Toronto – The City of Toronto has launched the 2024 Cultural Hotspot program celebrating the Jane and Finch community. The program will focus on Jane and Finch until 2025, celebrating the community’s creative contributions to Toronto and providing funding to local artists and arts organizations.
Cultural Hotspot is an annual arts program that celebrates diverse communities outside of Toronto’s downtown core, with a different community highlighted every two years. Delivered in collaboration with local arts and community organizations, the program provides valuable opportunities for youth job placement and mentorship through workshops, exhibits and events.
All public programming is free to attend and takes place in the area bounded by Steeles Avenue to the north, Wilson Avenue to the south, Weston Road to the west and Keele Street to the east.
2024 Cultural Hotspot programming highlights include:
Brand Design Program
Six young artists from equity-deserving groups can participate in seven weekly workshops to learn branding guidelines that includes a final event to launch the participants’ brands. The program is facilitated by The Classroom with support from Anchored Minds Foundation and runs until August 4.
From the Roots Up
Twenty Jane and Finch-based youth aged 13 to 18 will receive instruction from shoe artist and designer, Deanna Livoti, to create a customized pair of sneakers and showcase their artwork in a professional gallery setting. The project is facilitated by The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and runs until August 24, 2024.
Black Diamonds
A series of weekly literary and performing arts workshops facilitated by experienced artists, educators and mentors that culminate in a public performance. This program is facilitated by Black Diamonds Writers’ Collective with support from The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and runs until October 31.
Digital Impressions, Urban Griots
Opportunities for Black youth aged 14 to 18 to contribute their voices and perspectives through augmented reality digital art, tying original works to existing murals in Jane and Finch under the guidance of local professional artists. This program is organized by AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives and runs until October 31.
Open Mic at Black Creek Community Farm
Series of five monthly events and instructional programming delivered by professional artists prioritizing local youth from equity-deserving groups. This series is organized by Black Creek Community Farm with support from Foodshare Inc. and runs until October 31.
Flaunt It x Corner Commons: Community Arts Festival 2024
This two-day community arts festival hosted by Flaunt It Movement features an artist showcase on September 20 and small business market held on September 27 that celebrates women and gender-diverse residents of the Jane and Finch community.
Wheel It Studios VOL. 6
Youth mentorship program on content creation, artist engagement and music marketing. Two events will celebrate participants as they release album singles and the final album launch on digital streaming platforms. This series is facilitated by New Tradition Music with two events held on September 5 and 6.
Print Sessions & Print Sessions Live
Live-recorded performances featuring up to 30 artists aged 15 to 29 alongside a professional band, sound engineer, photographer and videographer in the library of James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and A Different Booklist. The sessions are facilitated by The Greenprint Network and run until November 30.
The 2024 Cultural Hotspot program is presented by TD Bank Group and supported by Jane Finch Mall and media partners FLOW 98.7 and Toronto Star.
More information about Cultural Hotspot, including a full list of 2024 programming and a calendar of upcoming events, is available on the City’s Cultural Hotspot webpage.