What Is: is a multipart performance and discussion series that examines the threads that tie music together. This year’s theme, futurism, examines the complexities of making music for the future, reaching beyond optimism and considering a future that may not promise to be so bright. Join us for What is: Futurism from May 10-13, 2023, as we examine assumptions, probe necessary discourse, and embed our sonic aspirations into the future.

Partnering with Montreal’s MUTEK, as well as Toronto’s Blackhurst Cultural Centre and Inter/Access, we begin with a panel, led by Ange Loft, discussing what sovereignty sounds like for Indigenous musicians. Followed by an evening dedicated to the complexities of the future based on water, with New York’s Bergsonist performing a live electronic set and an a/v performance by Acote and Fezz Stenton. The next day includes an artist talk by graphic novelist Abu Qadim Haqq on his inspirational novel The Book of Drexciya. Lastly, we bring up beloved crew Imbue Detroit to create a day dedicated to sonic futures. 13 artists take over the Music Gallery for a durational a/v concert created to add and sonically embed our dreams in the wooden walls of our home venue, located in a previous Buddhist temple.