is a Toronto-based artist with a background in Architecture, Urban Planning, and Environmental Studies. His work blends impressionistic and abstract elements to capture the energy of urban life and landscapes. Yasir now works primarily in watercolor and soft pastels, and he’s also a passionate photographer, skilled in both digital and analog techniques.
 
A heartfelt thank-you to the Government of Ontario for supporting our Belonging program - these workshops bring creativity and connection to life every week.

Address

Toronto, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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