Hazelton Lanes Hosts Inaugural Arts Festival in Yorkville in Collaboration with OCAD University and First Capital Realty

- 22 artists from OCAD present their work at Hazelton Lanes May 9 to 19, 2013 -

TORONTO, April 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Hazelton Lanes invites Torontonians to the Hazelton Lanes Arts Festival from Thursday May 9 to Sunday May 19, presented in collaboration with the Faculty of Art at OCAD University and First Capital Realty.

Showcasing the extraordinary talent of OCAD's emerging contemporary artists, the exhibition features a diverse mix of events as well as artwork in disciplines ranging from photography, painting, print and site-specific installations.

For 10 days, OCAD's artists take over Hazelton Lane's Oval Square, turning the centre's common space into a pop-up gallery. The highly anticipated exhibit promises to be an exciting event as it features juried work by 21 artists, including art by current students and recent graduates, says Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University. "This is exactly the kind of partnership that OCAD University celebrates. The festival will provide an opportunity for visitors to admire stunning original works of art, meet up-and-coming artists, and even acquire pieces from the next generation of Canada's great artists."

In addition, the festival hosts a series of events with featured artists, lectures by OCAD University professors, as well as performances and musical accompaniment from musicians at JAZZ FM.

In its inaugural edition, the festival is titled Unfolding the Oval Square, since the event will be hosted in this unique common space at Hazelton Lanes. "We're proud to support the youth and the arts while contributing to the continued flourishing culture of our city," says Dori J. Segal, President and CEO of First Capital Realty Inc.   "Celebrating arts, culture and community is important to First Capital Realty.  Our support for OCAD U builds on previous successful collaborations, which have led to public art competitions and other inspiring projects".

For more information about the Hazelton Lanes Art Festival, visit www.hazeltonlanes.com.

Media Advisory:

Opening night reception for the Hazelton Lanes Arts Festival will be held on May 9 at 6 p.m. at Hazelton Lanes, a First Capital Realty property, to officially launch the Festival and media representatives are invited to take part in the celebration. For media accreditation, please respond to Anna Ng at [email protected] by May 1.

What:				Hazelton Lanes Art Festival, Unfolding the Oval Square, Presented by OCAD University and First Capital Realty
Who:				Art students and graduates of OCAD University
When:				Thursday May 9 to Sunday May 19, 2013 Opening Night Reception: May 9 at 6:00pm A full schedule of events is available at www.hazeltonlanes.com
Where:				Hazelton Lanes, Oval Square 87 Avenue Road
Photo Op:				Dozens of artists take over Oval Square for Hazelton Lane's inaugural Art Festival featuring OCAD artists including art installations, performances, lectures, screenings, workshops and more.

About Hazelton Lanes

Hazelton Lanes is a premiere shopping centre with more than 60 lifestyle boutiques, spanning over 200,000 square feet. Located in the heart of beautiful Yorkville, in downtown Toronto, Hazelton Lanes offers international luxury brands, specialty stores and services, making it a vibrant shopping destination in the GTA. Anchored by Whole Foods, this unique shopping attraction offers an inspired experience for the entire family. For more information, visit www.hazeltonlanes.com

About First Capital Realty (TSX: FCR)

First Capital Realty is Canada's leading owner, developer and operator of supermarket and drugstore anchored neighborhood and community shopping centres, located predominantly in growing urban markets. The Company currently owns interests in 172 properties, including four ground-up developments, totaling approximately 24.9 million square feet of gross leasable area and three sites in the planning stage for future retail development.

About OCAD University

OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada's "university of imagination." The university, founded in 1876, is dedicated to art and design education, practice and research and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. OCAD University is building on its traditional, studio-based strengths, adding new approaches to learning that champion cross-disciplinary practice, collaboration and the integration of emerging technologies. In the Age of Imagination, OCAD University community members will be uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life for all Canadians.

SOURCE: First Capital Realty Inc.