Turning an otherwise dreary night around, the launch party of RADmag’s issue 11 reflected the innovation and originality found within this issue’s very own pages. The event was held at the Arta Gallery located within Toronto’s Distillery District, where our team transformed the lofty space into an ambient & intimate atmosphere. The gallery was opened up and filled with iridescent installations, with shades of green and blue neon lighting creating a silky backdrop for the event as the night led on. This space was shared over mixed drinks and charcuterie boards; conversation filling the spaces found between the music and the sound of the cold rain outside. A moving light installation created by Janelle Roswell, a fourth year new media student, hung from the gallery’s high ceilings and cascaded warm light from above. Using arduino and motors, the installation resembled a small group of jellyfish moving swiftly above the event and mesmerized each individual found below it.
Our issue 11 launch not only marked the first issue to follow our rebranding, but also marked our first time launching an online issue. RADmag plans to continue providing a platform for student voices here at Ryerson, weaving them together into a well curated and accessible unanimous identity. Setting out to anchor Ryerson’s emerging talent within mediums that are relevant and timeless, each submission continually breaks barriers within the world of design and introduces fresh ideas to the creative industries as a whole.
Our launch party filled up quickly as the night led on, both familiar and new faces filtering in and out of the event and sharing the excitement of the latest issue alongside our team. The night was enjoyed sipping mixed drinks provided by Ace Hill, GT’s Kombucha, and Kings Locks Spirits and socializing. Wellness bundles provided by Amali Crystals and complimentary classes to Saana Yoga’s studio were included in giveaways as the night progressed and handmade candles from Mala candles were gifted to contributors who had their work printed in issue 11. Each of these sponsorships made it possible to give back to the individuals who contributed to issue 11, as well as those who supported RADmag along the way. We cannot thank our sponsorships and each attendee of the launch party enough, as without you our vision is incomplete.
More so than ever, issue 11 has proved how we are capable of achieving much more as a collective and multifaceted identity than we can individually. To be RAD is to be bold, but considered. Well curated, yet accessible. Timeless, yet familiar.
Together we have defined ourselves as today’s changemakers, and we have truly never been so proud to be RAD. We thank you, infinitely, for your support.