Empowering creative expression reflective of Toronto’s diversity.
TO Live is committed to fostering the ideas and creativity that connect communities and reflect Toronto. Alongside renting its venues, TO Live has increasingly partnered with local artists and companies and helped present a variety of unique works. In 2022, over 700 artists were supported through provisions of space, residencies, research grants, and presentations.
But the opportunities to elevate the city’s many voices far outweigh our capacity to do so.
With donor support, TO Live will commission new works, provide residencies and open access to facilities and connections. Donors will enable works that would not be made otherwise, nourishing a thriving arts ecosystem.
Continue reading to learn how even the smallest donations make a huge difference.
“It’s really cool to see many of my different heroes have performed at the same space.”
–Quiana Lynell
Quiana Lynell, photo by Eye Wander Photography
Vocalist and composer Quiana Lynell joined TO Live for her Canadian debut in 2020. As a seasoned jazz musician, she knows how vital donating to the arts is to keep cities alive.
"For me, as my art is always evolving and changing and I try to bring all my different parts together, it's really cool to see many of my different heroes have performed at the same space. Everybody needs to be able to see art at some time. Festivals that are outdoors, those concerts that give away tickets to schools and people in need — it's needed. So, take a moment and give, give, give, give, give, to your city."
So many of the TO Live Foundation’s core principles aim to provide equal access to everyone in Toronto. Big ticket performances only tell half the story. By supporting TO Live, you’re supporting bringing the arts to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to purchase tickets. By giving back to your city, you can ensure people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the arts for years to come.
Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda Visual Takeover
In June 2021, TO Live commissioned Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda, an Anishnaabe artist from Nbiising or Nipissing First Nation, to do a visual takeover of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. The mural titled, “The Original 6 Nations Peace Treaty: A Visual Healing Art Experience” tells the story of the Six Nations treaty where the original Five Nations of Turtle Island (the Plant Nation, the Insect Nation, the Bird Nation, the Fish Nation, and the Animal Nation) all agreed to invite the Human Nation to share the land.