Parallel Histories: An Anniversary Exhibit
Curated by Florencia Berinstein, presented with the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre
Date & Time
May 9 – July 26
Wednesday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM
Saturdays, 12PM – 4PM
Location
Workers Arts & Heritage Centre
51 Stuart Street, Hamilton, ON.
Located in the historic Custom House beside Hamilton’s West Harbour GO station, it is accessible on the Lakeshore West line via GO transit. Hamilton’s HSR bus lines and Sobi bicycle share options are also available nearby. You will find free parking on both sides of Stuart Street and in the nearby West Harbour GO parking lot. The main entrance is now the east-side door. Look for our accessible entrance with the ramp!
Accessibility
WAHC is physically accessible for those who use mobility aids. All building floors are accessible via the elevator. Two gender neutral bathrooms in the basement have a physically accessible stall. If you have accessibility needs, please speak to a member of staff. Access more detailed accessibility info.
2025 marks the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre’s 30th anniversary and the Mayworks Festival’s 40th! Both have provided a unique space for cross sectoral gathering and art making within a progressive framework of inclusion and social justice.
Having a combined 20 years of involvement with both organizations, exhibition curator Florencia Berinstein says “I love them profoundly for the spaces they have opened up for representation by equity deserving communities and marginalized issues, and for highlighting the many tensions and complexities inherent in this work.” Encompassing many diverse communities of workers, artists, and activists, both organizations have made a material difference to labour, community and cultural spheres.
This exhibit of archival materials is a small act of love and gratitude to two monumental organizations that provides an important reflection of the value that creating these alternative spaces can hold, and the value for presenting issues of labour, work, and social justice into the future.
Accompanying programs:
Feedback Wall: A place where one can reflect on the impact of both organizations. People are invited to add their names and their contributions to the two organizations. Available during exhibition hours.
Anniversary Celebration: On Saturday May 17, join us to celebrate with special guests who will share their reflections on both WAHC and Mayworks. Come prepared to share your memories or to join us for the first time.
Zine Workshop: Beginning with a mini tour of the exhibit, participants will take part in a zine making workshop relating to WAHC & Mayworks, led by artist Sonali Menezes. Collectively, the group will make a zine that will be distributed by both organizations and form part of their institutional archives. July 26, 1-4pm. Details TBA.
Presented with the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre, an organization which began over 25 years ago by an ambitious and dynamic group of labour historians, artists, and union and community activists who saw a need for a community museum that could celebrate the history of workers and labour. Over the years, WAHC has expanded their vision of work to include both paid and unpaid work, and to be as inclusive as possible of the experiences and histories of the least visible work and workers. As a community museum and arts centre, WAHC offers a diverse array of exhibitions, workshops, educational programs, digital projects, and community events that explore perspectives in labour history, social justice, and contemporary labour issues. WAHC also has a permanent collection of artifacts that relate to labour history and workers’ experiences. The community museum brings together members of community, unions, local arts organizations, workers’ groups, and artists to share and celebrate the stories of working people.