The
creative and multidimensional Lillian Allen has enlivened the OCAD community
since 1992. Allen, whose poetry is used in university curricula across
Canada, is internationally acclaimed as an originator of the genre of
dub poetry a form of oral literature changed with rhythm and political
ideas. She also writes plays and short fiction, produces films and makes
award-winning recordings.
In addition,
Allen teaches creative writing in OCADs Faculty of Liberal Studies,
inspiring students with her passion and commitment to advocacy on
world issues.
Known
for her strategic views on cultural diversity, Allen is a consultant
and advisor to governments, organizations and community groups. As
an executive member of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Allen helps
to formulate Canadas input into such initiatives as the World
Summit on the Information Society. Allen has received many citations
and arts awards, including two Junos for her recordings, the Canadian
Congress of Black Women award for contributions to black culture
in particular and Canadian culture in general and the City of
Toronto and the Toronto Arts Foundation Margo Bindhardt award for
significantly impacting the arts in Toronto through leadership
and vision in creative work and cultural activism.
In 2003,
Allen spearheaded the founding of the Dub Poets Collective and instigated
the 2004 International Dub Poetry Festival (DPF04) in Toronto. Also
in 2004, she hosted the very successful CBC Radio poetry program,
Wordbeat. As a tribute to her cultural contributions to community
development, the City of Toronto lauded Lillian Allen with its 2004
Access, Equity and Human Rights William P. Hubbard Award. Instead
of resting on her laurels, Lillian is still very much a dub poetry
campaigner. The 2005 International Dub Poetry Festvial is her next
big project as she keeps on culture-jamming on the frontlines.