mural

who we are

Moving Beyond Borders

URBANARTS participates in community networks throughout Toronto and contacts cultural creators across Toronto, Canada and the world.

at an event

The executive director of URBANARTS sits on the grant review team of ArtReach Torono, the Ward 11 and 12 COmmunity Centre planning committee consulted all levels of government on cultural policy.

Founded in 1988 as Arts York, URBANARTS was based in the former City of York, and amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1998. Today, our focus area lies between Bathurst Street, Lawrence Avenue, Weston Road and Davenport Road. Many of our programs reach audiences and feature professional artists throughout the city of Toronto. Our artistic activity involves many cultural communities, with some 96 languages spoken. It includes high-density and middle-income neighbourhoods. URBANARTS advocates for increasing artistic facilities, programs and services in under-serviced areas.

artists with mural

 

URBANARTS works with all ages, cultures and levels of artistic experience, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Professional artists from many fields lead our programs in music, dance, visual arts and theatre. We bring a love of the arts, artistic experiences and learning to youth right in their own neighbourhoods.

artists

Over 100 professional artists per year from diverse cultural backgrounds lead our activities for children and youth ranging in age from 8 to 29 in the visual arts, theatre, music and dance. URBANARTS also welcomes volunteers of all ages.

Most of all, URBANARTS is about you, members of the community. Help us generate new arts activities in your neighbourhood. Shape your local arts centre into what you would like it to be for your children, your neighbours and yourself!