‘Celebrate 27 Arts Fest’ in Toronto Starts Today March 31, 2011

‘Celebrate 27 Arts Fest’ (C27) is a celebration about Article 27 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states:

“Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”

Thanks to the inspiration of Article 27,  Toronto is having its first annual Celebrate 27 Arts Fest – “C27” to celebrate the universal right to participate in arts and culture by presenting free and ticketed events across Toronto throughout April.

Here is the itinerary of the FREE events  and ticketed events of Celebrate 27 Arts Fest – “C27”.

FREE Events:

March 31

1. The Launch of Celebrate 27 Arts Fest – “C27” is a free inaugural event.

Mayor Rob Ford and Members of Toronto City Council
invite you to the launch of

Celebrate 27 Arts Fest

featuring the twin city Toronto/Milano:
The Urban Landscape exhibit by Toronto Artist, Michael Awad

Thursday, March 31, 2011 • 6 – 8 p.m.

Official Remarks 6:30 p.m.
Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3

Please RSVP at 416-392-7667 or protocol@toronto.ca
Entertainment and light refreshment

• Toronto/Milano – The Urban Landscape, a photography exhibition accompanied by
• music provided by DJ L’Oquenz, vocalist Tanika Charles and young performers Samba Kidz. 
• Gadfly will also showcase its innovative urban dance.
• Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee, will announce 12 local Community Cultural Champions who are dedicated volunteers and advocates for the arts from neighbourhoods across the city.

April 1

2. Saturdays at the Smith Zone

• Through April 16
• Smith Zone Gallery features local felt artist Lisa Rousselet
• Hours are 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Located at 2422 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
• For information, call 416-201-7093

3. Toronto/Milano: The Urban Landscape

• Through April 2 at Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
• Through September at Pearson Airport
• Contrasts the urban landscapes of the two cities through a series of six large-scale photographs by Michael Awad, an internationally acclaimed Toronto photographer
• Awad has also mentored four young Toronto photographers (Gabriella Abis, Julia Soudat, Mapela Uhindu-Gingala, Hawa Yusuf) to produce four large-scale works that will be featured alongside his photo series

4. Eccentricity: Scarborough Arts 26th Annual Juried Exhibition

• Through April 17
• At the Papermill Gallery, Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Road
• Features artists working in all media from across the GTA and beyond
• Artists have demonstrated their unique perspectives while encouraging viewers to consider new ways of thinking
• Gallery hours are Wednesday – Friday 12 noon – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m.

5. Piece by Piece

• Scarborough Village youth are invited to take part in the Piece by Piece C27 Mural
• A series of mural workshops where youth are invited to celebrate their creativity by making a piece of this collaborative mural
• To register to be part of this project call Ann at 416-396-5230 or email abrokel@toronto.cal

6. Twenty Seven: An exhibit featuring 27 works created by Scarborough youth

• Through April 27
• Scarborough Civic Centre Gallery features 27 art pieces created by local youth in a variety of arts programs over the last year
• The gallery is located at 150 Borough Drive
• Open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday
• For info, call 416-396-5230

7. Concealed Beauty

• Through June 17, 2011
• In the Arts Etobicoke Gallery
• Part of the 15th annual Toronto CONTACT Photography Festival
• Experience photography, video art and digital graffiti like never before
• Together with the media arts programs at Rexdale ProTech Media Centre, Arts Etobicoke is pleased to present Concealed Beauty, a show featuring original and enticing art by youth in the Rexdale community
• Come out, witness the show, debunk the myths
• Arts Etobicoke is located at 4893A Dundas St. W. For info, 416-622-8731 or artsetobicoke.com

8. Dancing Through Time: Toronto’s Dance History from 1900-1980

• Through July 2
• Please click here for more info
• Call 416-392-7604

April 2

9. Spring Fever: Scarborough Arts Members’ Exhibition

• Through April 28
• The Bluffs Gallery presents Spring Fever
• Featuring artwork and crafts from Scarborough Arts members that embody the spirit of springtime, with a variety of pieces that reflect energy, renewal and fresh beginnings
• The Bluffs Gallery is located at 1859 Kingston Road at Birchmount. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 11a.m. – 4 p.m.
• For info, 416-698-7322 or scarborougharts.com

10. The Lakeshore: Lifetimes & Landscapes, Art Exhibit

• Through May 7, Opening Reception April 2nd from 2 – 4 p.m.
• The Assembly Hall features an exhibition of art and artefacts exploring the faces and places, past and present that define the Lakeshore
• Located at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (south east corner of Kipling and Lake Shore Blvd. W.)
• Gallery hours: Mon – Fri 12 noon – 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• For info, call 416-338-7255 or visit assemblyhall.ca

11. urbanNOISE – Year 6

• Arts Etobicoke and Expect Theatre co-present the 6th annual urban arts training program & festival for and by youth in Rexdale with a focus on social activism and the arts
• Ongoing at various locations and times
• Contact 416-960-2202 or info@expect.org, expect.org

April 3

12.  Sunday Concert Series

• The Uptown Swing Band performs in the Rotunda of the Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive (McCowan & Ellesmere)
• Enjoy this concert from 2 – 4 p.m. No reserved seating
• For info, please call 416-396-5230

13. Thirteen Neighbourhoods & Community Arts Guild Open Studios

• Through April 29
• Opening reception on Sunday, April 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
• From April 3 through April 29, the Cedar Ridge Gallery features an exhibition of silk-screen prints representing Yasmine Louis‘ artistic vision of 13 Toronto neighbourhoods
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.);  Parking free
• For info, 416-396-4026

14. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 1 – 4 p.m. Drop-In, pick up April Arts information and schedule, sign up & have a cup of tea
• Cedar Ridge Creative Centre: This Scarborough arts hub at 225 Confederation Dr. will present free activities for people of all ages
• Throughout the month of April, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre’s artists-in-residence, Jumblies Theatre, will be in the gallery, with opportunities for people of all ages to engage in art-making
• Help make costumes, puppets, masks, fabric, pottery creations and more
• Try out different types of performance. Check out what community members have been creating
• Find out how to take part in an upcoming large-scale theatre production
• Enjoy poetry and storytelling salons and a special gathering about music creation and community arts
• Some activities are drop-in and others require advance registration
• Most are free, but some will ask for PWYC (Pay What You Can) or sliding-scale admission
• Please contact Jumblies at 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org for more details and visit jumbliestheatre.org for updates
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.); parking free

15. From 3 to 3 – Ongoing

• Presented by the University of Toronto Centre for Community Partnerships and supported by Arts Etobicoke
• From 3 to 3 is an early childhood cultural literacy program in North Etobicoke for children ages 3 to Grade 3 that utilizes iconic children’s stories from other cultures to develop language skills
• Contact: info@from3to3.com. www.from3to3.com

April 4

16. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 5 – 8 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
• Jumblies Theatre offers: theatre and arts for kids aged 8-12 (registration required); and open mask & puppet-making studios (adults, youth & families)
• Contact 416- 203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

17. Celebrate 27 Arts Fest Exhibit

• Through April 8
• The Rotunda at Metro Hall features an exhibition that embodies the C27 Arts Fest spirit
• Showcasing Arts Services’ and our arts partners’ work in the community and demonstrating the importance of arts in our neighbourhoods, organized by City of Toronto Arts Services
• Located at 55 John Street (at the corner of King Street West)

18. Metro Music Box: A showcase of emerging musicians at Metro Hall

• Through April 8
• Visit the Rotunda at Metro Hall, 55 John Street (at King St. W.)
• From noon – 1 p.m. for an opportunity to see emerging musicians from across the city perform
• For detailed info, visit toronto.ca/celebrate27 or call 416-392-6371

19. Art on the Move – Year 3

• Arts Etobicoke and Lakeshore Arts co-present a unique inter-generational mobile art project
• Five teams of artists, community groups and Toronto vehicle owners create art-wrapped vehicles, replacing advertising with art
• This amazing art fleet crosses boundaries, cultures and communities to enliven the urban landscape and surprise and delight all who encounter these moving canvasses of art
• Spot the art-wrapped vehicle in your neighbourhood!
• Special appearances TBC
• Ongoing at various locations and times
• Contact graham@artsetobicoke.com or 416-622-8731 artonthemove.ca

April 5

20. YAM – Drama Workshop

• YAM is a youth arts group based out of Lakeshore Arts for anyone between the ages of 13-18 interested in developing and participating in community arts programming
• Take part in a drama workshop facilitated by Anne Marie Woods from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• The workshop is free, but pre-registration is a must at: yam@bellnet.ca or YAM on Facebook
• Lakeshore Arts is located at 2422 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke

21. I Have A Dream – Dance Program Workshops

• April 5, 5 – 7 p.m., April 12, 5 – 7 p.m.
• I Have a Dream is a new project created by the Scarborough youth-led IHAD Collective, supported through Scarborough Arts and funded by the Laidlaw Foundation
• I Have A Dream will support the formation of a new, Scarborough youth dance collective
• Under the professional guidance of dance instructors/choreographers, this tightly knit group will collaborate to participate in workshops, learning the basics of three distinct genres of dance ranging from hip-hop to contemporary styles
• The collective will develop an original dance routine, polish it, record a music video and work to perform at local events and festivals
• Drop by to see the I Have A Dream Dance Collective in action! Workshops run at Don Montgomery Community Centre, 2467 Eglinton Ave. E., Scarborough

22. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 3 – 8 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
• Jumblies Theatre offers: open costume, fabric arts, mask and prop-making studios (for adults, youth & families)
• Theatre for teens (registration required); and singing for all ages (registration required)
• Contact 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

April 6

23. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 2 – 5 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
• Jumblies Theatre offers open fabric arts, costume & prop-making studios (for all ages)
• From 1 – 3p.m. theatre, masks & movement for youth & adults (registration required)
• Contact 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

24. Art Alley Mural Project – Ongoing

• In the alley adjacent to the Arts Etobicoke Gallery at 4893A Dundas St. W.
• With poetry by City of Toronto Poet Laureate Dionne Brand
• This 1000 square foot mural was produced by Arts Etobicoke, participating in Amnesty International’s Project: Urban Canvas – a series of 30 murals throughout Toronto, celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: aito.ca/urbancanvas
• Call 416-622-8731 or e-mail info@artsetobicoke.com

April 7

25. Merging & Emerging: Bringing together established artists with talented emerging artists

• April 7 – 29, 2011
• Opening Reception: Sunday, April 10, 2 – 4 pm
• Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery in partnership with Culmix Arts Alliance Inc.
• Present Merging & Emerging: “Everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancements and its benefits”
• Visually translating Article 27 in their respective works
• The exhibition brings together established artists with talented emerging artists who recognize participation in the arts as an enabler of creativity and imagination
• Curated by artist Chris-Alade Zeaqraht
• The gallery is located at 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke
• Gallery hours are: weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 2 – 5 p.m.
• For info, call 416-394-8628

26. Through Urban Eyes • Thursday, April 7 – April 29

• UrbanArts presents an art and photo exhibit reflecting the views of young people living in Weston-Mount Dennis
• What many may see as city streets and concrete, young people see the overwhelming sense of beauty within their community
• UrbanArts Community Arts Council is located at 19 John Street, Toronto (in the Weston neighbourhood)
• UrbanArts is open from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• For info, call 416-241-5124 or visit urbanartstoronto.org

27. After-School Art Drop-In Program • April 1, 8, 15, 21, 28, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

• This very popular newly designed Drop-In program features weekly arts educational activity for children, youth and their families
• Can accommodate 15 to 20 participants who drop in on a regular basis to make art, socialize and learn
• Facilitated by artist / teacher Faten Toubasi
• At the Arts Etobicoke Storefront Gallery at 4893A Dundas St. W.
• Call 416-622-8737 or e-mail info@artsetobicoke.com

28. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 2 – 5 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre,
• Jumblies Theatre offers open costume, mask & prop-making studios (for youth & adults)
• From 7 – 9 p.m. Salon: Poetry with Elana Wolff & Evalyn Parry (PWYC, that is Pay What You Can)
• Contact 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org.
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

April 9

29. smART stART Student Art Show

• Sat, Apr 9 – Sat, Apr 16, 2011
• Presented by Arts Etobicoke
• Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this GTA wide high school student art show is new & improved in 2011 with a focus on connecting professional artists with students, education and audience outreach
• At Sherway Gardens Shopping Centre, Centre Square, 25 the West Mall
• Contact 416-622-8737 or shira@artsetobicoke.com

30. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 1 – 4 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
• Jumblies Theatre offers open costume, mask & prop-making studios for all ages
• Contact 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

April 10

31. Sunday Concert Series

• The Scarborough Music Lovers Orchestra performs in the Rotunda of the Scarborough Civic Centre
• L0cated at 150 Borough Drive (McCowan & Ellesmere)
• Enjoy this free concert from 2 – 4 p.m. No reserved seating

• For info, please call 416-396-5230

April 11

32. Community Arts Guild – April Arts

• From 5 – 8 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre
• Jumblies Theatre presents: theatre and arts for kids aged 8-12 (registration required); and open mask & puppet-making studios (adults, youth & families)
• Contact 416-203-8428 or info@jumbliestheatre.org
• Cedar Ridge is located at225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E.)

April 17

36. Sunday Concert Series

• The North Toronto Community Band performs in the Scarborough Civic Centre Rotunda,150 Borough Drive (McCowan & Ellesmere)
• Enjoy this free concert from 2 – 4 p.m. No reserved seating
• For info, please call 416-396-5230

37. Open Gallery

• Today and April 23 – 24
• Jumblies Theatre’s 3 years of work-in-progress in East Scarborough and
• Yasmine Louis‘ exhibit Thirteen Neighbourhoods
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence)
• Parking is free
• Gallery hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

April 18

Ticketed Events:

April 1

1. Perfect Wedding

• Through April 3
• Theatre Etobicoke presents Perfect Wedding
• A “perfectly” amusing bedroom farce about mistaken identities and misunderstandings on the all-important wedding day
• Tickets: $20/person or $18/groups of 10+
• Performances run at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (south east corner of Kipling and Lake Shore Blvd. W.)
• Tonight’s performance is at 8 p.m.
• For tickets, please call 416-246-1889 or visit theatre-etobicoke.com

April 8

2. A Fundraiser for Lakeshore Arts featuring Swimming for Shore: Stories from the Lakeshore

• Lakeshore Arts invites you to a fundraiser tonight at 6:30 p.m., with a pre-show reception and a performance of Swimming for Shore
• Tickets are $50
• All funds raised will support Lakeshore Arts youth programming
• The Assembly Hall, Lakeshore Arts and Humber College present Swimming for Shore, a play that celebrates the vibrant folklore of the Lakeshore, through songs and stories.
• First performed in 2001, it played to sold-out audiences as part of the Assembly Hall’s opening ceremonies
• This wonderful production is being re-mounted in the Lakeshore community in 2011
• Performances run at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (South east corner of Kipling and Lake Shore Blvd. W.)
• For tickets to the fundraiser, contact Lake Shore Arts at 416-201-7093

April 9

3. Swimming for Shore: Stories from the Lakeshore

• April 9, 10, 16 have matinee performances at 2 p.m.
• April 14, 15, 16 have evening performances at 8 p.m.
• The Assembly Hall, Lakeshore Arts and Humber College present Swimming for Shore, a play that celebrates the vibrant folklore of the Lakeshore, through songs and stories
• First performed in 2001, it played to sold-out audiences as part of the Assembly Hall’s opening ceremonies
• This wonderful production is being re-mounted in the Lakeshore community in 2011, in celebration of the Assembly Hall’s 10th anniversary
• Ticket prices: Adult $20, Student/Senior $15, Child (12 years and under) $12, Family 4 Pack (2 Adults plus 2 Student/Senior or Child) $55
• Performances run at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (South east corner of Kipling and Lake Shore Blvd. W.)
• Tonight’s performance is at 8 p.m.
• For tickets, call 416-338-7255

4. Jumblies Theatre & Raucous Caucus: Music Creation and Community Arts

• From 1 – 8 p.m., at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre –
• Presentations, workshops, dinner & a concert, with musicians & composers, including Juliet Palmer, Martin van de Ven, Adam Scime, Eric Schwindt, the Parkdale Singers and others
• Advance registration & admission fee with sliding scale
• Contact info@jumbliestheatre.org or 416-203-8428
• Cedar Ridge is located at 225 Confederation Drive, Scarborough (2 streets south of Lawrence Ave. E)

April 21

5. Women’s Sound Circle

• Explore your voice from that quiet place where deep listening unfolds into beautiful soundscapes
• Offer and receive vibrational medicine to sooth your inner essence.
• Bring a favourite drum or rattle, your curiosity and playful spirit
• Lots of sonic toys available
• No musical background necessary
• This Circle is held the third Thursday of every month at Lakeshore Arts, 2422 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke, close to Royal York Rd. from 7 – 9 p.m.
• Fee: $20
• Contact: hazel@soundspirit.ca to register.

April 26

7. Voices of Bendale

• A cookbook that features recipes, reflections and photos from Bendale Business and Technical Institute students, staff and community members is launched by Toronto Cultural Services, Arts Services and the Toronto District School Board
• For more information or to purchase a copy for $10 call Ann at 416-396-5230

Enjoy!

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

News Release

March 30, 2011

‘Celebrate 27 Arts Fest’ will feature 54 events across Toronto in April

The first annual Celebrate 27 Arts Fest – “C27” – will celebrate the universal right to participate in arts and culture by presenting 54 free and ticketed events across Toronto throughout April.

Inspired by Article 27 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, C27 will promote Toronto’s vibrant cultural communities by raising awareness of the rich diversity of programs and services offered through the City of Toronto, local arts organizations and the Neighbourhood Arts Network. These groups use local arts initiatives to strengthen communities and to engage youth, seniors and people with limited access to arts programs. In 2010, more than 1.2 million people attended activities presented by these community arts providers.

C27 will begin with a free event on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Brookfield Place (181 Bay St.). The event includes Toronto/Milano – The Urban Landscape, a photography exhibition accompanied by music provided by DJ L’Oquenz, vocalist Tanika Charles and young performers Samba Kidz. Gadfly will also showcase its innovative urban dance.

At the March 31 inaugural event, Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee, will announce 12 local Community Cultural Champions. Selected by the festival’s participating arts organizations, the champions are dedicated volunteers and advocates for the arts from neighbourhoods across the city. “Their achievements are a testament to the impact committed people can have in their communities,” said Councillor Thompson.

Joy Apparel will print the champions’ images on limited edition T-shirts and scarves to raise revenue for community arts programs.

Details for selected C27 events:

– A photographic exhibition called “Toronto/Milano – The Urban Landscape” contrasts the urban landscapes of the two cities through a series of six large-scale photographs by Michael Awad, an internationally acclaimed Toronto photographer. Awad has also mentored four young Toronto photographers (Gabriella Abis, Julia Soudat, Mapela Uhindu-Gingala, Hawa Yusuf) to produce four large-scale works that will be featured alongside his photo series. The exhibition will reside at Brookfield Place until April 2. It will then be on display at Pearson International Airport through the end of September.

– “Swimming for Shore – Stories from the Lakeshore” is a 10th-anniversary restaging of the popular community play that opened the Assembly Hall community cultural centre in 2001. Produced by Humber College, the Assembly Hall and Lakeshore Arts, the play recreates the history of Toronto’s Lakeshore neighbourhood through funny and poignant tales that bring to life local heroes and villains prominent in the area’s folklore.

Swimming for Shore was written by nationally acclaimed playwright Rex Deverell and is produced by Humber Theatre’s creative team under the direction of Diana Belshaw, with roles performed by Humber students. Performances are scheduled at the Assembly Hall on April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. with matinee performances slated for April 10 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors and $12 for children 12 years and under. Assembly Hall is located at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. Call 416-338-7255 for tickets or information. The opening gala on April 8 at 6:30 p.m. is a fundraiser by Lakeshore Arts for their arts programs. Gala tickets are $50. Call Lakeshore Arts at 416-201-7093 for tickets or more information.

– Metro Music Box: Running from April 4 to April 8, this music series features free lunch-hour performances by Toronto musicians such as classical sitarist Anwar Khurshid and vocalist/guitarist Ania Soul in the rotunda at Metro Hall  at 55 John St. Concerts run from noon to 1 p.m.  From April 17 to May 22, the Blackwood Gallery will turn one of Metro Hall’s revolving doors into a “Revolving Door Music Box” audio installation.

– Cedar Ridge Creative Centre: This Scarborough arts hub at 225 Confederation Dr. will present free activities for people of all ages. From April 3 through April 29, the Cedar Ridge Gallery features an exhibition of silk-screen prints representing Yasmine Louis‘ artistic vision of 13 Toronto neighbourhoods. Nearly every day in April, Jumblies Theatre, Cedar Ridge’s artists-in-residence, will engage young and old in art-making. People can help make costumes, puppets, masks, fabric and pottery creations, and try out different types of performance art. Contact Jumblies Theatre at 416-203-8428 or visit the C27 website for more information about event schedules and art workshops registration.

– Merging & Emerging: The Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, in partnership with Culmix Arts Alliance Inc., brings together established and emerging artists to visually translate Article 27 into their respective works. Curated by artist Chris-Alade Zeaqraht, this free exhibition runs from April 7 through April 29 at 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke. An opening reception takes place on April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 2 to 5 p.m.

C27 will also showcase numerous visual arts, dance, music and theatre projects across the city throughout April. More information about all C27 events is available at http://www.toronto.ca/celebrate27.

On December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Within that declaration are 30 articles that outline basic human rights. Article 27 of the declaration states: “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”

C27 is organized by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture division with program partners  and the Neighbourhood Arts Network,  Joy Apparel, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario and the City of Milan. The festival is sponsored by TD Bank Group, Canon Canada, Alitalia and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.