Things Fall Apart is developed with a set of propositions anchored by the question: What can we learn from artists who explore rupture as an ontological tool or a way of understanding? In connection with this guiding question, Allison Glenn collaboratively curated the convening, An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure, which creates space for those who hold and share knowledge, including farmers, growers, musicians, Elders, artists, and more, to exchange and build intersectional and collective ways of understanding.
An Arrival, A Grounding, A Departure is organized with some of the exhibiting artists as well as invited co-curators, and consists of dialogues, performances, meals, and moments of collectivity that engage with six new commissions. Thematically grouped into three puncta, it unfolds over three days across the geographies, people, and ideas that make up the place known as Toronto.
A Grounding brings attendees together around TBA artist Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu’s new commission A Deathless Potential In Remembrance By You, 2026. This permanent public sculpture and garden is located on the grounds of the Scarborough Gurdwara, and the day’s programming, led by Sidhu, will bring together speakers, musicians, Simran, and sangat in the embrace of a living sculpture, through a deathless memory.
Transportation: A complimentary bus will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, departing from near Union Station. Registration for the bus is required. Please ensure you select the bus registration ticket type to secure your spot. All remaining attendees will meet directly at the Scarborough Gurdwara.
Schedule as follows, subject to change:
12 PM: Buses depart from Art Museum at the University of Toronto for registered bus-users
1:00 – 1:30 PM: Buses arrive at Scarborough Gurdwara (food and refreshments available throughout the day in the Langar Hall)
1:30 – 2:15 PM: Artist talk at the sculpture with Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu, Allison Glenn (Curator), and Bhai Harpal Singh
2:15 – 2:45 PM: Ongoing Simran program in the Main Hall
2:45 – 3:30 PM: Musicians Dhadi Jatha Bibi Veerpal Kaur Khalsa perform
3:30 – 4:00 PM: Words and insights from Ranbir Perhar in Punjabi and English
4:00 – 5:30 PM: Honorary speaker Bhai Harpal Singh of Sri Fateh Ghar Sahib speaks in Punjabi (attendees are welcome to stay/leave as they wish)
4:15 PM: Buses depart Scarborough Gurdwara for registered bus-users
5:30 PM: Arrival near Union Station
6-7 PM: Social hour, exact location forthcoming (optional)
7PM: Collective viewing of Andrés Ramírez Gaviria’s Sources (Toronto) on the CN Tower (optional)
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.
Etiquette for visiting the Gurdwara
Guests will be guided to remove their shoes and cover their heads. The artist will provide coverings. Modest clothing is preferred; please avoid hats, sleeveless tops and short skirts. Smoking and drinking are not permitted on the premises.
Thank you for helping us honour and care for this shared space.
This program is free, but registration is required in order to attend.
Presented in partnership with the Scarborough Gurdwara. This program is supported by the Government of Canada.
Image credit: Nirbhai (nep) Singh Sidhu, A Deathless Potential In Remembrance By You, 2026.
Saturday, October 17
12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.
Scarborough Gurdwara · 905 Middlefield Road
Venue details →