Celebrating Black Creatives

This February, the AGO is celebrating Black History Month with enlightening, fun-filled family programming as part of a month of Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives. Bring your whole family to participate in tours, hear in-gallery spoken word performances and the sounds of a steel pan, write poetry, read books focused on Black Canadians and make art in The Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre, inspired by the first Black female astronaut.

Shifting focus away from the historical to the contemporary, the AGO has curated an assortment of captivating performances and interactive family activities highlighting the artistic, social, scientific and political contributions currently being made by Black creatives in North America.

Using their unique lenses to respond to various works in the AGO Collection, three emerging Toronto-based spoken word artists will be delivering live performances in-gallery. Poet and Tkaronto Community healer Jayda Marley, singer/songwriter I.M.F., and up-and-coming artist Glyphs will alternate performances each Sunday giving you a new, poetic spin on some of their favourite artworks currently on view.

Bring the kids and head to the Weston Family Learning Centre and blast into the stratosphere with a craft activity inspired by the monumental work of Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut. Kids of all ages can create planets or stars with shiny papers, silver tape, foil and other intergalactic materials, all while learning about Dr. Jemison’s important legacy.

How about a relaxing stroll through the Gallery while being serenaded by the calming sounds of steel pan? Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, the hammered, shiny metal pans are an icon of Caribbean music and culture. In-gallery performances featuring steel pannist Suzette Vidale will be happening at 2 and 3 pm every Sunday.

Then head down to the Concourse level for Where is Home – a family-focused mix-and-match found poetry activity featuring words inspired by artist Sandra Brewster’s exhibition, Blur. You’ll be encouraged to use random words to construct poems that reflect the ideas of home, togetherness and community. Once you’ve exhausted your creative energy, head to our kids’ reading corner and discover a selection of educational children’s books curated by University of Toronto student, Becks Lafranc.

Come and celebrate Family Sundays: A Celebration of Black Creatives with us all February long!

Family Sunday festivities, admission to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions are always free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 and under.