Today, we’d like to highlight the beautiful story of trust, collaboration, and unwavering support that led to the expansion and growth of our Art Encounters program – TOAF’s access program for artists in priority groups.
Ongoing and incremental collaboration with participating artists and partner organizations has resulted in the most rewarding stories. We had the honour of discovering exceptionally talented artists, and we’re thrilled to introduce their exciting new works to our visitors.
This year, the program has grown to include 30 artists, and the scope has expanded to extend throughout the year. The growth of this program is truly beyond our expectations . We can’t wait to meet the new artists and welcome the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf and Tangled Art + Disability artist rosters.
This kind of growth is only possible with trust and expanded collaboration from believers, supporters, and donors. Our immense thanks for the new and significant support from TD Bank Group and Ontario Arts Council, continued support from Higgins Event Rentals and individual donors, and a momentous unique gift from The Lindy Green Family Foundation – The Lead Supporter of Art Encounters.
We are honoured to leave you with a heartwarming note from Lindy Green, who saw the importance of this program from its inception and trusted us over the years to strive for better accessibility and welcome.
A Heartwarming Note
I love being on the ground floor of innovative pilot projects, and Art Encounters was one such opportunity. I’m particularly interested in providing access initiatives to marginalized members of our society, in this case, artists who have been challenged by physical and/or cultural barriers.
I was confident that under the stewardship and vision of TOAF’s Executive and Creative Director, Anahita Azrahimi, and with the support of the TOAF Board of Directors, the program had an excellent chance of success. Five years on, I’m thrilled to say that Art Encounters exceeds my early expectations.
The number of applicants and participants has blossomed, along with an astonishing and growing array of support programs ranging from free booth space to professional development and mentorship. The program has become so vital that TOAF has committed a full-time staff person for this initiative!
Congratulations to everyone for helping to change lives through the arts. I’m very proud to be a part of it.
Sincerely,
Lindy Green, Founder and Trustee
Lindy Green Family Foundation
Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf
Curated by Maryam Hafizirad
Booth 314, Zone E, Nathan Phillips Square, July 15 – 17
It is the mission of the BRCCED to provide care and opportunities in a communication-rich environment that enhances the quality of life of those we serve.
Women and Men Aren’t Free in the Politics, Samareh Harirchian, 2020, Mixed Media
Untitled, Nivejah Navarathinam, Mixed Media
Tangled Art + Disability
Curated by Adam Cohoon
Booth 312, Zone E, Nathan Phillips Square, July 16 – 17
Tangled Art + Disability is a registered charitable organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for artists with disabilities to contribute to the cultural fabric of our society.
Me and Also Me, Sarah Dawn Richardson, 2022, Fabric, beads and found objects cardboard
Massey Hall (Limited edition) #1 of 7, Steve Kean, 2022, Digital photography
Art Encounters Artists
A Breath Above the Surface, Ava Margueritte, 2022, Digital photography
City of Dreams, Henry Hao, 2021, Hand-painted watercolour
Upcoming
12:30 PM | Watch on Instagram
With Tiffany Pratt, Designer and Creative Director, and Artists Pasha Moezzi and Montina Hussey
Join Tiffany Pratt on Instagram Live for a lively chat with TOAF61 artists to launch the 61st Toronto Outdoor Art Fair. Kick-off the Online Fair with a virtual introduction to this year's roster of artists, and get ready to join us July 15-17 at Nathan Phillips Square!
And more Artist Chats & Studio Tours!
Stay tuned on TOAF's Instagram for casual conversations between artists and tours of their spaces! Visit TOAF.ca for the full and most up-to-date programming schedule.
