AGO Family Day Weekend: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West. February 14 to 17

The AGO welcomes families to join an all-day dance party with DJ OAKEVE, hands-on artmaking, storytelling, trading card collecting, live dance performances, guided tours of The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century, and so much more. Celebrate the energy of hip hop through its five elements: MC-ing (oral), DJ-ing (aural), breakdancing (physical), graffiti (visual), and knowledge (mental). This weekend will be a vibrant fusion of creativity and culture!

Aga Khan Museum Family Day Weekend: 77 Wynford Drive. February 15 to 17

Enjoy free performances, live calligraphy demonstrations, and family arts and crafts activities. Don’t miss a weekend of free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery and $10 admission to the current temporary exhibition, Light: Visionary Perspectives. The Aga Khan Museum will also be celebrating the Lunar New Year with workshops including Lantern Painting, Clay Tile Making, and more.

Also, on February 15 & 16 (12 pm to 5 pm), Aga Khan Museum’s outdoor park space will be a Winter Wonderland filled with activities including performances, outdoor winter games, arts and crafts and delicious food.

Arcadia Earth Family Fun Fest: The Well (Spadina & Front). February 14 to 17. 1 pm to 5 pm daily

The 17,000 square-foot, 10 room exhibit blends captivating large-scale art installations with immersive technology for an unforgettable experience. Featuring interactive projection mapping, augmented reality and virtual reality, Arcadia Earth makes climate change education exciting by showcasing the beauty of our planet like never before. Family Fun Fest weekend will include: sustainable crafts, visits with Earth Rangers and live animals to learn about wildlife conservation, a jungle themed bouncy castle, and earth-inspired face painting.

Fireside at The Distillery: 55 Mill Street; Weekends until March 16, 12 pm to 6 pm (also open Feb 14 and 17). Weather permitting.

Cozy fire pits, hot chocolate, and S’mores are warming up the city’s coolest winter weekends!  This event transforms The Distillery District into a winter wonderland straight out of a postcard with heated patios and fire pits. Wrap yourself under a HUSH blanket, sip something sweet, and roast marshmallows around one of the roaring fire pits outdoors. It’s the perfect recipe for embracing winter with your family. There will be MANY Hot Chocolate variations throughout the Distillery cafés and vendors including Cluny Bistro’s Strawberry Marshmallow Hot Chocolate (torched strawberry marshmallow, whipped cream, topped with pink fluffy cotton candy!). We’re sure this event will go viral on social media with all the sweet treats! Free entry to Distillery. Hot chocolate, S’mores kits additional $. No reservations required for fire pits and patio seating – but first come first serve.

Retro Arcade at Hotel X Toronto: 111 Princes’ Blvd. Exhibition Place. February 14 to March 16. 10 am to 11 pm daily.

Perfect for families, couples, friends, and gaming enthusiasts, Retro Arcade features timeless 80s and 90s classics such as Pinball, Mario Kart, Time Crisis, Street Fighter, Galaga, Dance Dance Revolution, and more, all in a vibrant, retro-inspired setting. The month-long pop-up returns to Hotel X on Friday, Feb. 14, just in time for the Family Day long weekend. During opening weekend, a retro-inspired photo booth will allow guests to take glamour shots or recreate awkward 80s-style family photos. Guests are encouraged to embrace the vibe by wearing vintage-inspired attire. Adding to the fun, Retro Arcade will host Retro Replay on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m., where a DJ spinning live vinyl tracks sets a nostalgic atmosphere for gaming, snacking, and socializing. Retro movies will also be playing in the Hotel X Toronto Screening Room starting at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday with any Retro Arcade ticket. New this year, a public multiplayer Mario Kart tournament will be held on Sunday, March 16, the last day of Retro Arcade, with the winner receiving a one-night complimentary stay at Hotel X Toronto. Tickets and details here.

2025 Canadian International Auto Show: February 13 to 23. Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With annual attendance in excess of 370,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles. Loaded with fun things to see and do for families too!

Fresh off the Formula 1 Constructor’s Championship victory in Abu Dhabi, McLaren has announced it will be showcasing a winning lineup of supercars at the Canadian International AutoShow. There will be five McLarens on display, including a GTS, 750S, Artura, and two P1s, one of which is constructed in LEGO.  A can’t miss!

Little Canada: 10 Dundas Street East. Open daily. Timed entry tickets.

While miniature, it’s certainly not small. This popular attraction spans 45,000 sq. ft – that’s two hockey rinks! It’s a place where the CN Tower stands 12 ft tall and the Bay of Fundy simulates the highest tides in the world with its 400L basin, and over 40,000 little figures call it home. There’s SO much to see! Little Canada is meant to be felt as much as it is meant to be seen and heard. Thousands of whimsical miniature moments and stories are waiting to be discovered. Perfect for all ages this indoor space.

On Family Day weekend, explore a wonder-filled adventure to Little Canada and create memories that last a lifetime with a special 50% discount on Child, Student and Senior timed tickets purchased for a visit between Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th. Offer excludes Adult admission.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: 288 Bremner Blvd. Open daily 9 am to 9 pm

Immerse yourself among thousands of awe-inspiring aquatic animals and get closer than ever before with interactive, hands-on experiences, unique animal encounters, and exciting events! The perfect mix of fun, learning and wonder. Explore captivating exhibits from enchanting Dragons to the interactive Ray Bay, where you can touch friendly rays and mesmerizing Jellies. Check the daily schedule for Aquarist experts as they talk about the fascinating underwater world. Timed entry and flex tickets available.

Bata Shoe Museum Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists Exhibit: 327 Bloor Street West

Older kids might want to check this exhibit out! Explore the growing trend of artists using sneakers to challenge and redefine conventional artistic boundaries. Blurring the lines between art, fashion, and commerce, these collaborations offer consumers the chance to buy and wear creations by some of the most revered figures in the art world. Featured artists include Alife, Daniel Arsham, Hebru Brantley, KAWS, Keith Haring, Kenzo Minami, MSCHF, Peter Max, Ruohan Wang, Takashi Murakami, Virgil Abloh, and many more. (FYI Admission to BSM on Sundays is Free).

Meet Your Firefighters: Lawrence Allen Centre (700 Lawrence Ave. West), February 15 11 am to 3 pm

A fun meet and greet with local firefighters! Connect with local responders, learn about safety and celebrate the contributions and heroes in the community.

Also, in celebration of Black History Month, The Toronto Fire Services will host the ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE on February 22 at 895 Eastern Avenue from 11 am to 3 pm. Celebrate community and honour Black History month. Enjoy live demonstrations of technical rescues, learn fire safety tips, and tour Toronto Fire Services’ apparatus. Events are presented by Toronto Fire Services and Black Staff Network.

Toronto Zoo Family Day Weekend: 2000 Meadowvale Road. February 15 to 17

It’s a wild celebration weekend at the zoo! Aside from visiting all the animals and other creatures, there will be meet and greet opportunities with guests the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a fun-filled Family Name Hunt Challenge for your chance to win a Wild Encounter Experience. The Zoo’s horticultural team celebrates the annual Orchid blooms in the newly built Greenhouse. You can also make this Family Day extraordinary with an exclusive Wild Encounter! This special experience offers a rare opportunity to do something different from your typical zoo day, getting up close and personal with your favourite animals (additional $$)

Winter Skating Trail at The Bentway: 250 Fort York Blvd (Free to skate. Skate rentals available for a fee).

Go ice skating under the Gardiner! Skaters are invited to cruise the popular 220m outdoor figure-eight skate trail. Skate rentals are available on-site on select dates. No reservations required! The Concession Stand is open daily from 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

Museum of Illusions: 132 Front Street East

Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. The science based exhibits will teach you that nothing is ever quite as it seems.  Get ready to be mesmerized in this compact museum worthy of a visit!

The post What to do this Family Day weekend in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

At first glance, visitors may feel a sense of joy as the works offer whimsical and cartoonish characters  — think of Michelin Man and Mickey Mouse mashup with a side of Sesame Street. But then, it doesn’t take long for another emotion to sink in. A feeling of heaviness in thought. A sense of “geez, I could really use a hug right about now” and the urge for connection in a world that feels disconnected at times. Having been a fan of his work it was pretty special to chat with others at the preview who were not only familiar (maybe obsessed) with his work and to learn what it is that draws them. It’s that kind of exhibition that inspires conversation at any age.

Donnelly, along with Julian Cox, the AGO’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator, opened the exhibition for a preview to members of the press as well as the city’s most influential in the pop culture and streetwear scenes ahead of the official public opening. The curator’s Q&A offered insight into the artist’s journey to become one of the world’s most loved contemporary artists.

As a teen, Donnelly was tagging the streets of Jersey City and Manhattan and very much part of the skateboard culture. He then enrolled into the highly regarded School of Visual Arts where he earned his BFA in Illustration. Then, he found work as a graphic artist before his career path led him to become one of the most recognized contemporary artists of our time.

He told the audience about his humble beginnings and how he fell into this career by chance. “You know you’re in school and in this comfort zone and it all feels great. Then, you hit your senior year and realize that there aren’t any jobs,” said Donnelly. So, he took on jobs including in animation that would help subsidize the art that he really wanted to do.

Donnelly spoke about how travel also influenced his career including in streetwear. At the AGO curator’s talk he spoke about his time in Japan and friends he made along the way. “It was really about meeting other young guys who were passionate about mostly streetwear,” said Donnelly. “Tokyo in the 90s didn’t have a great art scene. Art wasn’t like now and how it’s embraced. I felt like the contemporary art scene was almost non-existent in Japan then. Streetwear was kind of the outlet. I was introduced to Nico and really I was at the right place at the right time. It’s what I grew up on within the skate culture. And at that time, Japan was taking it to a new level that wasn’t seen anywhere else in the world.”

“Travelling is so important,” he told the crowd. “Take any opportunity you can to throw yourself into a different scene and different culture. You start to realize by being in these different places what travel and travel imagery is like. It’s just great to go to countries and see what things you grew up on and how they translate beyond language.”

KAWS: FAMILY offers an incredible collection of his work including the much loved characters (CHUM, COMPANION, BFF)  in various mediums including sculptures in bronze, wood, and plastic. Visitors will also the opportunity to get up close to his paintings and drawings. What is also included in this exhibition are a few of his collaborations and projects including Nike, Calvin Klein, and packaging he worked on — shoe designs, cereal boxes, and album covers. There is also a love seat collaboration with Campana Brothers. There are also two augmented reality installations that can only be viewed via the Acute Art app. Hint: download it before you visit. It’s pretty cool how this cutting-edge technology is incorporated into this exhibition.

“There are different ways of existing as an artist. I think early on I realized there’s no right way. So, being in different circles gave me license to open up and pursue my interests,” said Donnelly.

Cox also asked him how he related to the characters he had created. Donnelly explained that the characters have developed over time. “I use them as forms that I communicate through and put my thoughts and project my feelings out into the world. I think like any sculptor uses the body of work it’s your language and it’s lives with you. It’s inseparable.”

KAWS: FAMILY will also have additional programming (talks, studio courses, screenings) coming up in the fall. Keep an eye out for announcements.

Admission to KAWS: FAMILY is free for all Indigenous peoples, AGO Members, Annual Passholders and visitors aged 25 and under. AGO Members see it first beginning Sept. 27, 2023. Annual Passholders join Members in seeing the exhibition beginning Oct. 4, 2023. Single paid tickets will be available beginning Oct. 11, 2023. The exhibition runs until March 31, 2024. For more details on how to book your tickets or to become a Member or Annual Passholder, visit AGO.ca

And yes, there’s KAWS merch in the gift shop.

*all photos taken at the media preview of KAWS: FAMILY at the AGO in Toronto. Photo credit: Sonya Davidson

The post Spectacular KAWS: FAMILY exhibition opens at the AGO appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Maple Days at Black Creek Pioneer Village: March 13 to 17. It’s maple syrup season at the Village! This tasty educational and fun outdoor experience returns with discovery of old fashioned skills of creating the sweet treat. Families can learn the skills and tricks of collecting tree sap and learn how it magically turns into the sugary goodness. More information available on their site.

Sugar Shack TO at Sugar Beach: March 11 and 12. FREE general admission.  This annual outdoor event will transform Sugar Beach into a fun filled weekend featuring all things maple. Two sugar shacks will serve up fresh made maple sugar taffy and there will be all sorts of maple infused food available for purchase. Maple Taffy $3 for 1 or 2 for $5. Cash or Debit only. Live entertainment and interactive activities for all ages. Dress for the weather.

Imagine Dragons at Casa Loma: March 11 to 19. Travel back to a world of fantasy and fables at a fairy-tale castle in an era of dragons and adventure, as Liberty Entertainment Group presents the return of its best-selling immersive theatrical experience, Imagine Dragons. Featuring Paramount Pictures upcoming release Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Multiple interactive live performances in the castle featuring period costumed characters will transport visitors both young and old, back in time to a bygone era of knights and maidens, fairies, and other worldly creatures. Follow the 800-foot underground dragon-infested tunnels to meet the beast… in the veritable Dragon’s Den. Themed programming includes A Tale of Two Brothers – fun, interactive and educational play demonstrating medieval sword action in the castle’s Conservatory, to next-level Knight School, located in the Library – where guests may participate in basic swordsmanship taught by the knights, including types of swords and the how’s and whys of basic sword play, from which students will graduate as Knights of Casa Loma, with an authentic certificate.

Medieval music concerts by five-piece ensemble, The Casa Loma Minstrels under the baton of Maestro Paolo Busato. Performing live in the Great Hall, visitors may meet the Maestro and interact with the ensemble and their musical instruments. An aerialist will demonstrate feats of wonder in the Great Hall, and guests are encouraged to visit the dungeon for Dungeons and Dragons film-themed art and crafts, before daring to visit the Dragon himself in his mythical lair. Tickets and times available on their site.

WinterStation at Woodbine Beach (FREE): The annual public art installations return to the Toronto east end beaches. Set along the waterfront award-winning artists and design firms transform existing lifeguard stations into structures worthy of a visit or two.  This year’s theme is RADIANCE. Dress for the weather and the terrain. Then pop up to Queen Street for a a bite to eat or a hot chocolate to warm up.

Lumière at Trillium Park, Ontario Place (FREE): March 10 to May 7. Explore the park and experience 16 illuminated installations developed by Ontario artists before stopping by the bonfire to warm up. Utilizing innovation, light and discovery, Ontario artists and creators will “illuminate” the park under a curatorial theme of “renewal”, celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring. Dress warm and wear comfortable footwear for this outdoor experience. Lumière is open daily from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. with a bonfire hosted on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. More details on their site.

HAMILTON THE MUSICAL: Princess of Wales Theatre continues to August 20, 2023. If you’re looking for something to see with your older teen, this comes top of mind. The much buzzed about musical is a history lesson made for modern times. The story is about Alexander Hamilton’s life and legacy including his creation of the U.S. financial system. Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning playwright, actor and filmmaker, singer, rapper (the list is long) Lin-Manuel Miranda brilliantly weaves in music genres that are appealing multi-generations from hip-hop, soul, R&B, rap to traditional musical tunes. It’s an innovative and epic mash up that makes this a stand out. BTW, there will be 40 tickets at each performance available for $10 each. You may want to try your luck at to grab them in the #HAM4HAM Lottery. Details here.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre until June 9, 2023. Adventure runs in the family. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and an epic battle in this incredible stage production.  Worth checking out is the Golden Snitch Ticket Lottery where you can nab $19 tickets to the show. Details on how to try your luck can be found here.

AGO PLAY: March 11 to 19. Art Gallery of Ontario’s kid-focused March Break programming includes artmaking, family-friendly tours of AGO Collection, a drop-in film screening in Jackman Hall andmaker stations throughout the Gallery and are all included in general admission as well as for members and annual passholders. Full listing of events can be found here.

T.REX THE ULTIMATE PREDATOR at the ROM: Opens March 11.  Just in time for March Break comes a brand new spectacular exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History. Featuring more than 40 models and casts, many full-sized and towering over guests. Visitors will also be invited to delve into the paleontological process with a special ROM Spotlight section highlighting actual fieldwork from a recent ROM-led tyrannosaur dig. Fans of this celebrity dinosaur will also have the opportunity to experience up-close an imposing real fossil T. rex skull almost five feet long along with other fossil specimens. Tickets are already on sale for this special exhibition.

March break at the ROM will also have family-friendly activities celebrating the beginning of spring. Highlighting the museum’s Art & Culture, and Natural History collections, their family-friendly activations feature many ways that wildlife prepare for changing seasons and showcase cultural springtime celebrations around the world.

Disney Animation Immersive Experience: One Yonge Street. Extended to July 9, 2023. Disney fans have a chance to explore the magical world in a unique and memorable way. Step into the world of some of the most beloved Disney animation films of all time in this larger than life experience. Created by Oscar winning producer J. Miles Dale (Shape of Water) leading a global creative team, Disney Animation Immersive Experience is a journey through the history of Disney Animation Studios from Snow White to Peter Pan and from Frozen to Encanto and many more. Tickets and more info can be found here.

Toronto ComiCon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre: March 17 to 19. Experience the ultimate playground for fans of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming. Three BIG days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities meet and greets to be had. For families with young kids, check out the Family Zone featuring games and activities for all ages. There will also be a kids cosplay contest. So get creative! Some of the confirmed celebrities in attendance include Laz Alonso (The Boys, Avatar, Fast & Furious), Tomer Capone (The Boys, Fauda, When Heroes Fly), Claudia Doumit (Timeless, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the Boys, Where’d You Go, Bernadette). Complete list on site.

The Darkest Dark at Young People’s Theatre: on until April 2.
A groundbreaking, magic-filled adaptation of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s bestselling children’s book comes alive on stage. It’s 1969 and Apollo 11 is about to land on the moon. Nine-year-old space-loving Chris spends his days dreaming of becoming a brave astronaut. But at bedtime, the night closes in and so too does his fear of the dark. For Chris, watching history being made hinges on conquering his fear – and embracing the unknown.

Storm Crow Manor: This is more than a restaurant, it’s a fun place to explore for both adults and kids. Set in a historical house on Church Street is a multi-level space is filled with film props and pop culture themed decor. For families with young kids check out their Brunch Cartoons Days. Families with older kids may want to book in for the Mandalorian Dinner that includes showing of the latest season. Details on their site.

Little Kitchen Academy March Break Camp: Montessori-inspired cooking school for kids ages 3 to 13 offers March Break programming in line with the mini-chef school’s philosophy of education, able, and healthy society through healthy eating choices. They provide children with the tools and experiences in their cooking journey. Create meals together while incorporating  math and science concepts, reading skills, social etiquette and tables manners. Also learn about sustainable decision making including discovering what’s local, in-season, and organic. Several locations including The Beaches, Leaside, Mississauga, Oakville and the new space in Vaughan (opening March 6).

Pizzeria Libretto Pizza Making Classes: from March 13 – 16 from 4 p.m – 5 p.m., children aged 2-10 will learn how to make Neapolitan pizza from a skilled pizzaiolo, including the proper techniques to stretching and dressing an authentic Neapolitan pizza. For the finale of this rewarding tutorial, children will also be served a scoop of authentic Italian gelato. Book online.

FUWA FUWA Pancakes is worthy visit for their Japanese soufflé fluffy style goodness. Customers can watch Fuwa Fuwa chefs create iconic, Instagramable dishes like Japanese-style souffle pancakes as well as Basque burnt cheesecakes, Korean-style fatcarons and their latest must-try indulgence, croffles (a favourite a the CNE last year), in beautiful, light-filled open kitchens delivering a truly unique experience. Book online.

Eataly Toronto Kids Pasta Class: For parents with children 5 – 14, Eataly Toronto’s La Scuola is offering pasta-making classes for all the inquisitive minds looking to introduce fresh pasta to the rotation. There’s also a Kid’s Cannoli Class for parents with children aged 2 – 6. Both classes are in-person but FYI there are Marguerita Pizza and Cannoli making kits available to recreate in the comforts of your own home, or grandmas. Book online.

Winter Wonderland March Break at Friday Harbour: If you’re looking for a day trip or a few days getaway, Friday Harbour is an ideal spot that’s not too far out of the city. Approximately an hour’s drive takes you to the great outdoors with loads of fun things to do with the family. Check out the Harbour Skating Trail or Piazza Skating Rink. Hang out in the chalet-style cabins offering savoury eats and sweet treats. Get your cameras ready for photo opps along the Promenade. Make your own bird feeder. Huddle up to the campfire pits for s’mores. Check out the Ice Princess, Olaf, Fire & Hoola Hoop performances for free, and much more!

The post Best March Break Events for Families in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The exhibition features more than 55 posters from the Allan Slaight Collection from the McCord Museum, alongside photos, documents as well as objects that belonged to the most famous of them all, Harry Houdini. The collection shown here at the AGO is just part of Canadian businessman and magic enthusiast Allan Slaight’s collection that includes over 600 posters and more than 1000 documents and rare books on the subject. “He had a love for magic and was an amateur magician. As a philanthropist and lover of the arts this specific niche of art captivated him,” said Nadia Abraham, interpretive planner of the exhibition.

The Magicians of the late 19th century and early 20th century performed all over the world and it wasn’t only the tricks that drew the crowds, the posters themselves proved to have power and allure. The magicians were performers but also very business savvy. Imagery used from playbills to large advertising posters played to the audiences’ fantastical expectations and fed their curiousity. Themes and symbols included skulls, demons, owls, and rabbits that all represented something mystical and magical. The posters, themselves, have a story to tell. At the exhibition, visitors can create their own digital poster with many of the symbols explained.

The exhibition is shown in themed sections much like how it is displayed at the McCord Museum including Houdini, Spiritualism and Mental Phenomenon, Fright and Delight, Appearance & Disappearance, Meet the Magicians. However, the exhibition at the AGO includes two additional features: Women in Magic and Cultural Appropriation. “We felt the two were quite important to include in our show especially around some of the imagery that is shown in the posters,” said Abraham.

The story behind magician Chung Ling Soo is particularly interesting as we learned about his popularity during the time when Eastern cultures were a fascination to the western world. Performers exaggerated and several fabricated their personalities to cash in on the trend.

“We really hope when people visit this exhibition that they feel like they’ve been transported to another time and really understand the unique intersection of the performance art, the art of advertising, and how the two collided in the Golden Age of Magic. It’s beautiful, outrageous images are shown in the posters,” said Abraham. “That collision of art forms in this exhibition makes it all so interesting. The magicians were their own publicists, hype-men, they really just did what they had to do to get people into their theatres night after night. These posters are really a reflection of their artistry.

Illusions: The Art of Magic exhibition is at the Art Gallery of Ontario until May 17, 2020. A number of talks and events will also be offered during the exhibition run including Toronto-based magicians David Ben, who will deliver a talk that will be sprinkled with magic. March Break programming will also include a number of activities and pop up magic for families. For a complete schedule and more information about the exhibition visit www.ago.ca

The post Illusions: The Art of Magic in the Golden Age now at the AGO appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

This year, the party is in Director X’s capable hands. The famed and award-winning director – known for his visually distinctive music videos for artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Kanye West and the 2018 film, SuperFly – is this year’s creative director and has curated the entire experience.

We caught up with him to hear a little more about what to expect at AGO Massive.

What attracted you to AGO Massive?
AGO Massive is an important fundraiser for the AGO that heroes some of the best of Toronto’s emerging artists. It brings together people and art in a fun celebratory environment.

Without giving too much away, what will make this year’s Massive so memorable? 
The artists, the entertainment, the food and drinks. This year will be more of a party than past years. It’s the 15-year anniversary so we are really bringing out the big guns.

What drew you to this year’s Massive artists and musicians? 
The theme around AGO Massive is the 15th anniversary gift; crystal. Crystals, meditation and energy is an important part of my practice. These artists and musicians have similar feelings around positive vibes and I think it drew us all together.

What inspires you most about Toronto’s art scene?
Diversity, young talent, institutions making space for artists of colour and women…

What is the biggest challenge facing young up-and-coming Canadian artists and musicians?
There are so many artists in the world how do you break through?
Everyone has the tools to reach the world. It’s a new challenge.

What do you miss most about Toronto when you’re out of town? 
Cafe Crepe at Queen and John.

The post Director X tells us what to expect at this Year’s AGO Massive party appeared first on Toronto Guardian.