Hello from the Internet to our members and extended community!

As Toronto moves into Stage 3 of reopening today, we wanted to give you an update on our plans.

Our board has spent a lot of time this (hot, isolated) summer considering how we do the work we do. Physical space has been so integral to the way we relate to each other, build our community, share our skills and stories and time. Moving in to TMAC and having our very own workshop and studio these last two years let our bonds take even deeper root and allowed us to dream and stretch. We were so looking forward to spending all of 2020 there with you (we just got that shiny new projector!). But our friendships, collaborations and work we do to care for and support one another have always held more value than walls and a window with our name on it.

Our priority now is to centre that care for our members and organizers, and put our efforts into initiatives that do not necessitate being in the same physical space. We see no reason to rush or to put you at risk by inviting you back to 32 Lisgar Street, so we have made the decision to definitively close our space through the end of 2020. Only time will make clear the long-term effects of COVID-19, and we have no desire to be pioneers in this truly new world or to signal that we believe it’s safe to gather again. Time is the gift we owe each other now.

As for the how: We’ve been developing a full slate of new programs that will start this fall. We are focused on initiatives that build practical, sustainable alternatives to broken, harmful and inadequate systems. Damage Camp will be back in 2020 with a participatory and action-oriented format addressing this theme and kicking off a year of planting seeds and tending sprouts. 🌱 If you’re ready to build something new – sit tight and stay tuned.

We've been excited by the number of people joining, and the opportunity for folks all over the world to connect with DMG. We’re putting our time into choosing and crafting inclusive tools and platforms that support this expanded membership.

Keep an eye on Twitter and Slack in the coming weeks. We’re looking forward to taking some time with you.

– DMG