Etobicoke in spotlight of Cultural Hotspot program

TORONTO, May 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Councillor Mark Grimes (Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore) was joined by Councillors John Campbell (Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre) and Stephen Holyday (Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre) today in Etobicoke to help launch the second edition of the City of Toronto's Cultural Hotspot initiative.

"The Cultural Hotspot broadens Toronto's cultural experience," said Deputy Mayor Vincent Crisanti (Councillor, Ward 1 Etobicoke North). "This multidisciplinary and multigenerational project will introduce Etobicoke to a wider audience and show people just how diverse and dynamic its communities really are."

The launch event was produced in collaboration with the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival and included a film panel, music, dance and spoken word performances.

From May through October, the Cultural Hotspot features a series of signature projects that will inspire residents of and visitors to south and central Etobicoke to discover the arts, culture, food, heritage and parkland in this vibrant area. Highlights include a mobile art trailer, a seniors' contemporary dance project, murals on TTC vehicles, local festivals and more.

Comments by the councillors whose wards are part of this year's Cultural Hotspot:

"One of the many gems in Ward 3, Neilson Park Creative Centre is an inspiring local arts hub. The centre is alive with the creativity of its six resident art collectives welcoming and enriching the entire community. It also offers space for artists to gather, work, share and delight us." – Councillor Stephen Holyday (Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre)

"Arts and culture have a special way of connecting people and communities. Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre is home to many talented, creative individuals and to dedicated cultural organizations that enliven our neighbourhood. The Cultural Hotspot will highlight our artistic community and will result in more organized opportunities for valuable creative engagement amongst residents." – Councillor John Campbell (Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre)

"Ward 5 is alive with exciting sights and sounds. Visit the Old Mill on the historic shores of the Humber River, come see the Village of Islington and walk through history with our award winning Mural Mosaic project, featuring an Artwalk of 26 murals along Dundas Street West. Visit this unique area and make sure to enjoy award winning restaurants no matter what your tastes are on Bloor Street and The Queensway." – Councillor Justin Di Ciano (Ward 5 Etobicoke Lakeshore)

"From the murals that can be found on Lake Shore Boulevard West to the great dining experiences you can find within the restaurants throughout the ward, there is no shortage of culture in Ward 6. We are fortunate to have such an active community that hosts countless events year-round. One event you won't want to miss is the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival, which is produced by Fifth Ground Entertainment in association with Lakeshore Arts." – Councillor Mark Grimes (Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore)

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

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot, at Twitter.com/culturalhotspot and at 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. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. 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: Ross Bryant, Strategic Communications, 416-338-0944, [email protected]