Envisioning Black Futures
The AGO is celebrating Black Futures Month in a big way – with artist talks, performances, storytelling and a pop-up marketplace. Find out what’s happening this February.
Bidemi Oloyede. Untitled, Toronto, 2018. Baryta fine art print, Overall: 71.1 × 71.1 cm. Art Gallery of Ontario. Purchase, with funds from the Friends of Global Africa and the Diaspora, 2021. © Bidemi Oloyede., Courtesy of Nicholas Metivier Gallery. 2021/83
With 2023 in full swing and January coming to a close next week, the AGO is gearing up to celebrate another Black Futures Month this February. Visitors will enjoy a complete schedule of exciting programming, including artist talks, musical performances, children’s storytelling, and even a Black-owned pop-up marketplace.
Kicking off the festivities, on Saturday, February 4, the AGO celebrates artists whose works have recently come under the care of its Department of Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora. Moderated by the department’s head curator, Dr. Julie Crooks, this public talk will feature: Sandra Brewster, Jorian Charlton, Moridja Kitenge-Banza, Paul Anthony Smith, Isabel Okoro, Bidemi Oloyede, Emmanuel Osahor, Preston Pavlis and Jan Wade. Each artist will present their work and share in-depth details about their practice.
The AGO will welcome back multiple artists representing the grassroots organization RISE Edutainment for three vibrant performances, live in Walker Court, on Friday, February 3, 17 and 24. Visitors are invited to witness an intersection of dance, poetry, hip-hop and song, transformed through RISE’s unique Edutainment methodology.
Legendary Canadian singer Molly Johnson will share her vocal stylings in an exclusive performance, gracing the Walker Court stage on Friday, February 10. In celebration of Black Futures Month and the current AGO exhibition Denyse Thomasos: just beyond, the iconic singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist will perform music from her recently released album, Meaning to Tell Ya.
Family Day weekend is back this year at the AGO, with tons of artful activities for the whole family to enjoy. At 11 am and 1:30 pm in Walker Court each day during the weekend, storyteller and author Valene Campbell will share stories and dance inspired by her acclaimed series The Amazing Zoe. Campbell’s presentations will feature her books A Queen Like Me and Grandma’s Memory Box – designed to teach children important lessons through the fun and engaging lens of The Amazing Zoe.
To close out the month, on February 25, the AGO will collaborate with Black Owned Toronto to host its first Black business marketplace. The market will feature 25 Black-owned local businesses, with a range of products including candles, hair care, children’s books, scents and more. In this exciting partnership, Kerin John, founder and CEO of Black Owned Toronto, says she aims to create “a bright, punchy gathering spot for Black entrepreneurs.”
Visit the AGO this February and celebrate Black Futures Month! More details are available on our website. All events are free with admission.