Emily Campbell
It is always important to find a community with those who share similar interests. Black artists and creators across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have developed many opportunities to find a community within a creative space. From film and art exhibits, to dance studios and music performances, there is something for everyone to experience! Check out the list below for some great creative opportunities that support local Black artists.
Visual Art
In February, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is marking Black History Month with a jam-packed arts program that highlights the work of Black artists and narratives. From February 3rd- 25th, you can experience a variety of different showcases and events, including but not limited to, an Artist Talk, Friday nights with RISE Edutainment and a Black-Owned Toronto marketplace.
To learn more about the different events at the AGO, check out their website!
If you are looking for something that is at your own pace and doesn’t have any cost, then checking out an art display within the city might be for you! In partnership with the City of Toronto, BandGallery has worked alongside Black artists to put up various art displays throughout the city!
One of their newest installations features the work of artist Frantz Brent-Harris and is a set of sculptures that were born from his admiration of Black youth who are making waves in their agenda of self-acceptance.
To see a comprehensive list of BandGallery’s art installations (most are up for the next few months), check out their website!
Music
Music brings people together, and on February 25th, 2023 you can attend an All-Canadian mini-music festival that is set to showcase Black artists across the country! Everbloom Music Festival is bringing Black musicians, drag queens/kings, and even a pop-up market full of vendors to The Great Hall on Queen St W in order to bring the community together.
If you are tight for cash but still want to support and enjoy some music this month, then The Black History Month Concert Series may be for you! Admission to the event on February 25th, 2023 is completely free. It’s all about supporting the African Canadian community in Toronto by featuring the artists who represented Toronto at AFROFEST Africa 2022.
Dance
KUUMBA, Toronto’s largest Black Futures Month celebration is back this February! The month-long program features discussions and performances. However, they also offer many dance, music, workshops, and literary events that highlight and showcase contemporary artists and leaders from the Afro-diaspora in Canada.
Film
The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is back this year from February 15th-20th, 2023. The festival is featuring creative works from Black filmmakers and highlights the reality of Black people from around the globe.
For more information on the festival or to see which films are being featured this year, check out the TBFF website!
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