Pecha Kucha Night 19 | Recap
Last night a crowd braved the wind, cold and chance of thunderstorms to attend PKN 19, which was held in Churchill Square to the sound of City Hall’s bells and the downtown buzz. The first official event of NextGen Month was hosted by Jeff Chase and Jodi Goebel who filled the stage with energy and laughter, and the audience was also treated to a few words of introduction by Mayor Iveson.
David Rauch kicked things off with a presentation about some of the colourful pianos you may have seen around the city for his #OpenPianoYeg project. (A brief request – if it is raining and you see a Popup Piano that is vulnerable to the elements; please cover it with one of the provided tarps!)
Jason Darrah urged Edmontonians to allow our government room to try new things. Innovation and public engagement go hand and hand, and they only work when everyone is involved.
Michael Ross, of zombie survival fame showed us how “enginerding” can touch all aspects of quotidian life and as an area of study is open to anyone with “an unhealthy sense of curiosity”
Chris Floden, winner of NextGen’s Dark MAEAT event and founding member of Yegbees spoke to the crowd about Colony Collapse Disorder, the negative impact that reduced pollination has on food production and the role of urban beekeeping in communities. Attend one of the Yegbees field days to learn more.
Wrestling as modern myth? We’re all believers now after listening to Mike Kendrick’s argument that this typically perceived low-brow sport pits good against evil and reflects cultural values as a present day morality play.
On the flip side, Omar Reyes discussed the importance of silence in our lives, something that is increasingly rare and he purports, we increasingly need.
Ian O’Donnell gave a resounding message against complacency, and highlighted architectural projects that reflect earnestness in design
Peter Woytiuk took us through his past year as an EV owner in Edmonton. We heard an objective and balanced review of driving an electric car in this winter city (it will still work in -30 degree weather!) and expressed his hope that the conversation surrounding electric vehicles will continue.
Nola Kilmartin painted a beautiful picture of what public space can look like and how to make common cityscape sights like parking garages and intersections into works of art.
And to wrap up, Blue Knox shared her personal journey which has brought her to value smallness and locality in civic action.
It was an informative and entertaining evening and we can’t wait to see what the rest of NextGen Month holds!
Photography by David Rauch
