Freeze-Frame! The AGO Year of Photography is off and running, and to celebrate, First Thursdays is exposing an exciting group of Toronto artists pushing the limits of the medium, including Nadia Belerique, Bambitchell and Lee Henderson. The night celebrates an explosion of photography-related exhibitions at the AGO this fall, including Anne Collier, the AIMIA | AGO Photography Prize and Camera Atomica.

Headlining the event will be Hamilton-based singer and songwriter Terra Lightfoot. Terra’s sophomore album, Every Time My Mind Runs Wild on Sonic Unyon Records was released earlier this year, but she has already shared the stage with Emmylou Harris, Ron Sexsmith, Basia Bulat and Daniel Lanois amongst others. Terra takes the stage in Walker Court at 10 p.m.

Artist projects on view will include the video and installation work Empire symbol, or a man and his mule (2015), based on the true story of a Canadian veterinarian who transported mules to Karachi during the Second World War courtesy of Toronto artist duo Bambitchell. Lee Henderson, a lens-based conceptual artist, will present a tableau vivant of the first selfie, and Nadia Belerique, a recent Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Prize winner, will produce a one-night-only installation.

Visitors will be invited to shoot portraits of friends and strangers, attend a launch party for the new series V Morgan is Dead, vote for the winner of this year’s AIMIA | AGO Photography prize and hear AGO curators discuss current exhibitions in an exciting series of pop-up talks. Additional beats will be provided by DJs Jonah Falco, a member of the legendary Toronto band Fucked Up, and DJ Das Hussy of Hotnuts party fame.

Supplementary programming includes the monthly Out of the Vaults exhibition and surprise activations. As always, you can expect delicious themed food and drinks in the AGO’s Night Market. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended as First Thursdays consistently sell out and tickets are not held back for at-the-door sales.

Not sure what you're doing before ‪#‎AGO1st‬ kicks off? Head to Cinq-à-Sept at Frank Restaurant for tapas and discounted drinks. 

For all the latest details on First Thursdays programming, follow #AGO1st on Twitter and Instagram.