Girl About O-Town

This is another guest post is by Malcolm Gibb, a style-conscious social science type, arts & culture enthusiast and research oriented realtor.  He knows what he likes, but isn’t afraid to try new things! 

These are his reflections about something different he experienced a few weeks ago.

Pecha Kucha (pe-chak-cha), loosely translated as ‘chit chat’, is a face-to-face forum for creative individuals to present their ideas on a range of topics to an audience.  The variety of subjects attracts a diversity of people, but the regimented presentation guidelines are what set Pecha Kucha apart as an international movement.

Typically, there are around10 presenters.  Each presenter is allowed 20 images that show for only 20 seconds each, and the presenter speaks to the images.  This works out to ten topics presented in a little over an hour.  Pecha Kucha came to Ottawa for the second time this past March 31st, and followed this format closely with two sets of 5 unique presentations, and a 25 minute intermission in between. Image sources 1, 2 & 3

According to Wikipedia, presenters are traditionally from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields, but often include those from academia and the business world.  Ottawa’s version was no exception, and the array of  presentations was impressive: 

• An art exhibition on birds,
• a group climb up Kilimanjaro,
• an iron worker’s connection with nature,
• outdoor public art installations,
• Burundians telling their stories through film,
• the making of modern ruins,
• a printer of 3 dimensional objects,
• self-discovery through membership in a boy band,
• Jane’s Walk in West Center Town; and
• the many hands in the making of Ottawa’s modern architecture.

Image via Facebook: Pecha Kucha Ottawa

To facilitate the socializing, learning, and thinking that were the main attraction, wine, beer and soft drinks were available.   It seems there is no better way to engage people than to introduce them to a variety of fresh new ideas to talk about!  Ottawa’s Arts Court auditorium was almost full with over 100 people, and their number and diversity must be indicative of the movement’s success. 

There appeared to be no theme, which is part of what made it so interesting.  Still, I couldn’t help but seek a thread between the topics, which I concluded was the idea of belonging to a community. 

Plans are for Pecha Kucha to be held about every three months in Ottawa, though another has not been scheduled.  To catch the next one, check back to their website, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter. 

Perhaps I will see you there.