Culture Days is a yearly volunteer movement throughout Canada to promote and raise awareness, accessibility, and participation in arts and culture. Nearly 800 cities and towns will host 7,000 free, interactive events. In Ontario, there will be more than 1,600 free activities; all taking place between September 28 to 30.
Project Director, David Moss, shared a few words with me at launch a few days ago. He talked about the origins of Culture Days; he explained that artists and leaders got together to come up with the concept; the idea was to showcase arts and culture. The main point was always “about building relationships with the community… To allow anyone to participate and organize an event; within their own community” while also getting to know others outside theirs. Culture Days allows organizations big and small to invite others and explore they have to offer, he continued. “Culture and the arts are vital parts of our communities…Culture allows us to connect and express ourselves,” Moss emphasized. Certainly a great way for us to know our city, our communities and enjoy ourselves.
Here in Toronto, there will be many activities for you to take in, some of which include:
• TIFF presents Film Fun
Friday, September 28th to Sunday, September 30th
Friday, September 28th to Sunday, September 30th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Step behind the scenes at TIFF with this interactive film-craft activities, where anything is possible with their green screen technology and your imagination.
• Rehearsal of Canadian Opera Company’s Die Fledermaus
Friday, September 28th
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Canadian Opera Company offers an exclusive opportunity to attend a portion of a rehearsal of the COC’s new production of Johann Strauss II’s madcap comedy Die Fledermaus at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Canadian Opera Company offers an exclusive opportunity to attend a portion of a rehearsal of the COC’s new production of Johann Strauss II’s madcap comedy Die Fledermaus at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
• Samba Drumming Workshop
Saturday, September 29th
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Learn Samba style drumming with Drum Artz at their community centre on 27 Primrose Avenue and lead by professional percussionists including members of Samba Squad.
• Poetry Workshop with Quattro Books
Saturday, September 29th
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Quattro Books, a Toronto-based publisher, with the help of established poet and editor Luciano Iacobelli, invite writers to participate in playful writing exercises designed to help poets overcome content and style blocks.There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A session with the host.
Saturday, September 29th
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Quattro Books, a Toronto-based publisher, with the help of established poet and editor Luciano Iacobelli, invite writers to participate in playful writing exercises designed to help poets overcome content and style blocks.There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A session with the host.
• Aboriginal Pow Wow and Dance Demonstrations at Humber College’s Aboriginal Resource Centre
Saturday, September 29th
11:50 am – 2:00 pm
The event features Native dancers, singers and drummers from the Great Lakes region. There will be individual dance demonstrations, teachings of the history and contributions of aboriginal peoples, aboriginal languages and traditional regalia.
Saturday, September 29th
11:50 am – 2:00 pm
The event features Native dancers, singers and drummers from the Great Lakes region. There will be individual dance demonstrations, teachings of the history and contributions of aboriginal peoples, aboriginal languages and traditional regalia.
Friday, September 28th
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
First Nations actor/comedian and musician Reno Lone Wolf and Red Bear storyteller Jim Adams will engage and entertain harried rush hour subway riders with seldom heard Cree and Ojibway humour.
TTC subway patrons will get to hear some of the best in Canadian Indigenous humour . Comedian Lone Wolf and Red Bear storyteller Adams form a dynamic liaison that will leave the riders of the University subway line smiling from ear to ear.
Friday, September 28th and Saturday, September 29th
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun Life Financial presents EXPERIENCE THE SUN, a collection of three short films that shines light on the value of love, family, friendship, foresight and a positive, spirited outlook on life. The project brings to life the power and beauty of the sun through the eyes of leading-edge directors across Asia.
Sunday, September 30th
• Japanese Tea Ceremony Green Tea Demonstration
Sunday, September 30th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Learn about Chanoyu, in DISH GALLERY + STUDIO, Artscape Building Studio 112, Distillery Historic District, as you see Yumiko Katsuya, ceramic artist and Sensei of the Urasenke tradition of tea, prepare Usucha or powdered green tea with her students, as it is usually served at a Japanese Tea Ceremony.
These are but a very few of the many events taking place as part of Culture Days in Toronto. I suggest taking a look at their website for all Toronto events. Also, use their Bright Spots scheduler. This free, on-line tool allows you to create a personalized schedule of activities taking place in your city over the Culture Days weekend. That said, go out, have fun, and join others in your community!
