RUBIX 2023 brings together thought leaders from across the creative fields to explore and innovate
Faculty members and researchers from across The Creative School came together to present their innovative and future-thinking research ideas at RUBIX 2023. RUBIX is an annual exhibition, symposium, and showcase event that celebrates the scholarly, research, and creative (SRC) activities within The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. Every year, RUBIX brings together brilliant minds and thought leaders from across the fields of media, design, and creative industries to explore, innovate, and impact the world we live in.
A recap of RUBIX 2023. Video by Aya Elmeligy
This year, RUBIX took place entirely in-person at The Catalyst, complete with a full day of programming, including live installations, multiple rounds of PechaKucha presentations and a keynote speech by Natalie Loveless (external link, opens in new window) , Professor of Contemporary Art at the University of Alberta. Showcasing the work of over 30 faculty members across The Creative School, participants shared their work ranging from sustainability to Digital Asset Management to creating virtuosic costumes and more.
RUBIX brings together educators, researchers and innovators to showcase their work. Photo by Qais Pasha
RUBIX 2023 took place in-person with a full day event at The Catalyst. Photo by Akos Katona
Beginning with opening remarks, Associate Dean of SRC Natalie Alvarez, Saagajiwe Director Michael Doxtater, TMU President Mohamed Lachemi, VP of Research and Innovation Steven Liss and Dean Charles Falzon welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of SRC initiatives at The Creative School and the University at large.
Following a land acknowledgement by Doxtater, President Lachemi shared his insights into the innovative nature of RUBIX.
TMU President Mohamed Lachemi reflected on the impact of RUBIX on the university. Photo by Akos Katona
“Here at TMU, we are always trying to forge opportunities for researchers, staff and faculty, to think creatively and actively create solutions to global challenges, because the world is in need of solutions,” he said. “There's no better example of this than The Creative School, because this faculty defines and encourages out-of-the-box thinking to contribute to our community. All of you are playing a vital role in lifting our university to new levels of success.”
Showcasing SRC initiatives at RUBIX
Dean Charles Falzon credited faculty members for constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to push the boundaries of creativity and technology.
“RUBIX is not just a place to display what we're all doing, rather it's a place to share and think, push and motivate, and stimulate,” he said. “The dynamic of what we do is a combination of research, scholarship, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, changing narratives, and connecting with the world in new ways.”
Associate Dean of SRC Natalie Alvarez welcomed faculty members and participants to RUBIX. Photo by Akos Katona
Associate Dean of SRC, Dr. Natalie Alvarez, also emphasizes the way that faculty members at The Creative School continue to bridge theory and practice and reimagine new ways of conducting research.
“We're in a faculty that fosters knowledge and because of that, we’re able to witness the kind of creativity and innovation that is born out of the synthesis of theory and practice,” said Dr. Alvarez. “We can now understand practice as research as well.”
Books and installations on display
Every year, faculty from The Creative School publish a wide range of books. As part of the in-person installation tour, an impressive display of over 24 books published provided a snapshot into the incredible work of faculty, with topics ranging from Latin performance to Black masculinity to digital fabrication. These authors are just a small subset of all authors at The Creative School.
Natalie Loveless, Professor of Contemporary Art at the University of Alberta, was the keynote speaker at RUBIX. Photo by Akos Katona
Faculty members also had the opportunity to participate in a live installation walk-through to showcase their creative research projects.
RUBIX showcased the books and publications that researchers from The Creative School have released. Photo by Qais Pasha
Race against the clock
To finish off the event, 15 faculty members participated in three rounds of Pecha Kuchas. Each researcher presented 20 slides about their innovative research with only 20 seconds allotted for each slide. The fast-paced style of presentations allowed for exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds of ideas to be shared with colleagues. Researchers from across the faculty shared their projects on creativity, performance, music programming, costume making, biodegradable and sustainable packaging, journalism live-performance, archival approaches to Trans studies and more. The range of topics heavily demonstrated the distinct and vibrant culture of scholarly research and creative (SRC) activities at The Creative School.
To read about the full list of projects and to learn more about this year’s RUBIX exhibition, visit the website
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.