Luminato Festival is underway, bringing opportunities to take in visual art, theatre, music and dancing across the city.
“We do it for the people of Toronto and the tourists who come here,” said Celia Smith, CEO of the multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings in artists from around the world and also supports works by Canadian artists.
Smith said there is plenty of free programming for visitors to enjoy, including in David Pecaut Square downtown.
“It’s free outdoor music and dance and we have a main stage, a second stage and we’ll be teaching dance lessons,” she said. We’ll have a visual art extravaganza going with storytelling, food and drinks.”
The festival also has a program to help people who can’t afford the ticketed events to access them, she said.
Dance choreographer Oulouy is visiting from Spain and dancing in a performance called Afrikan Party. It will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Bluma Appel Theatre.
“You will see energy, joy, storytelling and the piece is based on African street dancing, which is a lot of communication, power and good vibes all around,” said Oulouy.
Smith is also calling on art lovers to continue donating to support organizations like Luminato, as festivals and artists deal with rising costs.
“I think especially these days, we need to have some joy and some community,” she said. “It makes it so much better to be in the city, and helps bring all of us back to life.”
Luminato festival runs until June 16.