The 2025 Guest Curator was Star Bunzigiye, who was mentored by Kym Dominique-Ferguson. Read below to learn more.
A component of QWF’s Fresh Pages Diversity Initiative, the Guest Curatorship is designed to help an aspiring literary artist who is Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour develop skills in creating and curating literary and other arts events. The selected candidate receives a modest honorarium and a free one-year membership in QWF.
The selected candidate works with an experienced mentor to curate their own edition of the Words and Music Show, QWF’s literary cabaret and musical performance series. The mentor provides one-on-one guidance to support the curator in developing the event, from defining its scope to selecting and inviting performers, gathering bios and other info, writing press releases, and structuring and presenting a live show. The show typically presents poets, writers, performers, and musicians, and in the past has branched out to include, circus artists, magicians and comics from time to time. The guest curator can create a theme-based presentation or a simple variety show.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must live in Quebec and be Indigenous, Black, or a person of colour.
- Applicants should have already demonstrated an interest in presenting either their own work in public presentations or in creating a literary, musical or other arts event.
- There is no age or publication requirement.
- Candidates who have already curated more than three public events, or who work for an event creation agency or company, are not eligible.
2024 Timeline:
- Call for applications: January 10, 2024
- Deadline for applications: February 19, 2024
- Notification of results: March 2024
- Public show: Fall 2024
The 2025 Mentor
Kym Dominique-Ferguson is an award-winning Montreal-based spoken word artist, actor, and mentor celebrated for his dynamic performances and commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Born in Canada but raised in the Caribbean with Jamaican and Haitian roots, his cultural heritage deeply influences his work, blending traditional folklore with contemporary themes. As the founder of Madpoetix Productions, he has hosted and curated influential events like Inside Madpoetix Studios, The Phenomenal 5IVE and Madpoetix Soirée Open Mic, shaping Montreal’s spoken word scene. His play Dear Black Man, supported by the Cole Foundation, Black Theatre Workshop and the Canada Council for the Arts, explores identity and resilience, earning critical acclaim. A passionate mentor, Ferguson nurtures emerging artists through workshops and initiatives, ensuring his legacy as a transformative force in the arts.
The 2025 Mentee
Star Bunzigiye is a writer, cultural worker, and emerging curator. Their multidisciplinary practice spans literature, media, and public storytelling, with a particular focus on amplifying Black voices. Star is the founder behind We Look Good in Black, a digital fashion archive that documents and celebrates the rich, often-overlooked contributions of Black designers, stylists, and cultural icons.
With a background in journalism, digital outreach, and community engagement, Star has contributed to publications including This Magazine, Sumou Magazine, and Achipel. They’ve been featured in art exhibitions at Ada Slaight Gallery, Sankofa Square and WIP Gallery. They also have curated and moderated arts events across Toronto and Montreal. Their current work is grounded in a belief that fashion, storytelling, and culture are interconnected tools for resistance, liberation, and self-definition. Star is passionate about fostering intentional, inclusive spaces for artistic expression that honour legacy while imagining new futures.
Past Guest Curators and Mentors
2024
Jayda Smith was the guest curator, mentored by Tawhida Tanya Evanson
2023
There was no guest curator in 2023.
2022
Ceta Gabriel was the guest curator, mentored by Jason Camlot
2021
Avleen Kaur Mokha, also known by her creative alias Mirabel, was the guest curator, mentored by Ian Ferrier
2020
Prakash Krishnan was the guest curator, mentored by Ian Ferrier
