CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TORONTO ARTS COUNCIL AT PUBLIC EVENT
TAC's 50th anniversary to launch at public celebration on June 13, 2024
TORONTO, May 9, 2024 – Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is launching its 50th anniversary with a free and public Community Celebration, taking place from 6 – 9:30 p.m. on June 13 at Luminato in the Square. Featuring main stage and on-the-ground performances and activities, the event invites all Torontonians to celebrate the amazing contributions of artists and arts organizations to our city.
“Toronto Arts Council’s investment in artists and arts organizations is an investment in Toronto and has helped shape the identity of the city. Our work continues to ensure Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, desirable place to live and visit,” says Kelly Langgard, Director & CEO of Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation. “As a community-led organization that encourages civic engagement, belonging and inspiration, it's important that we celebrate our 50th milestone in an open and representative way; through our Community Celebration we’re giving collective thanks to our artists for shaping the city we see today while we look ahead to 50 more years of cultural growth and care.”
Established in 1974 with a total budget of $315,000, TAC awarded its first grants to 14 arts organizations. Today, TAC’s granting budget nears $25 million annually with hundreds of organizations, collectives and individuals receiving financial support to create and present artistic work. Public funding for the arts, championed by The City of Toronto since 1974, and delivered through TAC’s peer review process, has been integral to the city's vitality.
The Community Celebration will showcase just some of the artists that TAC and its affiliate Toronto Arts Foundation support. Hosted by Britta B., the event will feature performances by the youth steel pan band Pan Fantasy, Indigenous Cellist and Composer Cris Derksen, award-winning Tapestry Opera, DJ Berma with collaborator and mentee Blakkpharoah in partnership with InterAccess video artists, and more. Visual artists Monica Wickeler and Elder Philip Cote will be leading participatory creation opportunities for audiences of all ages.
Join us and celebrate the power of the arts at TAC’s 50th anniversary launch event, happening at Luminato in the Square.
For 10 days from June 7 - 16, David Pecaut Square will be transformed into Luminato in the Square, where festivalgoers will have free entry to enjoy concerts, performances, interactive activities, food vendors, and bustling markets. This lively outdoor festival atmosphere complements the recently announced June programme to create a rich 2024 experience that will animate the city in fresh and surprising ways.
Toronto Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
at Luminato in the Square
Date: Thursday, June 13
Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
David Pecaut Square
Entry: Free
For more information about the 50th Anniversary Community Celebration, visit the 50th Anniversary Community Celebration page.
The Celebration is made possible, in part, by Toronto Arts Foundation.