Arts & Heritage
McMaster contributes to the arts in many ways, including performances on campus that are open to the public. The university also delivers several projects that record and preserve intangible cultural heritage, in particular Indigenous languages and cultures and cultures of displaced communities.
Performing Arts
McMaster School of the Arts
The School of the Arts (SOTA) offers intensive programs in iArts (Integrated Arts), Studio Art, Art History, Music & Music Cognition, and Theatre & Film Studies. This includes dozens of ensemble and individual performances every year. SOTA Events span multiple dates and are open to the public, free of charge.
McMaster University’s music ensembles are resuming live concerts at the L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, presenting 5 large-scale performances from November 27 to December 6, 2022. These concerts, featuring the symphony orchestra, jazz orchestra, choirs, concert band, and flute ensemble, will explore various themes and music from different periods and regions.
Founded in 1983, McMaster Musical Theatre (MMT) has evolved into a prominent part of both McMaster University and the Hamilton theatre community, known for delivering professional-caliber productions. MMT focuses on creating a supportive environment for artistic growth and community engagement, drawing together diverse teams of volunteers and attracting passionate audiences. GREASE is one of MMT’s largest productions in collaboration with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
The McMaster Percussion Ensemble, comprising students from various disciplines with an interest in percussion, explores a diverse range of repertoire including drum trios and innovative percussive works. The ensemble performs both on-campus concerts and notable off-campus events, such as the Ontario “Day of Percussion” festivals in 2019 (Toronto) and 2020 (Ottawa). Performances are broadcasted to YouTube, with over 10 events in 2022.
LiveLab
The LiveLab is a 106-seat research-based performance theatre and testing centre. The LIVELab is committed to developing a world class facility for the scientific study of music, sound, and movement and their importance in human development and human health. The lab has hosted a wide range of performers from across Canada and beyond.
McMaster Concert Hall
McMaster’s Concert Hall, located in the L.R. Wilson Hall, features a pleasant acoustic environment and facilities that allow it to also be an excellent conference venue. Seating 347 with 4 additional dedicated accessible seats, the venue has become the primary location for high profile university events, including conferences, keynote speakers, theatrical and musical performances and film screenings. The Concert Hall is home to the McMaster Chamber Ensemble, McMaster Concert Band, McMaster Percussion Ensemble, McMaster University Choir and Cantemus Vocal Ensemble.
The Faculty of Humanities is pleased to welcome back the Brott Music Festival to McMaster University! Join us on Thursday, July 28th for “New Theatre, New World,” an evening of music as performed by The National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO) under the direction of conductor Alain Trudel and featuring world-renowned concert pianist Valerie Tryon.
The Lyons Family Studio
The black box theatre at McMaster University’s L.R. Wilson Hall has been renamed the Lyons Family Studio, honoring Margaret and Ed Lyons’ philanthropic contributions. Their estate’s generous gift supports the Studio and establishes a scholarship for performing arts students. The versatile studio, equipped for performances and research, reflects the Lyons’ longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression at McMaster.
Other Performances
- (July 2022)
- (Zoom performance by one of our artists in residence last year, December 2022)
- (this event featured student performers throughout its run)
- (McMaster Gospel Choir performance, 2022)
- (concert band performance, spring 2023)
- (choir spring performance, spring 2023)
- (Women Life Freedom concert in the LR Wilson Concert Hall March 2023)
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Local/Regional Heritage
SUMMA 2023, titled “Where We Intersect: Identities, Environments, Activisms,” is a graduating exhibition at the McMaster Museum of Art, showcasing the works of the McMaster University Bachelor of Fine Arts class of 2023 from April 6 to April 28, 2022. Curated by Mosa McNeilly, it features a diverse range of artistic explorations by undergraduate students, reflecting on themes like the global pandemic, violence, environmental issues, and resilience. McNeilly, known for her work focusing on social justice, cultural reclamation, and Black community wellness, brings a unique perspective to the exhibition, emphasizing themes of memory, memorialization, and Black female empowerment.
2SLGBTQ+ local history
McMaster students are working to preserve and curate a collection from the late local 2SLGBTQ+ advocate and Hamilton, Ont., resident, Michael Johnstone.
National Heritage
Indigenous Graduation Ceremony
The first in-person Indigenous graduation ceremony at McMaster University in years was held recently, celebrating the achievements of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other students who were the first cohort of the new Indigenous Studies Program. Organized by Indigenous Student Services, the event featured a warm, family-like atmosphere with multiple generations, including Elders in Residence Renee Thomas-Hill and Kathy Knott. Highlights included remarks from Chancellor Santee Smith and Elder Renee Thomas-Hill, stressing the importance of community and lifelong learning.
Language research
Ivona Ku?erová, associate professor of Linguistics and Languages and the Director of McMaster’s Centre of Advanced Research in Experimental and Applied Linguistics (ARiEAL), is launching a two-year project that will use lullabies and other forms of infant-oriented speech — like cooing and “baby talk” — as a way of revitalizing Indigenous languages in communities in southern Canada.
The project will encourage elders to pass down their knowledge of Indigenous lullabies to younger mothers and other primary caregivers in their communities — many of whom don’t speak their Indigenous language.
Basil H. Johnston Archives added to UNESCO Canada Memory of the World Register
The Basil H. Johnston Archives at McMaster University are now part of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO Canada Memory of the World Register.
Johnston (1929-2015) was an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) author, linguist, and teacher. Widely considered one of the leading North American Indigenous authors of the 20th century, he wrote about Anishinaabe traditions, language, and modern life.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
McMaster University is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, with a week of events and educational programming focused on the history and impacts of Canada’s residential school system. Activities include a book club, a film screening, a mural unveiling, and various speakers and presentations, all aimed at fostering understanding and honoring the experiences of Indigenous communities affected by residential schools.
Indigenous-focused performances
This year’s Faculty of Humanities’ Fall Major Production, which is staged each year by students from across campus who are in the School of the Arts’ THTRFLM 3S06 class, was a new piece, created and developed from work done in three Theatre and Film Studies classes and directed by professor Peter Cockett and School of the Arts’ artist-in-residence Cole Alvis, who is a Two-Spirit Michif theatre artist based in Tkarón:to.
Kontatewenní:yos ne Tyonathonwí:sen (the women are free) was an exploration of Indigenous sovereignty, aspects of colonialism and environmental sustainability, and used indoor and outdoor locations around campus to present short scenes that dealt with water and treaty rights, land use, institutional abuse, immigration, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Every year, McMaster University celebrates the vibrant and colorful festival of Diwali, bringing together students, faculty, and the wider community to honor the “Festival of Lights.” This annual event, rich in cultural performances, traditional Indian cuisine, and illuminating decorations, reflects the university’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusivity, providing a platform for sharing and enjoying the heritage and traditions of Diwali.
Canadian culture (national)
The Future of Canada Project is supported by a generous $5-million gift from Chancellor Emeritus L. R. “Red” Wilson ’62. It was founded in 2020 as a three-year pilot project, with a goal to better understand the issues and opportunities facing Canada.
Led by McMaster University President David Farrar and a governance committee, the Project is also guided by a group of Canadian trailblazers that form the Council. The Council provides insight into Canada’s current needs and amplifies projects’ impact by reaching new stakeholders, including policy makers, business and community leaders, and the public.
Black History Month
McMaster University’s Black History Month celebrations begin with a full-day Black Expo on February 1, featuring Black-owned business vendors, steelpan music, spoken word poetry, and a digital art exhibition. Organized by the Black History Month Planning Committee, the event aims to highlight Black excellence and includes guest speakers, performances, and an art exhibit that narrates key moments in Black history to inspire innovative thinking and acknowledge past achievements.
McMaster University’s inaugural Black Graduation Celebration, scheduled for June 13, 2022, is set to honor Black students from the Class of 2022, featuring a formal ceremony and reception at L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, with collaborative efforts from various university departments and student associations.
Displaced Communities
McMaster Linguistics Research Centre Launches Visiting Scholar Program for Displaced Ukrainian Academics
McMaster University’s Centre for Advanced Research in Experimental and Applied Linguistics has created a visiting researcher program for displaced scholars, with Ukrainian linguistics doctoral student Olga Dvorovabeing the first to benefit from this initiative. The program, initially planned to host scholars from various countries for the summer, quickly adapted to include Ukrainian scholars affected by the war, offering them opportunities to continue their research and collaborate with the McMaster community. The success of this program has led to the welcoming of three additional Ukrainian scholars, with the aim of creating a more globalized and diverse research environment and fostering new research collaborations.
Writer-in-residence program: Special focus on displaced communities
Ukrainian resident Kateryna Babkina is this year’s International Writer in E-Residence – a new program that has been funded by the McMaster Provost, McMaster Library, Hamilton Public Library and Faculty of Humanities.
“We wanted to help a writer during a time of displacement because of the war,” says Daniel Coleman, professor of English and Cultural Studies who oversees the writers in residence program.