Cultural Hotspot program shines its spotlights on North York

TORONTO, May 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The City's Arts Advocate, Councillor John Filion (Ward 23 Willowdale), was joined this afternoon by Councillor Jon Burnside (Ward 26 Don Valley West), and the program's partners and sponsors to launch the third edition of the Cultural Hotspot at the Aga Khan Museum.

From May to October, the City's Cultural Hotspot initiative will celebrate the arts, culture, events, food and communities thriving throughout North York. More than 100 free projects and events will take place in collaboration with over 40 program partners.

"The Cultural Hotspot highlights that Toronto has great artists, cultural organizations and events throughout the city," said Councillor Filion. "This year, North York will benefit from the experiences and successes this program has already achieved in Etobicoke and Scarborough."

"This innovative program helps artists and organizations based in North York to create new projects while also providing numerous interactive art opportunities for residents of all ages," said Councillor Burnside.

Some upcoming Cultural Hotspot projects:

• On May 27, the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra will enliven Mel Lastman Square with a Latin night featuring JUNO award-winning flamenco guitarist Robert Michaels.
• On June 17, the Toronto Korean Film Festival will kick off with a special screening of two feature films preceded by on-stage performances at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.
• On July 16 and 17, the Aga Khan Museum and Park will host The Festival of Flight, an interactive weekend family festival inspired by flight, flying, the skies and the heavens.
• During September and October, a large-scale intergenerational community mural will be created by Baycrest Health Sciences residents and local youth.

A complete program guide is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot/events.

The Cultural Hotspot is produced by the City in collaboration with local arts, cultural, educational and heritage organizations, community partners, local businesses and multiple City divisions. It builds on existing community strengths while developing resources outside of Toronto's downtown, as recommended by the Creative Capital Gains Action Plan.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot, http://www.twitter.com/culturalhotspot and http://www.facebook.com/culturalhotspot.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

SOURCE City of Toronto

Media contact: Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, [email protected]