The Big IDEA: Allyship & Unconscious Bias
February 18, 2024 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
The Big IDEA: Allyship & Unconscious Bias
The Big IDEA: Allyship & Unconscious Bias
To attend this concert, click the button below and reserve a ticket for entry.
Entry for this concert will be at the Victoria Conservatory of Music – 900 Johnson Street.
The Big IDEA: Sharing our music and telling our stories
A series of three events including performances and conversation in creating a more inclusive and equitable music space. These uplifting and informative, faculty forward events focus on the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) through the lens of the vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These events are offered through support from the City of Victoria.
- Sunday, February 18- Allyship & Unconscious Bias
- Sunday, May 5- Hope in 2SLGBTQIA+ community
- Sunday, June 23- Celebrate Pride!
Sunday, February 18- Allyship & Unconscious Bias
This concert event will feature Conservatory faculty as well as 2SLGTBQIA+ allies, performing music celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ composers, arrangers, or performers as well as a chat with two invited guests around the concepts of allyship and unconscious bias.
Musical Performances
- Alexander Richards and Jennifer Mitchell – Painted Brick, Sam Melnick
- Jack Edwards and Jennifer Mitchell – Romance, William Grant Still
- Marsha Elliott-Edwards, Melissa Goodchild, and Jack Edwards – Eclectic Trio, Catherine McMichael
- Wes Carroll and Gabriela Domínguez – Do ya love? Boo Boo Wax, Michael Franti and Carl Young
- Marsha Elliott-Edwards and Richard Volet – Sonata in e minor TWV 40:10, George Frederick Telemann
Conservatory Chat
This Conservatory Chat will focus on the topics of allyship and unconscious (or implicit) bias. Bringing their knowledge and expertise on the subjects, the panel, including special guests Mark Overton-Paszek and JD Derbyshire, will discuss allyship and unconscious/implicit bias with a lens on how to normalize or “deshame” these conversations and the work of understanding our biases so we can be true allies to people from marginalized communities. Audience members will come away with ideas as to how they can check their allyship or biases as well as how to bring these important conversations into their workplaces, homes, and circles of friendship/communities.Special Guest- Mark Overton-Paszek – Bio
Mark Overton-Paszek (he/him) is a passionate and committed leader, and proud member of the queer community. Originally from the unceded lands of the Darug people (known today as Sydney, Australia), Mark is now a citizen of Canada and is immensely grateful to be able to live, work and play on the lands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. As a Senior Consultant at Elevate Consulting, Mark leverages his global experience in strategic, operational, and business development roles to support public, non-profit and private sector organisations across B.C. and Alberta. Mark proudly served Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community as Director of Partnerships on the board of Victoria Pride Society from 2021 to 2023, acting as the key liaison with VPS’s partners and sponsors. Mark is also passionate about music having played piano from a young age and performing in a number of choirs and musicals, to currently learning the cello as an adult. Mark and his husband Tyler can usually be found travelling, building community across the world, and immersing themselves in food, beverage, arts and culture.
Special Guest- JD Derbyshire – Bio
JD Derbyshire is a writer, comedian, mad, activist, performer, playwright, theatre maker, inclusive educator and innovator. In their playwriting, performance and essays, they have tackled some deeply personal and complicated subjects like queerness, gender, confusion, institutionalization, addiction, disability culture and abuse with humility, grace and humour. Learn how to navigate tough feelings and use them to your advantage in your work and life.
Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.