Public Collisions — with Jorge Amigo

This week on Below the Radar, our host Am Johal is joined by Jorge Amigo, the head of cultural programming at the Vancouver Public Library. Together they discuss the power of library public programs, some of Jorge’s past public projects, as well as how the urban design of Vancouver relates to social isolation, and potential paths towards cultivating more friendships. Full episode details: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/215-jorge-amigo.html Read the transcript: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/215-jorge-amigo.html Resources: Vancouver Public Library Program: https://www.vpl.ca/programs-events Be my Amigo: https://vancouversun.com/life/relationships/be-my-amigo-determined-to-make-vancovuer-a-friendlier-city On Civil Society: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/programs-and-classes/featured/on-civil-society.jsp Opera Adventures: https://www.vancouveropera.ca/press-release/vancouver-opera-and-vancouver-public-library-launch-opera-adventures/ Uplift Asian: https://www.vpl.ca/program/uplift-asian VLACC: https://vlacc.ca/ Bio: Jorge Amigo grew up in Mexico City and moved to Vancouver in 2007, where he studied an undergrad and masters in political science at the University of British Columbia. He started his career working in brand and digital strategy for non-profits and Canadian startups, including as Director of Engagement for Canada’s National Observer. In 2018, he moved to Toronto to produce cultural events for the Toronto Public Library, where he curated the popular #OnCivilSociety series, hosting conversations on the most pressing social and political issues of our time, as well as programming dozens of literary programs. Jorge is now the Head of Cultural Programming for the Vancouver Public Library, where he is responsible for arts and culture events, and spends his days excited about reimagining how we use library spaces. He speaks four languages, and would probably enjoy chatting with you in at least one of them. Cite this episode: Chicago Style Johal, Am. “Episode name.” Below the Radar, SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Podcast audio, May 23, 2023. https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/215-jorge-amigo.html.