Cultural Hotspot
NOTICE: Timelines and program plans are currently being adapted due to COVID-19. Please check back for updates.
2020 details coming soon!

Cultural Hotspot 2016
In 2016, North York Arts was a signature partner on Cultural Hotspot. We programmed and participated in several projects including:
- My Art My New Land
My Art My New Land was a free improv workshop series created to help newcomer artists face and overcome challenges in a new culture
- Snapd Photo Project
Youth learned the basics of photography in a workshop facilitated by a professional photographer. Program took place is several areas of North York including: Jane-Finch-Sheppard, Don Valley Village, Downsview, and Flemingdon Park
- Launch of Lee Lifeson Art park
NYA and hotspot celebrated the inaugural season of the Lee Lifeson Art Park in Willowdale – Toronto’s first park offering performing and visual arts to the public.
- 5th Anniversary / Hotspot closing party
NYA celebrated their 5-year anniversary with Cultural Hotspot’s closing party with various speakers, artists, and performances
About Us
North York Arts (NYA) collaborates with artists, arts organizations, and partners to develop, strengthen, and promote cultural programming and initiatives for North York communities
Contact us
North York Arts
5040 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON, M2N 6R8
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Meet Julián
Julián Carvajal (he/him) is a Toronto-based award-winner creator & producer of experiences. This Queer Latinx Colombian Canadian Arts Manager/Producer has over 21 years of experience managing, curating and delivering arts festivals and cultural events. He is the Event Producer of the largest PanAmerican Food and Music Festival in Canada, Mentor in Residence at the Neighbourhood Arts Network while working at North York Arts, StreetARToronto and producing "In My Element(s) Symposia" for ArtWorkxTO.
Julián has collaborated with organizations and artists from 5 continents on multiple artistic projects. He has mentored over 400 self-identified artists for the past 10 years. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships; helping others to navigate the art sector in the city while collaborating with others to co-create an anti-oppressive and more diverse and inclusive vision of the art sector in Tkaronto.
What does art mean to you?
The Big Bang of my life