Hangar Skate

Hangar Skate

Hangar Skate

Presented by Northcrest, North York Arts and Your Peak Performance, with support from the Government of Canada.

Join us every weekend in February for “Hangar Skate” – a FREE pop-up skating rink outside an 80,000 sq.ft airplane hangar at The Hangar District in Downsview. With live DJs in the evenings, free skating lessons in the afternoons, and a special Family Day program, bring your skates and scarves and explore the soon-to-be reimagined Downsview Airport Lands with some fun on the ice! Guests will be able to see the inside of an airplane hangar that has rarely been open to the public.

February 4-26, 2023

The Hangar District in Downsview

Across from 95 Garratt Blvd.

  • Saturdays & Sundays 1pm-4pm: Open skate with free skating lessons (first-come, first served)
  • Saturdays 5pm-8pm – Live DJs and open skate

Special Family Day Weekend additions:

  • Sunday, February 19 5pm-8pm: Live DJ and open skate
  • Monday, February 20, 1pm-4pm: Family DJ open skate

Check out our Photo Gallery!

Meet the DJs

DJ Elegance

Bio and Skate Dates

Benjamin De Graaf – DJ Elegance is a Downsview local and musical connoisseur/curator and experiential event strategist. DJ Elegance’s musical style incorporates a wide variety of styles from past to present mixed or blended to perfection and filled with a twist of musical experimentation. When he is not lighting up event spaces he is instructing/teaching new DJs through his successful DJ Academy or working with youth in schools and community using his arts based educational workshops (Love Music Initiative) to work with youth and make a difference www.lovemusicinitiative.com.

DJ Elegance will be at Hangar Skate on Feb 4th and Feb 25th from 5pm to 8pm!

DJ MelBoogie

Bio and Skate Date

Hailing from Toronto, DJ MelBoogie is one of the country’s best-known female DJs. For over 25 years, her roots have been deeply embedded in radio, both as a host, and mixshow format DJ. She has also hosted several events in the GTA community, including Canadian Music Week, North By North East Indie Showcase, and has been a speaker/panelist at a variety of music industry conferences. Mel has also made several television appearances, including CBC Television, CP24, Much Music, New Music, MTV Canada, Toronto Life, and more. She’s also opened for some of the most respected performers in the world of entertainment, including Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon (MTV’s Wild ‘N Out) Major Lazer, Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, and more.

DJ MelBoogie will be at Hangar Skate on Feb 11th from 5pm to 8pm!

DJ Dreadie Love

Bio and Skate Date

 

As a disk jockey (DJ) and master of ceremony (MC), DJ Dreadie Love aims to create a professional and memorable experience for her clients & audience.

Not only is she a DJ, but also she’s a certified zumba instructor and drummer. Both skill sets creatively impact the way in which she selects songs, genres and tempos. She’s very keen to detail, knows how to read the crowd and follow the flow of any event. Mixed in with her sharp, Personable MC skills, she’s a powerful force!

DJ Dreadie Love will be at Hangar Skate on Feb 18th from 5pm to 8pm!

DJ Mensa

Bio and Skate Date

DJ MENSA IS A STAPLE IN TORONTO’S MUSIC SCENE. HE’S BEEN PROVIDING VIBES FOR TORONTO’S BIGGEST PARTIES FOR DECADES. DJ MENSA HAS OPENED FOR THE LIKES OF DRAKE AND THE WEEKND AND HAS PERFORMED ACROSS CANADA NUMEROUS TIMES.

DJ Mensa will be at Hangar Skate on Feb 19th from 5pm to 8pm!

Mista Jiggz

Bio and Skate Date
Mista Jiggz is in the upper echelon of DJ’s of his hometown Toronto, Canada. In a city so rich and diverse in culture, a person with a discerning ear and an open mind can flourish. Forever looking for the perfect beat, Jiggz has become a true music connoisseur, spending years developing a musical catalogue now rivaled by few.
From your radio to the nightclub and beyond, Mista Jiggz is undoubtedly a musical force to be reckoned with.
 
Mista Jiggz will be at Hangar Skate on Feb 20th from 1pm to 4pm!
 

In partnership with:

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Light Up Downsview

Light Up Downsview

Light Up Downsview

A Drone Performance by Katharine Harvey at the Downsview Airport

Presented by Northcrest Developments in association with Luminato Festival Toronto and  North York Arts. Join us for an evening of illuminated wonder, as renowned Toronto artist, Katharine Harvey, uses drones flying in 3D formation to create ethereal magic in the sky.

Featuring complimentary hot beverages, entertainment, family activities and a breathtaking display of aerial art, don’t miss this FREE and unforgettable celebration on the soon-to-be re-developed Downsview Airport Lands.

Due to overwhelming demand, our LIGHT UP DOWNSVIEW event has reached capacity. To join the waiting list, click the link below!

For those in the Downsview area, Katharine Harvey’s “Turning In The Light” drone performance will be visible from the skies over Downsview at 7pm on November 12.

“Turning in the Light” is a twelve-minute show with 108 independent drones enacting eight scenes in the sky, some based on the artist’s recent paintings.  Katharine Harvey, known for her large-scale public artworks, explores the mystery of the cosmos as interpreted by architectural space. Northstar Drone Shows will program the flight paths of the drones to paint each artistic image in the sky. For those unfamiliar with this technology, imagine fireworks set to music without loud explosions, air, or noise pollution. Afterwards, we welcome the public to see the drone field up close and talk to the flight crew. The creation of this work was funded in part by an Ontario Arts Council grant.

Come early to enjoy pre-show programming by North York Arts between 6pm and 7pm. We’re thrilled to present music by local artist Benjamin De Graaf – DJ Elegance, and a Lantern Parade by Shadowland Theatre.

Make and bring your own lantern using the template below to participate!

Saturday November 12, 2022

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Across from 3 Hanover Road, Toronto (just north of Dufferin & Wilson)

FREE admission with advanced registration required. FREE parking and FREE 5-minute shuttle from Wilson Station. If you need to reserve a parking spot or if you would like to take the free shuttle from Wilson Station, please follow the prompts when you RSVP for this event.

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:00 p.m. Gates Open: free hot beverages, musical entertainment by DJ Benjamin De Graff

6:30 p.m. Lantern Parade by Shadowland Theatre, make your own lantern at home using the template below and join the parade!

7:00 p.m. Drone performance

7:30 p.m. Post-performance opportunity to see the drone field up close and talk to the flight crew.

Create Your Own Lantern - Instructions and Template
Join the Waitlist

Meet the Artists

Katharine Harvey

Learn More

Katharine Harvey’s paintings feature rich tactile surfaces and colour effects that convey a sense of luminosity, while her sculptural practice radiates similar perceptions of shifting light and tenuousness through the use of transparent materials.

Website

Shadowland Theatre

Learn More
Shadowland Theatre creates original theatre that entertains, engages, and inspires people to interact positively with each other and their environments. The company works with communities to animate local stories, create seasonal celebrations, and to nurture an appreciation of public and green spaces.
Shadowland’s distinctive theatrical vocabulary includes puppetry, mask, stilt-dance, illuminations, spectacle arts, and live music, animating streets, parks and outdoor spaces with vibrant and large-scale images. Shadowland’s designs have graced many theatre and arts organizations including, most recently, As You Like It for Dream in High Park and VideoCabaret’s Cold War.
Benjamin De Graaf

Learn More

Benjamin De Graaf – DJ Elegance is a Downsview local and musical connoisseur/curator and experiential event strategist. DJ Elegance’s musical style incorporates a wide variety of styles from past to present mixed or blended to perfection and filled with a twist of musical experimentation. When he is not lighting up event spaces he is instructing/teaching new DJs through his successful DJ Academy or working with youth in schools and community using his arts based educational workshops (Love Music Initiative) to work with youth and make a difference www.lovemusicinitiative.com.

In partnership with:

Luminato Festival Logo
Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Cultura Festival

Cultura Festival

The World in a Square

 

Friday Nights in July

 

6pm to 11pm at Mel Lastman Square

 

Cultura is a free family friendly outdoor festival presenting Music, Art, Food, and Film Friday evenings in July.

Cultura celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity, featuring world-renowned musicians, tasty international street food, explosive buskers, interactive art activities, and evening film screenings under the stars.

This year, we are joined by programming partners Tirgan Festival, Toronto Downtown Jazz, Uma Nota Culture, and Small World Music.

 

This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

Photos taken by Kayla Wondergem

Danielle Ungara | NYA Producer
John Filion | Founder
Christina Giannelia | NYA Executive Director
Cecilia Garcia | NYA Senior Program Manager
Anna Aleksanyan | NYA Communications Manager

July 8, 15, 22, and 29

6pm to 11pm

Mel Lastman Square

5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7

v

Email: info@northyorkarts.org

Free!

 

2022 Cultura Festival Lineup

July 8

July 15

July 22

July 29

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Logo

Cultura Festival History

Cultura Festival 2019

Dates: July 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019

Featured Music: Lemon Bucket Orkestra, The Circle Music Band, Delhi 2 Dublin, Arsenals 100% Kick-Ass Ska
Featured Busker: Nemesis, Hoop You LED Glow Show, The Greg Tarlin Juggling Show, Fireguy Show
Featured Film: Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse, The Breadwinner, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Incredibles 2

Co presenting Partners: North York Arts, City of Toronto
Secondary Stage Sponsor: TD Bank
Presenting Sponsors: Sorbara Development Group, North York Centre 
Partnering Sponsors: TO Live, Longos
Supporting Sponsor: St. Louis Bar & Grill

Cultura Festival 2018

Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018

Featured Music: Sharon Riley and the Faith Chorale, Persian All Stars: Amir Amiri and Friends, Songs of Leonard Cohen, The Lemon Bucket Orchestra
Featured Busker: The Fire Guy, Mike Wood, Isabella Hoops, Mighty Mike
Featured Film: Wonder, The Post, Lion, The Greatest Showman

Co presenting Partners: North York Arts, City of Toronto
Main Stage Sponsor: TD Bank
Government Partners: Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
Cultura Festival Donors: Arthur Dalfen
Presenting Sponsors: Sobara Development Group
Supporting Sponsors: North York Centre, St, Louis Wings

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Big Band Exchange (in lieu of Sunday Serenades)

Big Band Exchange (in lieu of Sunday Serenades)

Big Band Exchange 2021

Big Band Exchange is Back!

Last year, in lieu of our music and dance festival Sunday Serenades, we brought you Big Band Exchange – an online video series where musicians and community members came together to exchange knowledge and ideas about the importance of music.

After a successful run, we are back this year with a new iteration that brings an even more impact straight to your screen. NYA invited tap dancer Travis Knights and Holla Jazz founder Natasha Powell, in dialogue with jazz singer Jenna Marie Pinard, to share their love for social dancing and their vision for a future where jazz and dance are reunited.

Tune in this Fall, starting November 18th, as we delve deep in four short video conversations with the artists on the following topics:

Date: First episode launches November 18th

v

Email: sundayserenades@northyorkarts.org

Episode 1 – The Contemporary Challenge: Striving Toward A New Identity

NYA is thrilled to launch the first episode of Big Band Exchange 2021! Episode 1, “The Contemporary Challenge: Striving Toward A New Identity” explores how jazz provides a blueprint for societal cohesion, celebrates individuality/authenticity, and promotes history and lineage.

Join Jenna Marie, Natasha Powell, and Travis Knights as they sit in conversation for improvised dialogues at Toronto’s own Lula Lounge, in between musical highlights showing how they honour the art of jazz! 

Episode 2 – Friends Don’t Let Friends Clap on 1 & 3: The Rules of The Game

After a fascinating Episode 1 that delved deep into striving toward a new identity in jazz, join Jenna Marie, Natasha Powell, and Travis Knights for BBX Episode 2, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Clap on 1 & 3: The Rules of The Game.” 

What are the rules to swing? Are there any? Who has been erased from the history of jazz? What can we improvise and bring to the classics? Join Jenna Marie, Natasha Powell, and Travis Knights in the Lula Lounge to explore these questions and more! You’ll gain insight on their knowledge through conversations in between musical breaks.

Episode 3 – Shout Out To The Mentors: The Gift of Passing It On

As we dive deeper into the future of Jazz today we’re taking it back in Episode 3 “Shout Out To The Mentors: The Gift of Passing It On.” Join us in the Lula Lounge as Jenna Marie, Natasha Powell, and Travis Knights show love to the elders!

In these conversations, with musical breaks in between, we learn that mentors don’t always mean major jazz influences but include all meaningful figures and experiences in between. Our artists will share how their influences helped to develop their practice today and how they bring their own artistic presence to these greats. 

Episode 4 – The Playlist: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

We’ve been able to see and hear where jazz is going, what the rules are and how we can bring our own spin, and lastly who has influenced the artform. In our final episode for BBX, “The Playlist: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” we explore the question “what are the songs that change(d) our lives?”

In episode 4 we’re back in the Lula Lounge with Jenna Marie, Natasha Powell, and Travis Knights as they engage in improvised conversations and performances to close out the series.

Thank you to:

Travis Knights
Natasha Powell 
Jenna Marie     

Ewen Farncombe
Reknee Harrett
Lowell Whitty

Sophia Malbarosa
Mason Victoria

Simeon Taole  
Danielle Ungara

Fanny Martin

Melissa Foster

Dancer
Dancer
Vocalist

Piano
Double Bass
Drums

Lighting Assistant
Sound Recordist

Filmmaker (Cinematoscape)  Filmmaker(Cinematoscape)

Creative Producer (Art of Festivals)
Program & Outreach Director (North York Arts)

Thank you: Tracy & Juana at Lula Lounge All the staff at Bird Box Toronto, Pizza Azul, Flor Mexicana and North York Arts

Meet The Artsits

Jenna Marie Pinard (she/her)

At the vanguard of ‘The New Jazz Generation’ and freshly graduated from the University of Toronto’s prestigious jazz studies program, Jenna Marie Pinard possesses a signature jazz and blues voice that hints at Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Aretha Franklin, but is distinctly her own. She is best known for her smooth-sounding jazz and rich R&B vocals, her wide vocal range, and passionate performances. She is quickly gaining reputation in Toronto as a uniquely warm spirit and engaging performer. Originally from Montréal, Jenna Marie now lives in Toronto and plays weekly all over the city. Jenna Marie is also the radio-host and co-producer for “Orange Grove Radio”, a 24-station syndicated radio show that plays “The latest and greatest in Canadian jazz”.

Instagram: @jennamarielive
Tik Tok: @jennamarielive
Facebook: jennamarielive

Natasha Powell (she/her)

Natasha Powell is a dance artist. She is the founder, artistic director, and choreographer of HOLLA JAZZ in Toronto, Canada, presenting historical jazz dances in a new light. No stranger to the stage, Natasha has collaborated and created over 20 dance works for live performance. FLOOR’D, her company’s first full-length production was nominated for four (4) Dora Mavor Moore Awards and named one of the top 10 dance shows of the recent decade by NOW Magazine.

Instagram: @tashapowellto
Website: natashapowell.com

 

Travis Knights (he/him)

I’m a Tap Dancer of the Ethel Bruneau and Mary Bruce lineage. The DaNcE has allowed me to play rhythms on stages around the world. It feels like the more experience I get within Tap, the more questions I have. I explore these questions as the host of the Tap Love Tour Podcast. The DaNcE is my way of connecting with people. For that reason, I am both grateful and dedicated to rhythm and movement.

Website: Travisknights.com
Instagram: @tkxperience
Facebook: Tap Love Tour
SoundCloud: Tap Love Tour
Patreon: travisknights

Big Band Exchange 2020

For the first time in over 25 years, we couldn’t gather on Mel Lastman Square to dance to the sound of the best Big Bands of Toronto and beyond. The safety of our community is always of utmost importance.

While the physical festival didn’t take place, we didn’t let that stop us from finding a way to bring the music to you. So, in lieu of Sunday Serenades, we launched a special project called Big Band Exchange and had YOU participate.

Big Band Exchange is a one-of-a-kind experience for you to connect with and support Toronto bands and musicians through the “exchange” of memories and stories about jazz, music, dancing, and everything in between through conversations and video podcasts!

Participants had the opportunity to sign up for a 1-to-1 30-minute conversation with a big band musician to chat all things music! Had a question, comment, or idea? This was a unique opportunity to connect with local talents.

Then, Every Sunday in August we brought the jazz directly to you! Each band released a pre-recorded podcast on Facebook Live. Watch below as these amazing performers share stories. We encourage you to tune in to listen, sing along, and dance!

Jenna Marie Pinard

Advocats Big Band

Toronto All-Star Big Band

Martin Loomer’s Orange Devils

Supported by: 

Sunday Serenades History

Big Band Exchange 2020 (in lieu of Sunday Serenades)

Due to COVID-19, NYA presented Big Band Exchange in lieu of Sunday Serenades. Big Band Exchange is a online program celebrating music and conversation. Four bands presented video podcasts to share and exchange memories and stories about jazz, music and dancing! Attendees tuned-in live on Facebook. 

Dates: August 9, 16, 23, 30
Bands: Advocats Big Band, Jenna Marie Pinard Ensemble, Martin Loomer’s Orange Devils, and Toronto All-Star Big Band.

Video Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxStEv1SiMs&list=PLzyFf1zw4thv5Ie_9wO1AoBaBFa9JCcu0

Funded by: Government of Canada

 

Sunday Serenades 2019

Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2019
Bands: Metro Big Band, Toronto All Star Big Band, Swing Shift Big Band, Starlight Orchestra 

Partnering Sponsor: TO Live
Community Partner: North York Seniors Centre
Funded by: Government of Canada

Sunday Serenades 2018

Dates: July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2018
Bands: George Lake Big Band, GTA Swing Band, Starlight Orchestra, Metro Big Band

Partnering Sponsor: Toronto Centre for the Arts
Supporting Sponsor: Delmanor
Community Partner: North York Seniors Centre

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Giving Tuesday: The Animation Project Online Premiere

Giving Tuesday: The Animation Project Online Premiere

The Animation Project Online Premiere

A LIVE Giving Tuesday event!

About the Program 

North York Arts and the Toronto Animated Image Society are excited to present The Animation Project Online Premiere! Tune in on December 1st to hear from participants and see their final projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of our programs that pivoted online in March. This event is also in the spirit of Giving Tuesday – we encourage you to donate to support our programs!

The Animation Project was a 12-week digital animation course for participants 55+ that began in the spring.  Not only were participants taught animation and design techniques, but they had the opportunity to share and collaborate with one another through meaningful storytelling and discussions.

This film is a final reflection piece to capture the creative process and self-expression journey.

Date: December 1st

Time: 6pm

Tune in on Youtube!
Donate Today!

Can’t make it at 6pm? Join TAIS on their YouTube channel at 8pm! CLICK HERE

Funded By:

Program Partner:

Program Part of: 

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

The Space Between (Nuit Blanche 2020)

The Space Between (Nuit Blanche 2020)

The Space Between 

Part of Nuit Blache 2020

“It had never before occurred to me that I too could cease to exist, and now a part of me feared being forgotten. How easy it would be to forget an invisible person.”

Date:  October 3, 2020

7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Tune in: 
http://thespacebetweenproject.com/stories

North York Arts is excited to be participating in Nuit Blanche 2020! We’ve partnered with Cinematoscape, an award-winning local digital media company, to showcase The Space Between.

The Space Between, an award-winning play written by Simeon Taole, explores the theme of distance – physical, emotional, and cultural. A young boy in South Africa longs to reunite with his childhood sweetheart in Canada before the space between them separates them forever.

In 2016, Cinematoscape and North York Arts co-presented The Space Between in Toronto. Cinematoscape conducted interviews, in both Canada and South Africa, inviting people to share their experience of the space between. Today, we share these voices and new stories as part of a continued exploration of the space between, a theme with even greater resonance in 2020. Ultimately, the presentation showcases our shared humanity, and the resilience and hope within us all.

Tune in on October 3rd at 7:00 pm  as they meditate on distance and connection, and how people bridge the space between, pre and post pandemic. Through a collection of shared stories, they explore the ways people have experienced this space.

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Toronto Mycelial Network

Toronto Mycelial Network

Toronto Mycelial Network

#InvisibleNetworkTO

An art project to participate in at home
Follow along here: @torontomycelialnetwork

The Toronto Mycelial Network is a city-wide art project to remind us that while we are physically distant – we remain connected as individuals, as communities, and as a city!

We invite all Torontonians to spend this time making any interpretation of a mushroom and post it on social media using the hashtag #InvisibleNetworkTO and tagging @torontomycelialnetwork.

Why a mushroom? Mushrooms can be a great distance apart but are connected to the same invisible network. So, like a mushroom, let’s connect while we remain physically apart!

See below for more information on the Mycelial Network and how to participate. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

 

  1. Make a mushroom of any size, shape, or dimension! If you want, document your process!
  2. Post on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with the hashtag #InvisibleNetworkTO and tag @torontomycelialnetwork
  3. Follow @torontomycelialnetwork to watch the invisible network grow!
  4. Sign up for our NYA Newsletter to be notified about more  Toronto Mycelial Network-related news.
What is a Mycelial Network?

“Underneath the soil a vast and interconnected network of life that links the trees and other plants through their root system. This network is made up of fungi (mushrooms) with massive and far-reaching threads called Mycelium” 

Want to learn more? Check out the 3 minute video:

How should I make my mushroom?

Mushrooms can be made from anything you’d like! It can be made from felt, papier-mache, origami or whatever art supplies (or non-art supplies!) you find in your cupboards. This is a chance to channel your creativity!

How do I share my mushroom?

Share your mushrooms on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #InvisibleNetworkTO
and tag @torontomycelialnetwork It’s that simple!

Don’t have social media? Send your mushroom by email to info@northyorkarts.org – please include your name.

Check out the NYA staff creations! 

The Toronto Mycelial Network was created and initiated by East End Arts, and has been supported by our family of LASOs to expand and grow the network to all corners of Toronto! Members from any community in the city of Toronto and beyond are invited to join all of us in making a mushroom at home, and being connected in times of social distancing. the other LASOs: North York Arts, Arts Etobicoke, Lakeshore Arts, Scarborough Arts and Urban Arts.

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

Uptown Kid Lit

Uptown Kid Lit

Uptown KidLit

Uptown KidLit is a new FREE children’s literary festival in North York for kids aged 12 and under, offering comic drawing and storytelling activities, kidlit and comic exhibitors, and feature presentations by top comic and literary artists!

Featuring George O’Connor, Deborah Kerbel, Richard Scrimger, Britt Wilson, Ted Staunton, Lesley Livingston, Kean Soo, Lis Xu, John Martz, Tory Woollcott, Chad Solomon, Anoosha Syed, Brian McLaughlan, Hilary Leung, and many more!

Date: Saturday, Sept 28th

}

Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm

Address: North York Central Library 5120 Yonge Street, North York

v
Email: info@northyorkarts.org

Price: Free

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network

ThrowDown Dance Convention

ThrowDown Dance Convention

ThrowDown Dance Convention

UrbanArts is presenting the ‘ThrowDown’ Dance Convention– a 1-day annual urban dance platform aimed at promoting the importance of accessible and inclusive dance programs, highlighting the importance of physical literacy, offering new and exciting opportunities for growth and recognition to young performers, and encouraging community engagement through the vehicle of creative movement. Our 2019 theme is ‘Healthy Living through Dance’.

Through their dance showcase & competition, workshops & masterclasses, artist chats, and awards, ThrowDown promotes the development of artistic and life skills for youth in a supportive community atmosphere. Because of the generous contributions from key partners and supporters, Urban Arts is able to offer this dynamic dance platform 100% FREE for participants and attendees to experience.

More Information and Get Your Tickets!

Date: April 6th, 2019

Time: 10:30am – 5pm 

Place: Toronto Centre for the Arts

Address: 5040 Yonge St. North York, ON
v

Email: spencer@urbanartstoronto.org

Website: http://thethrowdown.ca

Price: Free

ThrowDown Dance Convention History

2018 ThrowDown Dance Convention

Date: May 13, 2018

Panel Discussion: “Creating A Balance As Communities Shift” – An expert panel will explore and exchange ideas on how to respond, advocate, and innovate in our schools, studios, and communities to provide dance programs and training for participants of all ages with different backgrounds, abilities, and evolving needs. How do we balance various cultural contexts, socio-economic conditions, and the varying landscapes in our communities? We welcome you for can-do thinking, deep discussion, and exchange of big ideas.

Dance Workshops & Masterclasses (For facilitators and dancers):  These workshops will focus on teaching dance-making skills to youth dancers, including creating movement themes and variations, exploring selected choreographic structures and utilizing elements of design to create exciting, meaningful and impactful work.

Community Dance Competition & Showcase: School & community dance programs, troupes, and local dance initiatives across the city come together to showcase in a main event that includes expert judges, hosts, prizes and loads of fun! ThrowDown will consist of a team dance/crew competition (16 teams). Performances will be scored by a panel of expert judges. (See ‘Rules & Regulations’ tab for scoring criteria). Various awards will be given out throughout the evening.

Back to Programs

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

info@northyorkarts.org

647-477-6059

Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Join Our Network