Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Kya Publishing and Elevated Waves to Host Writing Workshop at Toronto Public Library

TORONTO, ONT (November 2019) - Independent publishers Kya Publishing (Toronto) and Elevated Waves Publishing (Cleveland) will collaborate at the Toronto Public Library's Albion Branch for a writing workshop on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the library's auditorium.

The event will include an interactive panel discussion highlighting experiences and strategies for writing culturally specific narratives. Featuring urban fiction writers Kamilah Haywood, Selwyn Jeffers, and children's author Angelot Ndongmo, the panelists will provide individual workshops and also share tips and resources for starting, sustaining, and publishing personal writing projects.

The workshop--facilitated by Jameel Davis (Cleveland) and Stacey Marie Robinson (Toronto)--is free to attend. Interested participants are asked to visit the Albion Branch's information desk, or call 416-394-5170 to register. Space is limited.

Sunday, July 07, 2019

Kya Publishing Partners with Donsdatter Ink for Fundraising Initiative

TORONTO, ONT (July 2019) - Toronto publishing and communications company Kya Publishing has partnered with local screenprinter Donsdatter Ink for a new fundraising initiative in support of their Kya Keys Book Donation Program. Original products will be designed and sold at upcoming Kya Publishing events and vendor fairs for a flat rate of $20, with proceeds going towards the purchase of one book (per item).

Kya Keys was created to encourage a love for books through the donation of literary keys: providing access, potential solutions, and systems for solving issues through reading. In the past Kya Publishing has donated books to Ontario correctional facilities, as well as collected and donated children's reading material for Jamaican schools.

With this new initiative, the purchase of one item will support the donation of motivational and instructional self-help books (with a focus on Canadian and Urban Cultural content) to students in the Greater Toronto Area, or the donation of a children's book to a specific partner organization or charity in the GTA.

"The goal of Kya Keys is to promote literacy and encourage self-advancement through reading," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We hope to encourage a well-read society with our book donations, and celebrate the joy of reading. Partnering with Donsdatter Ink has allowed us to develop unique products to remind donors of their contributions while inspiring their writing."

Donsdatter Ink, based in Scarborough, provides screenprinting and related services for local businesses and organizations, and has been the supplier of Kya Publishing apparel and branded products for three years. In addition to their printing services, their team--led by business owner Natalie Richardson--has a keen eye for product design and selection, with a natural expertise in branding.

"The staff at Donsdatter have been great with helping us create t-shirts and other items for our readers, and our events over the years," said Robinson. "My consultations with Natalie have been helpful when it comes to a range of creative presentation ideas from products to trade show displays."

The products available for purchase include pencil cases, t-shirts, mouse pads, mugs, and other writer-friendly items. These can be purchased on site, or made-to-order in bulk by request.

"We are committed to helping small businesses find products, messaging, and branding to suit their organizational mission," said Richardson. "For example, writers spend a lot of time in their offices or at their desks, so visual inspiration and comfort are important for their craft. We have created a range of products with writing quotes and practical usage, to fit the daily needs of Kya Publishing's writing audience, and we can tailor our products to any industry."

The Kya Keys products will be available at all Kya Publishing events and appearances, including a pop-up shop taking place in Ajax on Saturday, October 5, 2019 (details to follow).

For personalized bulk orders for writers, please contact kyakeys@kyapublishing.com for quotes and details. For Donsdatter Ink inquiries, please contact hello@donsdatterink.ca.





Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Kya Publishing to Support the STAGES CANADA Reggae Artist Development Platform

TORONTO, ONT (May 2019) - Kya Publishing has joined the Stages Canada team for their upcoming Jamaican showcase and related events, and will be providing promotional and communications support this season. The official Stages Canada media launch, scheduled to take place on Friday, May 31 at Margaritaville in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, will be the first of many productions as Stages continues new artist development in Canada and in Jamaica.

Stages has been one of Canada's premiere artist development platforms since 2015; along with sponsors VIBE 105.5fm and Fresh Start 4 Youth Services, the team has been gearing up for this moment for years.

"We were always getting requests from emerging artists in Jamaica to expand our platform here, and as a team we knew that there would be more than reggae in store," said Stages CEO Carrie Mullings, host of the weekly all-Canadian reggae music program "Rebel Vibez" on VIBE 105.5fm.

The media launch will feature Jamaican comedian Owen "Blakka" Ellis, will be co-hosted by Queen Jo Jo of Jamaica's Roots 96.1fm, and will present guest speaker Rodcliff Chung of Fresh Start 4 Youth Services Inc., along with a range of reggae artists who will be performing live in Ocho Rios.

"Rebel Vibez was one of the first organizations in Toronto to embrace Kya Publishing and our books, and as a community leader, Carrie has always been supportive of our initiatives and cultural programs," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We are happy to support Stages Canada as the team expands their programming in Jamaica and continues to build and strengthen the international reggae music infrastructure."

Details about the Stages Canada launch, and the upcoming summer tour are available at StagesCanada.ca, as well as via their social media accounts on Instagram (@StagesCanada) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/stagescanada).




Photos by Kya Publishing: (L-R) Canadian Reggae Artists Chizzy BashmentAmmoye, and Nfyah.