2018 is coming to a close, but before you break out the eggnog, start December off right with the hottest art party in Toronto: First Thursday: A SOUL Revolution. In this edition, we’re teaming up with local movers and shakers AfroChic to celebrate the November 29 opening of Mickalene Thomas: Femmes Noires.

The non-profit organization AfroChic is the creative force behind AfroChic Cultural Arts Festival – Toronto’s annual multidisciplinary community celebration of music, art, fashion and culture. For First Thursday: A SOUL Revolution, Walker Court will transform into a modern-day Soul Train-inspired party, hosted by Canadian fashion model, runway coach and TV personality Stacey McKenzie. Get ready to boogie down all night long with DJ Steph Honey, Dominique Grant, DJ Elle and DJ Dre Ngozi.

Of course, it wouldn’t be First Thursday without fantastic art. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting artists AfroChic are spotlighting on December 6:

Kofi Frempong is a painter and the founder of Freedom Fridayz – an inclusive and arts-focused community event for young people in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Watch a clip of Kofi painting below:

Self-described artist and entrepreneur Melissa Falconer is inspired by Black culture and Pop art. Her art practice recently expanded beyond painting to include hoodies and other fashion apparel. Check out a time-lapse of Falconer painting below:

Brampton-based artist Reynold Thomas’s work celebrates the beauty, power and complexity of Black women. Thomas has been in several solo and group shows all over the GTA. See a clip of the artist at work below:

Seventh-generation Canadian filmmaker and storyteller Cazhhmere has made over 100 music videos, as well as the documentary Deeply Rooted about how her long-standing Canadian ancestry is often questioned. Check out her interview with CBC below:

First Thursday: A SOUL Revolution is sure to be one of December’s hottest tickets, so get yours today. Tickets are $11 for AGO Members and $13 for the public; they are available on our website.

Want to check out the Anthropocene exhibition too? Advance tickets are $23 for First Thursday and exhibition entry (exhibition open 7 – 9:30 pm).

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