Largest juried display of African Canadian art presented at the ROM
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) joins in the excitement of the Scotiabank Caribana Festival and presents From the Soul: Caribana Art Exhibit, July 23 to August 13, 2010, Canada’s largest ever single juried display of works of art by African Canadian artists. Curated by renowned African Canadian artist and activist, Joan Butterfield, the exhibition is produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists, in conjunction with Scotiabank Caribana and the ROM. From the Soul will be on display in the Museum’s Bronfman Hall, Level 2 during the citywide festival, which takes place from July 15 to August 13, 2010.
“The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is a significant annual event advancing cultural celebration in the City of Toronto. The ROM is proud to present From the Soul and offer festival attendees, Torontonians and visitors to the city the opportunity to experience a unique and powerful exhibition celebrating African Canadian art,” said William Thorsell, ROM Director and CEO.
More than 160 works on canvas, several Caribana parade costumes, three dimensional bronze sculptures and award-winning ceramic pieces by 49 artists will be on display. Ms. Butterfield said, “This collection of works will arouse the conscious, still the mind and soothe the soul. Our goal is to attract a new and expanded audience to this exhibition with the hope of inspiring others with the message of courage, love and respect prevalent throughout the displays. Art is an expression of life around us and a powerful way to bring difficult topics of discussion out in the open.”
On July 24 and 25 children and adults are invited to ‘Jump Up, Jump Up’ at the ROM and share in a celebration of Caribbean culture and community by participating in a variety of Caribbean activities, music and traditions. These activities, which include crafts, storytelling, and the music of steel pannist Earl La Pierre Jr, are free with general Museum admission. For more information visit: www.rom.on.ca. As an event partner, the ROM is pleased to offer Festival patrons discounted admission through online ticketing.
About Scotiabank Caribana
The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is an exciting three-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. Now in its 43rd year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Carnival is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America’s largest outdoor festival.
This year the official launch of the Caribana Festival will take place at noon on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Yonge-Dundas Square, and the parade will be staged on Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For further information please visit www.caribanafestival.com.