Issue 84 | July/August 2025
Ignite Art in Ontario
Learn more about our Art Education Challenge
Play It Loud!
Jay Douglas on the role of art in education
Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy A TVO Original documentary
Summer Learning with TVO
Summer is here, bringing a much-needed break from our regular programming.
For many Ontario families, summer is a time to enjoy new activities and build memories. While most kids are happy to put away their schoolbooks, continuous learning during the summer months can build on academic progress and ease the transition back to the classroom in the fall.
Learning through the summer should be fun, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating the arts. Whether it's dance, crafts, singing, music, or design, arts-based activities are perfect for keeping learning going and reducing summer learning loss.
Thanks to your support, we can deliver free, accessible, and high-quality educational programming to communities across the province. That means that this summer, families can explore music and dance with TVO Learn and try crafting and design with TVOkids shows like Makeaway Takeaway
These activities remind us of the power of makebelieve and pure play - my favourite part of summerand something that we have been missing lately. So, join me this summer playing in the arts and come back when the streetlights are on with a renewed sense of imagination.
We couldn't achieve this without your support. Your contributions enable us to create and deliver impactful educational programming for children and families across the province. Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.
Jennifer Hinshelwood Chief Operating Officer
On the cover: The Pointers by Tom Thomson, 1916-17, oil on canvas, collection of Hart House, University of Toronto via Wikimedia Commons
TVOkids Premieres
Isadora Moon
Monday, July 7 at 8:20am
Isadora Moon is an eight-year-old girl who is just like any other eight-year-old girl—except she’s half-fairy and half-vampire. With her magic wand and bat-like wings, Isadora relies on kindness and empathy to make the most out of life’s adventures. Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube.
High Hoops
Tuesday, August 5 at 6:30pm
High Hoops tells the story of a charmingly reckless high school basketball player and her chaotic pursuit of success, fame, love, and the perfect hook shot. If she can turn her new school’s hopeless basketball team into winners, can she reinvent herself at the same time? Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube.
Bumpadoo! TVOkids Original
Sunday, August 17 at 7am
Bumpi, a curious shape-shifting alien, befriends LiLi, a young girl who introduces him to Earth’s wonders. Together, they explore textures, shapes, and creatures, blending fun and learning.
Bumpi’s playful impressions and LiLi’s guidance turn everyday discoveries into adventures, celebrating curiosity, laughter, and the magic of friendship. Stream on TVOkids.com and on TVOkids YouTube.
WATCH AND STREAM NOW
Watch TVOkids seven days a week from 6am to 7pm and stream your favourite TVOkids programs 24/7 on TVOkids.com our TVOkids YouTube channels, and ON OUR AWARD-WINNING* TVOkids Smart TV app and streaming channels: Roku, LG, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
*Named Best Kids-Only Streaming Service by KidScreen Awards 2025
Invest In Art, Invest In Tomorrow
Art is part of our everyday lives. We might not always notice the sights and sounds of an artist’s work, but it continuously surrounds us. It may be something as subtle as a painting hanging in a waiting room or the music on the radio during your morning commute. In times of turmoil and uncertainty, we often turn to art to find comfort in all the muddled chaos. It might be a favourite album, documentary, or TV show.
The imagination and expression that art provides is a vital form of communication and entertainment for the human mind and soul. Culturally, art becomes a way to convey the beauty and emotion of people and their lives.
Acclaimed Jamaican Canadian musician Jay Douglas knows firsthand the life-changing powers the arts hold. In the TVO Original documentary Play it Loud! How Toronto Got Soul we get a glimpse of the lifelong journey Jay has taken to become a Canadian icon and an instrumental pioneer in the reggae movement in Toronto.
Throughout the documentary, a common theme in Jay’s life has been the ease of access to music from a young age. His first real exposure to music started early in his life. Growing up in Jamaica, the school curriculum set aside time for students to participate in music classes. Teachers would work closely with students, and those who excelled
Photo captions: Jay Douglas; Jay at the Reggae Lane mural by artist Adrian Hayles; and Jay in Jamaica talking with school kids.
would be moved to special classes. These classes helped build Jay’s foundation of success and discipline at a young age.
“I was blessed to start out in the schools as a young person. That foundation I learned there has kept me going even to this day. When you’re building a house if the foundation is not good then the house will not be built well. The same can be said about music and arts, you need a good foundation early to build upon.”
From school, Jay continued to participate in music programs from the Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club, community talent shows, and performances at Central Technical School in Toronto. For Jay and many other kids, these opportunities kept them off the street and provided them with a safe space to work on their musical performances. Each new space was a stepping stone with a new set of learning opportunities.
The first question Jay asked the producers when he was approached to have a documentary made about his life was “What is in it for the future young generations?
If we make this, what can they learn from this.” Much like the musicians who mentored Jay, he wanted to ensure that this film would show future generations the importance of how art in one’s life from a young age can provide positivity through expression and imagination. With this documentary, Jay hopes it will be a vehicle for kids to see how his own experiences growing up with music helped shape who he is not only as a musician but as a person.
The documentary is called Play it Loud! So we can say it loud, sing it loud continue to play it loud ”
– JAY DOUGLAS
TVO is Ontario’s partner in learning, and that includes nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression needed to empower a 21stcentury workforce and support compassion and understanding
within our communities.
As Jay spoke from personal experience, the importance of access to arts-based learning is important at all phases of life, supporting emotional and mental well-being along with analytical skills and ways to connect with others. Yet art education in schools (music, visual arts, and dance) is often first to face cuts, especially in underserved communities.
At a time when more and more public education budgets are being cut, and arts are suffering, TVO art education resources are more valuable than ever. This spring TVO is working to raise funds to support accessible, curriculum-connected art education for learners of all ages across Ontario. From TVOkids content that nurtures young creators to documentaries and curriculum resources that deepen cultural understanding, TVO is uniquely positioned to ensure every learner in Ontario has access to high-quality arts education.
Help us preserve Ontario’s rich artistic legacy and the vital need to ensure art remains accessible for future generations. Find out more about how you can help at TVO.me/ImpactArt.
SCAN TO DONATE
July
Postcards From
Season
5
8-part series
Begins
Thursday, July 17 at 7pm
California Typewriter
Saturday, July 19 at 9pm
Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy
TVO Original
Worldwide Premiere Sunday, July 27 at 9pm
Follow Ugandan-Canadian filmmaker Ian Mark Kimanje as he explores the origins of the Caribbean Carnival and why it’s as relevant today as it was 200 years ago when it was created by newly liberated slaves. This film celebrates resistance and freedom, featuring the first post-Covid Carnivals in Toronto, Notting Hill, and Port of Spain, and dives into the music, spectacle, and lives of those who keep the tradition alive. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube.
Visit TVO.org/schedule for our program schedule. Please note: schedule is subject to change.
Experience Canada like never before through taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound. Join traveler Christa Couture as she meets locals and uncovers unique adventures—from adaptive scuba diving to fire-roasted salmon storytelling. This sensory journey spans Drumheller, Fredericton, Dawson City, Salt Spring Island, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Edmonton, and Whistler. (Documentary Series) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube.
California Typewriter highlights a rare repair shop and examines our evolving relationship with technology, urging reflection on the human connection to machines in an era of digital convenience and speed. The documentary chronicles the devotion of artists, writers, and collectors to typewriters, featuring Tom Hanks and John Mayer. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube
Beyond Moving
Canadian Broadcast Premiere
Thursday, July 24 at 9pm
Young dancer Siphe November leaves his small township in South Africa to follow his dreams to Canada’s National Ballet School. Beyond Moving follows his remarkable journey while revealing the sacrifice, commitment and discipline required of this beautiful and demanding art form. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube.
August
Golda
Saturday, August 2 at 9pm
Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf
Saturday, August 16 at 9pm
Five Seasons explores Piet Oudolf’s transformative approach to garden design, blending art and ecology. Follow Oudolf through his creative process, seasons in his own gardens, and signature projects worldwide. This documentary also showcases his best work at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, offering poetic visuals and insights that redefine beauty and teach viewers to see gardens in a revolutionary way. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube
Watch on-air or stream on demand.
Based on rare archival footage and candid interviews, Golda reveals Golda Meir’s turbulent premiership, highlighting her rise to power, iconic stature as “queen of the Jewish people,” and tragic downfall. Featuring unseen materials and personal reflections, the film explores the sacrifices and challenges that defined Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube.
The Last Stand
North American Broadcast Premiere
Saturday, August 9 at 8pm
Obit
Saturday, August 23 at 9pm
Experts examine the importance of keeping forest ecosystems intact in North America, the Amazon and around the world. Front-line forest defenders and global forestry experts discuss the complexity of issues: the need to protect habitat, balance economies and jobs, as well as recognize the rights of Indigenous peoples to control resources in their territories. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube
At The New York Times, a particular team of writers is entrusted with reflecting upon the luminaries, icons, and world leaders of our day. Here, we are introduced to those responsible for crafting these unequaled obituaries. As we are taken through their painstaking process, we learn about the pressures accompanying a career spent shaping the story of a life. (Documentary) Stream on TVO.org or YouTube
Unravelled
Unravelled is TVO Today’s digital video series where we clarify complex issues that shape everyday life. Episodes explore topics such as the often overlooked Canadian context of extremism, revealing the rapid pace of radicalization and the mindset behind defensive violence. The series uncovers the hidden layers of Canada’s past, highlighting exclusionary practices, the lasting impacts of colonialism, and a troubling increase in hate crimes.
Our latest episodes covered topics like Canada’s relationship with the United States in the current political climate and what happened to the Canadian housing market that led us to where we are today.
Watch Unravelled on our TVO Today YouTube channel to make sense of what's happening now.
Keep the Arts Alive—Every Month
TVO’s Art: Art Education Challenge is underway, and your monthly contribution will bring inclusive, curriculum-aligned arts content to learners of all ages across Ontario. From TVO Arts to award-winning documentaries, your generosity will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.
By becoming a monthly donor, you help ensure that art education stays free and accessible—not just today, but all year long.
Join the challenge and share it with your network to champion the transformative power of the arts.
Together, we can nurture the next generation of creators, thinkers, and change-makers.
Contact Us
Philanthropy Office
PO Box 949, Station K Toronto, Ontario M4P 2V3
donorcare@tvo.org
Ways to Give
• TVO.me/impact
• 1 855 589 3886
• Return the enclosed pre-paid envelope by mail
Find Us Online
• TVO.org
• TVOkids.com
• facebook.com/tvo
• x.com/tvo
• TVO Docs and TVOkids YouTube
• TVO Today iOS and Android app
• TVO Today and TVOkids streaming channels: Roku, LG, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV
Charitable Registration # 85985 0232 RR0001