We have been so lucky to be able to speak with some truly insightful minds working in the areas of art and humanity. We’re so thrilled to bring these conversations to you via House9’s Art&Humanity Podcast:

Ep. 12: Rubaiyat Hossain

Bangladeshi filmmaker Rubaiyat Hossain joins us for episode 12. In this conversation, among many topics, we discuss the roles occupied by, and often imposed upon, Bangladeshi women across lines of social class—and the constraints and freedoms found therein. Farah and Rubaiyat also get a bit nostalgic about life in the ever-evolving metropolis of Dhaka and their shared histories at Smith College. This is our first full-length episode without Justin Karas behind the interviewer’s mic, but huge thanks to him for continuing the amazing behind-the-scenes post-production work!

Ep. 11: Sophie Paradis

In this episode, we speak with WWF Canada’s Quebec director, Sophie Paradis, on every day approaches to the climate crisis. Speaking with love and empathy, and leading by example, Sophie welcomes challenging conversations over preaching to the converted. She also has an obsession with our city-dwelling animal neighbours—especially raccoons. 

Ep. 10: Maria O’Brian

Maria O’Brien is the Material and Expression Design Leader at IKEA of Sweden. IKEA, of course, is the world’s largest producer and retailer of “semi-disposable Swedish furniture.” (Yes, Generation X made its mark on this writer back in the late-90s.) While affordability and style have always been incentives to shop at IKEA, we know now that semi-disposability is unsustainable. Additionally, many of these items are made in the global south, where the effects of colonialism can colour relationships between local producers and foreign corporations. This is why we’ve been so encouraged by IKEA’s recent sustainability commitments, both ecological and human. In our conversation with Maria, we dig a little deeper into these approaches, and while we’re left saddened by the news that black is the least sustainable colour off-screen, we’re hopeful for a brighter future knowing she’s there.

Ep. 9: Update

After a long break, we resume season 1 of our Art & Humanity podcast, starting with a mini episode explaining what we’ve been up to since March. Thanks for being patient with us. 

Ep. 8: Giovanna Borasi

Giovanna Borasi is the director of the Canadian Centre for Architecture. In this interview, we discuss her upcoming 3-part documentary film series (directed by Daniel Schwartz and produced by the CCA) entitled “What it Takes to Make a Home”, which explores how changing societies, new economic pressures, and increasing population density are affecting the homes of various communities. We also discuss some of the CCA’s past exhibitions and their curatorial work ethos.

Ep. 7: Pamela Hart

In this episode we have the pleasure of sharing our interview with Pamela Hart. Pamela is a sound engineer, educator, musician, songwriter, baker, and thrift hunter among many other things. She has toured the world as a front-of-house sound tech for many different bands, has led workshops on live sound, and led discussion groups about women and non-binary artists in the music industry. Pamela has volunteered for numerous organizations in Montreal including Rock Camp, and has collaborated and toured with many musicians including Mozart’s Sister and Mich Cota.

Ep. 6: Koa Beck

Aside from being one of our heroes, Koa Beck is the former editor-in-chief of Jezebel and co-host of “The #MeToo Memos” on WNYC’s The Takeaway. Previously, she was the Executive Editor of Vogue.com and the Senior Features Editor at MarieClaire.com. During our interview, we cover issues ranging from white feminism as it intersects with capitalism (a topic central to Koa’s upcoming book, “White Feminism”), Indigenous communities in Canada and the delicate notion of territorial acknowledgements. We also talk about whether cats see our hands as part of us, or as separate creatures entirely.

Ep. 5: Cheryl Sim

For our fifth episode, we had the opportunity to interview Cheryl Sim. Cheryl is a multidisciplinary artist, and the Curator and Managing Director at the Phi Foundation. During our interview, we discuss her time at the NFB (ONF) and at various artist run centres, and the ethics of art-making and curating.

Ep. 4: Amie Wright

Amie Wright is the President at the American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table. In this week’s episode, we discuss how comics are a perfect tool for historical learning and cultural understanding.

Ep. 3: Hélène Mercier Brûlotte

(This episode is in french) Dans l’épisode d’aujourd’hui, on s’entretient avec Hélène Mercier Brûlotte, la directrice générale de SHARE NOW à Montréal, auparavant connue sous le nom de car2go. Nous avons discuté avec Hélène de son parcours, de notre attachement à nos véhicules et la manière dont l’art et le design ont soutenu son travail.

Ep. 2: Tranna Wintour

In this episode we speak to Tranna Wintour about her many creative ventures, the importance of releasing your ego, and what it’s like to meet your heroes.

Ep. 1: Introducing House9 Design

In our first episode, we take a moment to discuss House9 Design as a studio, why we decided to make a podcast, and what we hope listeners get out of it.