Leading while Remembering Series spotlights 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act

MARKHAM, ON – August 1, 2023 – The City of Markham is pleased to launch the new Leading while Remembering series. Through this initiative, Markham’s three cultural venues, Varley Art Gallery, Markham Museum and Flato Markham Theatre, will present to the community a collection of activations and exhibits that have a common theme and message. As we move forward on the City’s journey of diversity and inclusion, it’s important to acknowledge the past, honour the present, and move forward to a brighter future.

2023/2024 Leading while Remembering series

From May 2023 to February 2024, Markham’s three culture properties mark the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act with special exhibits and presentations in partnership with local community groups.

Ranging from the historical to the modern, Varley Art Gallery, Markham Museum and Flato Markham Theatre will offer visitors insight into the experiences, contributions and perseverance of the Chinese-Canadian community.

“I encourage the community to experience the very impactful Leading while Remembering series,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, it was the culmination of decades of mistreatment of the Chinese. It’s important that we remember and learn about these dark chapters in our history, so it never happens again and we can truly value how far we have come as a nation. The City of Markham is proud of the rich history and contributions of the Chinese community. Thank you Flato Markham Theatre, Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery, partners and local community groups for creating this showcase together.”

Varley Art Gallery - May 13 (Now) to September 5, 2023
Exhibit: Longing Belonging, 100 Years 100 Stories

Longing Belonging, 100 Years 100 Stories, a community engagement project and exhibition organized by the collective Long Time No See (LTNS), tackles Canada's troubled colonialist history by marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. LTNS members engaged with local Markham communities, interviewing and photographing people in spaces that elicited sentiments of belonging, and gathering images and stories to be presented in the gallery.

Markham Museum - September 28, 2023 to Lunar New Year, 2024
Exhibit: Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community

A joint project with community partners, York Region District School Board Museum & Archives and students from the University of Toronto's Museum Studies program. This exhibition explores the history of Chinese immigration to York Region.

Flato Markham Theatre - October 3, 2023 (one night only)
Movie: The Last Stitch with talk back by Director, A.H. Sung

Born to a family of tailors, Tommy Sung grew up in the trade. When his father died, he and his wife Connie took over the family business. In 1996, facing the imminent handover of Hong Kong to China, the couple decided to emigrate to Canada. There, they successfully rebuilt their business making traditional Chinese cheongsam. Twenty years later, they’re ready to retire. But what are the skills that have been handed down in their family for three generations?

This story takes us from Shanghai to Hong Kong and Toronto, reflecting the history of the Chinese diaspora as well as the rise and fall of traditional craftsmanship.

In celebration of this series, every time residents attend a Leading while Remembering activity, they can earn an entry into a prize draw. Look for a QR code at each site and complete the ballot. The more you attend, the greater the chance to win a prize. Prizes include theatre tickets, admission passes, art kits and more.

Learn more: markham.ca/LeadingWhileRemembering.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: 
media@markham.ca.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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