Current events

Take Your Seat takes over Toronto International Airport

December 2017 - Present

Today, December 24, is the busiest day at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

130,000 people will be heading to their holiday destinations both here and abroad.

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Today is also a big day for Take Your Seat!

Those same 130,000 people will see our photography on a grand scale.

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Large backlit panels, each 12' long, will showcase the international series in Terminal One.

Terminal Three will highlight our Take Your Seat, Canada work.

Our latest work from Hong Kong, Japan, and Turkey is displayed in an all-new digital installation.

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We're excited and honoured to share both the stories

and photographs of Take Your Seat in such a prestigious venue.

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Every year, as many as 23 million travellers enjoy our three exhibits.

If you're one of them, please let us know what you think!

previous events

Take Your Seat returns with At Origin gallery

June 29 - September 30, 2020

On June 29th, with the help of our friends Mehtap and Cuneyt from At Origin Coffee,

we launched a two month exhibition that brings our chair's journey to Toronto.

None of us can travel now, but maybe a cup of fresh brewed coffee,

surrounded by photographs of Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Vietnam will get you dreaming again.

At Origin is at 687 Mount Pleasant, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Please click here for directions.

United Arab Emirates National Day exhibition

at The Canadian Museum of History

December 3, 2020

Take Your Seat was honoured to create a special exhibition to celebrate the UAE's National Day.

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Guests were invited to experience photographs highlighting the beauty and warmth of the UAE's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Canadian Museum of History served as the perfect backdrop for our message of unity.

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To discuss creating a custom exhibition for your event, please contact us!

Canadian Ethnic Media Association honours Take Your Seat

with award for Innovation in Journalism

December 19, 2019

Take Your Seat was honoured to be counted among the "voices of Canada" at the 2019 CEMA Awards.

We and our chair were proud to receive the Canadian Ethnic Media Association's award for Innovation.

Iranian Canadian Business Expo includes Take Your Seat

November 29 to December 1, 2019

Take Your Seat's article in this summer's Persian Tribune asked the question,
'Can the journey of a chair unite us all?'

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That journey took us to the Iranian Canadian Business Expo at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre this weekend. This exhibition was the first time our work was on display for the Iranian community.

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Thank you to Kiumars, Virginia, Mark and the team at ICBE for proving our message of unity is shared by all.

TYS debuts new Together series for Turkish Republic Day in Ottawa

October 29, 2019

October 29th celebrated Turkey's 96th year as a Republic.

We were honoured to debut our Turkish and Canadian series to mark the event. Held at Lansdowne Park's Horticultural building in Ottawa, 600 diplomats, military, and invited guests experienced the connection not just between Canada and Turkey, but to each other.

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A special thanks to Ambassador Uras and his wife Zeynep for hosting the gathering and our work.

If you'd like to connect with your own group of people, please share your thoughts with us.

We'll show you how we can customize a series that caters to your specific goals.

Oakville Camera Club welcomes Take Your Seat

September 9, 2019

We were excited to share our story with the photo enthusiasts of the Oakville Camera Club.

It's always a good time when photographers get together to discuss how we can change the world creatively.

If you have a club or organization that would also like to hear the Take Your Seat story, please contact us here.

Turkish Airlines celebrates 10 years in Canada with launch of TYS Turkey

July 11, 2019

On July 11th, 2009, the first Turkish Airlines flight from Canada took off from Pearson International Airport

bound for Istanbul. 10 years later to the day, Take Your Seat helped Turkish Airlines celebrate a decade of connecting Canadians to the world.

To mark the occasion, our Take Your Seat, Turkey series made its debut

and Randy delivered the keynote address.

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Take Your Seat would be honoured to help you mark your own corporate milestone.

Send us a message to let us know what you're celebrating.

Take Your Seat, together at The Muse in Kowloon, Hong Kong

July 28 to August 15, 2019

The wonderful public space Take Your Seat enjoyed at the Exchange Square Rotunda

was replaced by the intimacy of the contemporary gallery at Hotel Stage.

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Our message of One People. One Planet. One Life. had a compelling, modern home until mid-August.

Thank you to Evelyn, Steve, Agnes, and Eric for embracing our work. 

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Hotel Stage is a boutique art hotel in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Muse Gallery is located on the lower level.

Please follow this link for directions.

Canadian Consulate partners with TYS for exhibition in Hong Kong

July 8 - 21, 2019

The Exchange Square Rotunda in Hong Kong Central was host to our largest exhibition to date.

Take Your Seat, together celebrated the beauty of Hong Kong and Canada on their own

while highlighting what we have in common. 

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The World Wildlife Fund and UBS' Togetherband initiative partnered with us to bring an

environmental message brought to life by a simple chair.

The Canadian Consulate to Hong Kong made the bond both regions share official.

With 13 countries now part of our global series, we'd appreciate the opportunity to show you

what Take Your Seat can create for your homeland as well. Click here to contact us.

Take Your Seat shares message of One People. One Planet. One Life. 

in speaker series around Hong Kong

July 8 - 10, 2019

A two hour question and answer session at Open University in Hong Kong was quickly followed by a one hour presentation at Hotel Stage. We then had the privilege of opening our public exhibition at the Exchange Square Rotunda. Seeing the work and hearing the stories made all three events come to life.

All our photographs and writings can be tailored to your own event, intimate or large. Just let us know what you have in mind. We'll customize a talk, create a pop up or build a full exhibition to suit your needs.

TYS Japan series featured at JCCC Toronto Japanese Film Festival

June 6 - 27, 2019

What do Godzilla, Memoirs of a Geisha, Tokyo Drift and a chair have in common?

Our Japanese Film Festival exhibition at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre connected them all.

Our largest photograph to date served as a massive backdrop to an exhibition celebrating the fun, energy,

and spirit of the largest Japanese Film Festival outside of Japan.

If you'd like a screening of your own, we'd be happy to share our work. Just send us a note.

Canadian Embassy in Tokyo honours Take Your Seat with gallery exhibition

February 28 - July 10, 2019

Take Your Seat, together was honoured to be featured in the Prince Takamado Gallery for four months,

having been extended to cover the G20 Summit in Japan.

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Take Your Seat, together celebrated 90 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.

More than that, one well-travelled Director’s chair drew attention to a humanistic inspiration;

we are separate yet together, a common destiny becomes ours…

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Please click here for full event details

London Calling!

October 11, 2018

October 11th marked two firsts for us;

Take Your Seat's first trip to London, Ontario and our first talk with a camera club.

The London Camera Club hosted us as we shared our ongoing story of One People. One Planet. One Life.

About 150 avid photographers joined us to see and hear the stories 

of our expeditions to Japan, the United States, Cuba, Hong Kong and of course, Canada.

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They warmly welcomed both us and our message. Thanks, London!

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If you'd like to have the Take Your Seat message shared with your club or group,

get started by sending us a message!

PhotoNews Magazine honours TYS with cover story

March 13, 2018

Spring 2018 shared the Take Your Seat story with the nation

as thousands of Photo News Magazines were distributed with the Globe & Mail.

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We were honoured to have photographs from Take Your Seat; Take Your Seat, Canada; 

Take Your Seat with the Group of Seven; and Take Your Seat, Hong Kong

featured in the six page article. Carden Cove earned the cover.

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A big thank you to Jacques and Norm at Photo News for believing in us.

Merci beaucoup!

Click the icon above to open a PDF version of the magazine,

or click here to view the flip book!

Take Your Seat joins Farber offsite at Niagara-on-the-Lake

June 21 - 22, 2018

Imagine presenting to a room of executives and one very special guest: Mr. Harry Rosen.

That was just one of the highlights of a two-day strategic offsite that was

focused on bringing Farber's core team even closer together. 

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In three hours, we transformed a boardroom into an intimate "gallery"

that served as an artistic backdrop for a strategic discussion. 

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No matter who may be in your audience, Mr. Harry Rosen included, we'll tailor the right message to your group.

Let us know a few details of your event to get started.

Take Your Seat, Canada celebrates at Nathan Phillips Square

July 1, 2018

This Canada Day, Nathan Phillips Square served as the backdrop 

to an adventurous and eye-opening photographic exhibition called Take Your Seat, Canada.

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Canada Day is a rare opportunity to tap into a much-needed wave of national pride and shared identity.

We tend to take this incredible country for granted. The photography of Take Your Seat, Canada draws attention

to the awe-inspiring geography of our country while inspiring Canadians to go out
and explore it for themselves. 

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The natural beauty of Canada is something we all can agree on.

What Take Your Seat, Canada does is draw our attention to the geographic diversity that makes this country the envy of the world while reminding us that the diversity of our people is equally worth celebrating.

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It was incredible to celebrate everything that makes Canada special with so many people!

East Meets West with Hong Kong Tourism Board

February 22, 2018

Our Hong Kong series debuted at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre on February 10th.

We were fortunate to have a more intimate follow-up evening on February 22nd.

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board showcased our East meets West series at its annual New Year's gala.

Guests noshed on Susur Lee's creations at Luckee Restaurant at the Soho Hotel 

while our Hong Kong and Canadian photographs served as a backdrop for the evening.

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Whether you're planning a large event or an intimate evening, we'd be honoured to be a part of it.

Click here to get started by sending us an email.

TYS Hong Kong debuts at Yee Hong's Dragon Ball

February 10, 2018

Dragon Ball is the largest celebration of Chinese New Year in North America.

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This year's theme was East meets West. Our newest series, Take Your Seat Hong Kong, was paired up with the photography of Take Your Seat Canada to illustrate the evening's theme.

1200 black tie guests walked through the 'gallery' at Toronto's Metro Convention Centre.

Limited edition prints were donated and sold at the silent auction. As the Year of the Dog was ushered in, puppies and even lions took their seat.

Thank you to Hyatt, Delta, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the WWF - Hong Kong, and of course the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care

for giving us the opportunity to be part of this incredible event.

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Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Take Your Seat, Canada helps launch new Flight Centre corporate offices

February 8, 2018

Flight Centre, our very first corporate sponsor, has been an avid supporter of our work

even when the idea of Take Your Seat was in its infancy.

In their ongoing role as both mentor and champion, they brought us in to speak with some of their top clients. The evening was intimate and elegant as 50 guests enjoyed Flight Centre's new corporate offices on King and Spadina.

We shared our Take Your Seat, Canada series in a mini gallery setting. Each guest left with a signed, limited edition print and we hope, a renewed appreciation for this great country.

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Whatever you're celebrating, we'd love to join you.

Click here to send us a message and get started.

Take Your Seat, Canada Final 13 Collection at Henry's Flagship Store

Summer 2017

Henry's has been an avid supporter of Take Your Seat, Canada from the onset.

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Having the series of thirteen images on display in their flagship store on Queen and Church for the summer was both an honour and a humbling experience. Having other photographers experience the work connects yet another group to our underlying message of pursuing your dreams, of taking your seat, in your own way.

Thanks to Gillian, Jeff, Candace, Devon, Scott, and Sandro at Henry's for your ongoing enthusiasm and support!

Take Your Seat, Canada welcomes travellers at Toronto Island Airport

Summer 2017

Airports are a reflection of their host cities and countries.

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They serve as immediate ambassadors to their regions. Billy Bishop chose our work to welcome their passengers throughout their terminal buildings on large scale electronic screens.

We were honoured to visually introduce passengers to the natural beauty of this great country be they visitors, business travellers or those returning home.   

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Wherever you or your group is headed, we'd love to help get you there.

Start the discussion about hosting a Take Your Seat event of your own by clicking here.

Take Your Seat, Canada becomes the great equalizer

at Toronto City Hall

July 24 - August 3, 2018

Dignitaries, politicians, tourists and people paying parking tickets

all had a chance to see our take on our Nation.

For nine days, the photographs circled the main rotunda while spectators circled the centre of Toronto.

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Take Your Seat has a disarming ability to make all of us get in touch with our more human side.

Executives, managers and the rest of us, connect with the message while being captivated by the photographs.

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Send us a note with the dynamics of your group.

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We'll put together an event that's certain to entertain while providing a healthy dose of inspiration. 

Photographing 150 Canadians on Canada's 150th

Canada Day, 2017

On July 1, 2017 - Canada's 150th birthday - we celebrated the diversity of Canadians.

Armed with a camera and the same director's chair that had recently travelled to every province and territory, we went to Nathan Phillips Square to take

150 portraits of people from the country we love.

Click here to view the full collection of portraits

Take Your Seat, Canada makes its debut with the Toronto Symphony

June 10, 2017

With the help of our friends at Flash, and with less than a week to print, 

we somehow managed to produce and mount all 13 Canadian images

in time for our weekend with the TSO.

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On June 10th and 11th, Roy Thomson Hall became a breathtaking gallery under a sky of glass.

The Toronto Symphony played their Canada Mosaic concert.

The audience heard our Canadian stories during intermission.

The photography was on display throughout. 

We can create a gallery almost anywhere. Contact us below to discuss your event.

Scotia Wealth Management hosts special event for high net worth Clients

March 27, 2017

On March 27th, Scotiabank Centre became an art gallery.

22 large scale photographs showcased Take Your Seat's global expedition.

The work was curated by noted curator Kelly McCray.

We had the chance to address the crowd while additional images played on the giant screen.

If you'd like to discuss a Take Your Seat event of your own, please contact us below.

First Canadian Place exhibits Take Your Seat for six-week solo show

April - May 2017

For April and into May, Take Your Seat's global photographs and stories were showcased at the prestigious FCP Gallery. 

Corporate events used the work as a backdrop for external meetings.

Even a fashion shoot took place with our Director's Chair inspiring the runway.

Imagine a gallery setting for your next corporate event. Send us a note below, even if you're just curious.

The Canadian Ethnic Media Association and the Canadian Ethnocultural Council celebrate 'Together in Canada'

June 24, 2018

On June 24th, over 400 guests enjoyed a message of community and inclusivity.

Take Your Seat was there to highlight our love of Canada's natural beauty.

One question has to be asked,

'Why is it that we embrace the natural diversity that makes this country the envy of the world, but we have yet to extend that embrace to the diversity of our people?'

Take Your Seat, Canada inspires you to see this great country instead of just talking about seeing it.

From July 1st to June 30th next year, motivation and Canada go hand in hand.  

Just send us a note below to find out how.

Mayor John Tory officially launches Take Your Seat, Canada

April 12, 2017

On April 12th, Toronto's Mayor officially launched our Canada 150 expedition.

We have the pictures to prove it!

With the global work at the First Canadian Place gallery as a backdrop,

Take Your Seat, Canada brought us home.

Canada's birthday starts July 1st, 2017.

If you'd like to boost your company's national pride while inspiring your employees to reach

a whole new level of motivation, send us a note below.

Talk Boutique's Salon series hosts the Take Your Seat message

November 16, 2016

In November last year, we were challenged with the question, 'What is truth?'

We shared a series of photographs that celebrated the beauty of our planet but also the world's disregard for that same beauty.

Each incredible shot of Nature met its environmentally challenged counterpoint.

Unfortunately, both photographs were true. 

The message of 'Don't take this incredible planet for granted' struck the right chord.

Take Your Seat inspires a wealth of thinking.  

Aspiration, motivation, planet responsibility and appreciation are but a few.

Contact us below to discuss your specific topic.

If you would like to have the Take Your Seat story shared as a keynote or as part of a workshop, 

send us a note.

400 'Flighties' hear the Take Your Seat message for the first time

August 10, 2016

Last August, Flight Centre gathered its top managers from across Canada in Montreal 

for a team building session second to none.

We were honoured to deliver the keynote address.

After a 45 minute motivational talk, we were given a standing ovation!

This was the very first time anyone had heard our story.

What an incredible and heartfelt beginning!

We'd be honoured to deliver a message of aspiration and empowerment to your team.

Send us a note below and we'll get started.