The March First Thursday comes in like a lion as OCAD University's Criticism and Curatorial Practice students take over Toronto's leading monthly art party.  An annual tradition, the OCAD U guest-curated First Thursday is one of the years' most anticipated, and the class of 2016 doesn't disappoint with a hotline of emerging and established artists reflecting on Toronto's artistic past, present and future.

The evening features a 6ix-themed double-bill of headliner performances by two of the city’s emerging hip-hop voices — Phoenix Pagliacci and Shan Vincent de Paul — at 9pm and 10pm, respectively, in Walker Court.

Artist projects include an interactive master class with experimental choreographer Lily Eng, a dub poetry slam hosted by Lillian Allen, and a "performance" by members of the The Artists Newsstand. You can also leave your mark on Toronto-themed postcard colouring station designed by Jaclyn Gunton, presented with assistance from March's programming partner, Myseum of Toronto, as well as an expansive street-art mural by Colin Turner Bloom.

Throughout the evening, curators and artists will present a series of pop-up talks on the subject of Toronto's institutional art history. Looking back, documentary filmmaker Lana Lovell will screen footage from protests in the 90's. Hip hop scholar Dr. Mark Campbell will discuss the history and impact of the genre on Toronto today. And looking ahead, the AGO's Curator of Canadian Art, Andrew Hunter will discuss the upcoming exhibition The Toronto Project: Tributes and Tributaries and CUE's Jason Samilski will talk about their hunt for Toronto's next generation of artists.

DJ Bambii and DJ BOYRICH will be playing music throughout the Gallery, and don't miss the usual First Thursday favorites, including our monthly Out of the Vaults exhibition, interactive art-making and our fabulous Night Market featuring delectable snacks prepared by AGO chefs. Don't miss out!

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