Join MOCA for the first presentation of the season: Cross Cultural Practice in Contemporary Art with Phan Trúc (Alek).
Phan shares their experience as a newcomer artist, facilitator, and arts worker in Toronto, exploring how traditional art practices can evolve alongside technology and contemporary contexts without letting go of memory, sustainable materials, heritage, and storytelling.
Highlighting the importance of mentorship from organizations like the Toronto Arts Council, Arts Etobicoke, and the Toronto Neighbourhood Arts Network, Phan draws from their experience in the ArtWorksTO Newcomer programme, offering insights into navigating Toronto’s arts ecosystem. The talk also considers how artists can shape cultural policy and contribute to more inclusive, community-driven programming.
The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. This event is free and seating is first come first served. Make a day of it, and sign up for Alek Phan’s silk painting workshop at 1 pm.
About the Artist
Alek Phan is a visual artist and community-based art educator whose socially engaged practice bridges Southeast Asian heritage with contemporary Canadian contexts. Their work explores the intersections of cultural heritage, technology, and the natural world, using cultural totems and symbols as metaphors for time, transformation, and collective memory.
Since arriving in Canada, Phan has developed participatory art projects that transform public spaces, such as projection mapping at Mississauga Central Library, and installations with Arts Etobicoke, Evergreen Brick Works, and Toronto City Hall in 2025. Their practice extends to community storytelling initiatives and digital projects, including workshops at Scadding Court Community Centre and Finn Finds a Way (2024), at Centennial College, an interactive work supporting trans youth.
Phan holds a BA in Cultures and Literature (Vietnam), a Certificate in Cultural Studies (Taiwan), and Postgraduate Certificates in Arts Education and Community Engagement, and Digital Performance (Canada). Their work has been exhibited in Vietnam and Canada, including at Arts Etobicoke, MuseArts, Evergreen Brick Works, and the Etobicoke Civic Art Gallery.
This work was made possible by ArtWorksTO (Newcomer Program), in partnership with Toronto Arts Foundation. ArtWorksTO is a workforce development initiative that provides participants with credentialed education, industry mentorship, and paid work placements to develop practical skills and build professional networks in the media arts industry.
June Community Weekend Schedule
Friday, June 5
5–9 pm: Free Friday Night
Saturday, June 6
11 am: Presentation by Alek Phan
12 pm and 2 pm: Drop-in Tour
1–4 pm: Silk Painting Workshop with Alek Phan*
*There is a $50 fee per person. General Admission to the museum is included. MOCA Members at the Enthusiast level and above are eligible for workshop discounts.
Sunday, June 7
TD Community Sunday:
10 am–5 pm: Free Museum Admission
10 am–3 pm: Drop-in all-ages Workshop
