Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is launching its 50^th 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 50^th 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. The Celebration is made possible, in part, by Toronto Arts Foundation.  

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  

Curated by Toronto Arts Council  

Date: Thursday, June 13  
Time: 6-9:30 p.m. 
David Pecaut Square 

Entry: Free  

For more information about the 50^th Anniversary Community Celebration, visit Toronto Arts Council’s website.  

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About Toronto Arts Council 
Toronto Arts Council (TAC) is the City of Toronto’s funding body for artists and arts organizations. Since 1974, TAC has offered innovative and responsive programs, enabling artists and arts organizations to explore, create and thrive. With funding of over $25 million annually, TAC grants lead to exhibitions, performances, readings and workshops seen each year by over five million people across the city. TAC is proud to play a leadership role in fostering Toronto’s dynamic and diverse arts scene. www.torontoartscouncil.org 

About Toronto Arts Foundation 
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that sparks creative connections, spotlights artistic excellence, and supports vibrant cultural growth throughout our diverse city through private-sector investment. 

About Luminato 
Luminato Festival Toronto is a convenor and catalyst for big, bold contemporary works of art. Each June, Luminato kicks off the summer with a festival to welcome the world to Toronto, commissioning, producing, and presenting exceptional Canadian and international artists. Throughout the year, Luminato works with artists from the diverse cultures and communities of the city’s region, supporting creative development, and bringing their art to the world stage. We connect local voices with global conversations and ground our work in equity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. Most importantly, we believe in the power of art to start conversations and inspire audiences. 
 
Contact 
Sarah Gladki, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation: sarah@torontoarts.org