As January slowly approaches its end, Toronto is yet to slow down on art-themed events. Several artists around the city are being spotlighted this week, with TIFF’s curated top ten list, OCAD’s Onsite Gallery and a musical celebration for Lunar New Year! Let’s end January with these fun-filled activities.

 

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TD Music Celebrates the Year of the Dragon 

As Lunar New Year approaches, festivities are slowly picking up to welcome a fresh start! In anticipation of the holiday, TD invites Torontonians to a free musical event inside the West Wing of Toronto’s Union Station. This event will feature the collective Strings From Paris and singer-songwriter Alex Porat, best known for her hit singles HATELOVE,  Don’t Watch Me Cry, and All I Want. More info.

When: January 23

Where: Union Station

After School Club: The Changing Universe

We all have taken a glance at the sky, but have you ever wondered about what lies beyond? The universe may look calm and static but it is forever changing and astronomer Margaret Ikape is equipped to relay all the reasons why. Hosted by the Toronto Public Library, this online program will offer attendees a chance to ask questions and observe space in an educational setting! More info.

When: January 23

Where: Online

Photo by Darren Rigo

New Exhibits at OCAD U’s Onsite Gallery

If you’re looking for a winter stay-in activity, OCAD University’s Onsite Gallery is launching two new exhibitions this week. An opening reception ceremony will welcome two exhibitions offering works that challenge capitalist and state capitalist worldviews. Power is set to feature seven Toronto-based artists, including several OCAD U alumni and faculty members. The featured solo exhibition titled  ᐳᓛᖃᑎᒌᑦ (Pulaaqatigiit), will feature artworks by artist, writer, and spoken word poet, Taqralik Partridge. More info.

When: Opens January 24

Where: Onsite Gallery

Photo by Credit Drowster

RU 

Following its premiere at the 2023 TIFF Festival, RU is set to release in select theatres this week. The heartwrenching, coming-of-age film is based on the real-life story of Kim Thúy, who left Vietnam at age 10 to settle in Quebec. Today, she has become one of Canada’s most prolific authors receiving numerous awards. This tale tells the collective story of forced migration, isolation, and newfound belongings. First published in 2009, ru became a bestseller in Quebec and France. Since then, the novel has gone on to be sold worldwide and translated into 31 languages. More info.

When: January 26

Where: In select theatres

 

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DanceWeekend ‘24

Whether you are a well-experienced dancer, or just looking to try something new, DanceWeekend ‘24 will be the perfect activity for you! Over three days, a feast of styles such as Contemporary, Ballet, Flamenco, and Traditional Korean Dance will be taught and performed by choreographers from around the world. This festival has run for over 30 years, making it a staple for those passionate, fearless, and talented dancers in and around Toronto. More info.

When: January 26 – 28

Where: Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre

Frontiers | Frontieres and Water Spirit

This combination of traditional West African and contemporary dance styles is guaranteed to be the perfect activity for any dance enthusiasts. The Lua Shayenne Dance Company will be presenting the Canadian premiere of two new works, Frontiers | Frontieres and Water Spirit. The 75 minute production will draw from the artistry and excellence of the African diaspora, and mystical elements associated with African and Afro-Caribbean traditions, complete with contemporary dance styles, live percussion, song and storytelling. More info.

When: January 25 – 27

Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre 

Courtesy of TIFF

Canada’s Top Ten at TIFF

The 23rd edition of Canada’s Top Ten at TIFF will give  all film enthusiasts some fresh additions for their watch list. The outstanding lineup includes Canadian cinematic gems from 2023, featuring both fiction and documentary titles. With a diverse range of voices, many films in this roster are debut features from emerging filmmakers. Some films include Sophie Dupuis’ Solo, and Fawzia Mirza’s, Queen of My Dreams and Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto’s Sawo Matag. More info.

When: January 25 – 28

Where: TIFF Lightbox 

Katherine Blanford Comedy Show

With the cold weather in and out of the city, an indoor comedy show might be the perfect activity this week! Atlanta Comedian Katherine Blanford is making a stop in Toronto this weekend to share her comedic confessions and the tragedies of a afternoon brunch. Her humor has taken her across North America, and to #1 on the iTunes comedy charts! More info.

When: January 26-27

Where: Comedy Bar