The Convergence Initiative
The Peaceful Brain
The Peaceful Brain was a series of events focused on understanding how hate, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination emerge in our brains and how we can overcome them. Combining artmaking, community support, and neuroscience evidence, we explored ways to tackle those emotions by creating positive experiences around diversity and difference.
We invite you to join us Thursday, March 16th (5 pm to 7 pm) to the Vernissage at the Native Immigrant Gallery for a discussion with the creators and participants of 'The Peaceful Brain'. Come and listen to their experience and stories while having drinks and food.
This exhibit will take place from March 9th to April 2nd, 2023.
Mission
Seeing or thinking about an out-group, or simply someone that looks different than us, can dampen activity in the brain, restricting social cognition and empathy. This deactivation contributes to feelings of dehumanization, seeing the other group as less than human, which in turn leads to an increased risk for violence.
In Skin, we explore how the objectification of color and reason works, and how we can train our brains to reject biased conjectures. Participants were invited to talk and appreciate other skin colors by mixing colors to create different skin tones. Art educators and models from diverse backgrounds will join us for a conversation on diversity, art and representation.
Vision
Our brain operates in a state of alert that can be triggered by the unknown. For example, unfamiliar faces activate the center of fear in the brain, impacting reason, planning, and memory recollection. Fear of the unknown, the unknown individual, the unknown culture, and the unknown idea can trigger on us visceral responses leading to discrimination based on prejudgment.
The Human Library invites you to learn about stories that are unfamiliar to you. Come and chat with a person from another place, with other ideas, other skin colours, and other ages. This activity explores the benefits of human interaction and conversation to dissipate fear and fight discrimination.
Vision
Our brain operates in a state of alert that can be triggered by the unknown. For example, unfamiliar faces activate the center of fear in the brain, impacting reason, planning, and memory recollection. Fear of the unknown, the unknown individual, the unknown culture, and the unknown idea can trigger on us visceral responses leading to discrimination based on prejudgment.
The Human Library invites you to learn about stories that are unfamiliar to you. Come and chat with a person from another place, with other ideas, other skin colours, and other ages. This activity explores the benefits of human interaction and conversation to dissipate fear and fight discrimination.
Mission
When we face an unfamiliar situation, our brain is flooded with signals preparing us to freeze, fly, or fight. That response increases stress hormones which elevate heart rate, breathing frequency, and blood pressure. In the modern world, the rise of these stress hormones are related with increased fear, anxiety, depression, and aggression.
Where Hope Shines explores community, spirituality, and the practice of mindfulness as ways to deal with those stressful responses. Hope can be a remarkable light when everything seems dark. Let's hear how our communities and religions seek hope while we practice different forms of art and mediation.
Vision
Nature and celebration have a profound positive impact on stress, anxiety, and community making. In those instances, the brain produces Oxytocin, a powerful hormone involved in behaviors like trust, attachment and several forms of love. This hormone reduces fear and allows us to take advantage of our relationships with other human beings.
In When the Leaves Leave, we Dance, we will explore nature and collect materials to create beautiful garments to celebrate Fall. While listening to fantastic musicians from different backgrounds, we will share a meal together, with recipes each participant will contribute to a communal table. Then, prepare yourself to show your garments and be part of a photography session in nature.
