Toronto/CMEDIA: Launched reportedly by the City of Toronto until 2025, the 2024 Cultural Hotspot program would celebrate the Jane and Finch community’s creative contributions to Toronto and provide funding to local artists and arts organizations.
Delivered in collaboration with local arts and community organizations, this annual arts program, Cultural Hotspot, celebrates diverse communities outside of Toronto’s downtown core, highlighting a different community every two years.
Besides providing opportunities for youth job placement and mentorship through workshops, exhibits and events, all public programming is free to attend.
2024 Cultural Hotspot programming takes place in the area bounded by Steeles Avenue to the north, Wilson Avenue to the south, Weston Road to the west and Keele Street to the east with highlights include:
The Brand Design Program, supported by Anchored Minds Foundation and runs until August 4, and eaches branding guidelines to six young artists participating from diverse groups in seven weekly workshops including a final event to launch the participants’ brands.
From the Roots Up in whichShoe artist and designer, Deanna Livoti would instruct twenty Jane and Finch-based youth aged 13 to 18 to help create a customized pair of sneakers and showcase their artwork in a professional gallery setting. Facilitated by The Neighbourhood Group Community Services, the project runs until August 24, 2024.
Black Diamonds: Facilitated by experienced artists, educators and mentors, a series of weekly literary and performing arts workshops that culminate in a public performance. Supported by The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and facilitated by Black Diamonds Writers’ Collective, this program runs until October 31.
Digital Impressions, Urban Griots: Black youth aged 14 to 18 would get opportunities to contribute their voices and perspectives through augmented reality digital art, organized by AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives and tying original works to existing murals in Jane and Finch under the guidance of local professional artists. This program runs until October 31.
Open Mic at Black Creek Community Farm: A series of five monthly events and instructional programming, and organized by Black Creek Community Farm with support from Foodshare Inc., this program is delivered by professional artists prioritizing local youth from equity-deserving groups and runs until October 31.
Flaunt It x Corner Commons: Community Arts Festival 2024: Celebrating women and gender-diverse residents of the Jane and Finch community, this two-day community arts festival, hosted by Flaunt It Movement, features an artist showcase on September 20 and small business market held on September 27
Wheel It Studios VOL. 6: Facilitated by New Tradition Music with two events would showcase Youth mentorship program on content creation, artist engagement and music marketing to celebrate participants as they release album singles and the final album launch on digital streaming platforms. This series is held on September 5 and 6.
Print Sessions & Print Sessions Live: Facilitated by The Greenprint Network, this event would feature live-recording of up to 30 artists aged 15 to 29 alongside a professional band, sound engineer, photographer and videographer performances in the library of James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and A Different Booklist. The sessions run until November 30.
The 2024 Cultural Hotspot program, including a full list of 2024 programming and a calendar of upcoming events, is available on the City’s Cultural Hotspot webpage.
