.jpg)
Join Hart House's Hip Hop Education program as we celebrate the contributions that women have made to Hip Hop culture and its adjacent industries in Canada.
About
Beginning in the mid-to-late 1970s, Hip Hop culture has thrived in neighbourhoods across Canada even as it has been limited in supply on commercial radio, television, and in live entertainment settings. Since its inception, women have figured as key contributors in all areas of Hip Hop culture and its nine elements. And yet, their names have not always rung out as they should have, nor have they always been given the flowers and recognition they deserve for setting trends, evolving the culture’s elements, and being masters of their craft.
To address this gap, Hart House’s Hip Hop Education program has curated “Redefining the Cypher: Women in Canadian Hip Hop” – a two-week exhibit (October 14-31, 2024) focussed on profiling a number of women in Canadian Hip Hop who have helped develop the scene across different cities, generations, and Hip Hop’s many elements. Curated by Dr. Francesca D’Amico-Cuthbert and Zoe Dille, and designed by Cassia Hamilton (graphics) and Maria Vidal Valdespino (portraits), “Redefining the Cypher” intends to draw attention to some of the women who have shaped Canadian Hip Hop culture and continue to push its direction forward – whether as a DJ, emcee, graffiti writer, b-girl, choreographer, performer, producer, or educator.
To celebrate the launch of our exhibit, please join us for our reception where attendees will have the opportunity to network with key women in attendance who helped build the Canadian Hip Hop scene; learn from the curators and artists responsible for the exhibit regarding how the art on display came in to being; and take time to walk through the exhibit that is on display, as well as learn about the accompanying digital display featured on Hart House’s website.
Light refreshments will be served.
