TD Diversity Award Winner
TORONTO – Mammalian Diving Reflex was named the winner of the inaugural Neighbourhood Arts Network TD Arts Diversity Award, which was announced at the Manifesto Art Show & 3rd Annual Floor Awards.
A Vision Award of Toronto Arts Foundation, this $5,000 award celebrates an arts organization that has made a significant contribution to the arts by working collaboratively with culturally diverse communities, and promoting access to the arts for youth and community groups throughout the City of Toronto.
“The jury commended Mammalian Diving Reflex for empowering youth and its commitment to creating highly accessible work” said Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO, Toronto Arts Foundation. “This organization is truly making an impact in communities throughout the City of Toronto.”
The award was presented by Paul Seguil of TD Bank Group, who said: “We believe that one of the best investments we can make in our communities is by investing in the arts. And it is our belief that a thriving arts environment is essential to the overall health and vibrancy of our communities.”
This year’s winner was selected by an outstanding jury of artists and cultural leaders. Members of the jury this year were:
- Ruben Esguerra, Musician and Arts Educator
- Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Multi–Disciplinary Artist and Co-Founder of Kapwa Collective
- Saumya Gautam, Senior Advisor, CBC
- Melanie Smith, Senior Human Resources Consultant, City of Toronto
- Sojin Chun, Head of Education at Gallery 44
- Saba Askary, Assistant Director at Walnut Gallery
- Kawa Ada, Playwright and Actor
Mammalian Diving Reflex is a Toronto-based non-profit charity and performance company that creates community-based events that are free and open to the public in Toronto, in Canada, and around the world. It offers personal experiences that invite positive social change, and prove the power and generosity of the social sphere.
About Toronto Arts Foundation
The Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that provides the opportunity for individuals, private and public foundations, corporations and government agencies to invest in and strengthen the arts in Toronto. We are powered by a vision: Creative City: Block by Block, a commitment to connect every Toronto neighbourhood to the transformative social and economic benefits of the arts. Through sponsorships, legacy gifts and donations to our Creative City Funds, Toronto Arts Foundation gives voice to the arts, shines the spotlight on Toronto’s exceptional talent, and connects communities to the arts. To learn more about the Toronto Arts Foundation, please visit our website at www.torontoartsfoundation.org
About Neighbourhood Arts Network
The Neighbourhood Arts Network is a strategic initiative of Toronto Arts Foundation. With over 1,000 members to date, we create online resources, partnerships and professional development events that help community engaged artists and organizations do what they do best: enrich Toronto and transform it into a more vibrant and livable city. For more information please visit: www.neighbourhoodartsnetwork.org.
About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2012, TD donated over $65 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visitwww.td.com/corporate-responsibility.
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Contact: Jennifer Green, Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives, Toronto Arts Foundation
jennifer@torontoarts.org 416 392 6802 x207