TELL! Us At The UWAG! | Open Mic & Potluck

We’re inviting you to come join us at the University of Waterloo Art Gallery (UWAG) on February 11. We will be hosting TELL! right in the middle of an exhibition focusing on Palestinian-Canadian artist Jude Abu Zaineh.

This night is dedicated to Palestinian voices. We invite you to come share your works, stories, calls to action, or anything you feel like sharing in solidarity with Palestine. We also ask everyone to be considerate of the night’s theme, and to come experience the artwork as well.

Jude’s installation, titled , is a sanctuary that “unfolds like a contemplative space, where patterns repeat across engraved architectural forms, textiles, glass, and wallpaper, enveloping the visitor in a language of visual rhythm and embrace.”

“They carry the emotional weight of Palestinian life under colonial violence while offering a horizon, reminding us that wherever we are, we stand beneath the same celestial canopy.”

Textile will produce a micro-publication in response to this gathering and Jude Abu Zaineh’s installation. TELL! participants, exhibition visitors, and community members engaged in Palestinian solidarity will be invited to contribute creative work — poetry, reflections, photos, visual responses, etc — gathered through the event and beyond, amplifying Palestinian voices and creating a lasting record of this gathering.

The exhibition runs until March 7, 2026. More info about artist Jude Abu Zaineh and her instalation i look to the skies can be found on the UWAG's website.

Many thanks to Textile for initiating this partnership and UWAG for recognizing the exciting potential of all this.

TELL! is MT Space's coffeehouse open-mic style event offering the community an artistic platform to share their works in a casual setting. Whether it’s performances, stories, poetry, or art, we welcome all forms of expression.

We know that art and food bring people together like nothing else. Join us for a potluck! Bring a dish* to share if you can. We'll take care of the plates, napkins and drinks (juice boxes and water).

*Out of consideration for the artwork, bring dry finger foods only. No soups or things requiring cutlery. Please include an ingredients list for any dishes you bring.

Families with small children are also welcomed.

Thinking of performing?* Here's what you need to know:
TELL! is a platform that offers you time and space to share something that you've created, or something you've been working on, like:

• an idea

• a script

• story

• song

• something else!

This event is low/no tech. Bring anything you may need for your performance, including amps for instruments. Use this as an opportunity to get feedback from an engaged audience or simply show us what you've got!

*If you plan on performing, please choose the presenting ticket option when registering.

This event will be photographed and recorded

Be advised that photographs and video may be taken for use on MT Space, Textile, and UWAG web/print materials and shared on social media accounts. By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you would like to attend, but not have your image captured, please connect with us (email [email protected]) or speak with our onsite staff.

Admit Everyone
University of Waterloo Art Gallery
East Campus Hall, Room 1239
519.888.4567 ext. 33575
Website
Facebook
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Contact
Ivan Jurakic, Director/Curator
[email protected]

Hours
Wednesday to Saturday 12 – 5 PM
Or by appointment

Driving
263 Phillip Street, Waterloo
East Campus Hall (ECH) is located adjacent to Engineering 6 (E6)

Click here for Campus map

No Free Parking
Visitor Parking available in B Lot (E6) or Q Lot (EC1)
Pay via AMP mobile app, $7.25 Flat Rate
Search “AMP Park” in app store or scan QR code on parking signs

Click here for Campus Map

Accessibility*
Ground floor entry. Wide pathways. Automated doors available at the west entrance to Fine Arts (East Campus Hall). Accessible washrooms on ground level.

*You can also email us with any other accommodation requests at [email protected].

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