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City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

June 13, 2025

2025 Cultural Hotspot brings arts, creativity and community pride back to Jane and Finch

Tomorrow, the City of Toronto will launch the 2025 Cultural Hotspot program, returning to celebrate the vibrant arts, culture and community of Jane and Finch from June to October.

The Cultural Hotspot is an annual arts program that shines a spotlight on Toronto’s outside-the-core neighbourhoods.

Delivered in collaboration with local arts and community organizations, the initiative creates meaningful opportunities for youth while also engaging the wider community through workshops, exhibitions, performances and community-led projects.

This year’s program once again highlights the Jane and Finch community, showcasing its creative contributions to the city and celebrating its diverse cultural identity, resilience and talent. The Hotspot area spans from Steeles Avenue in the north to Wilson Avenue in the south, and from Weston Road in the west to Keele Street in the east.

The launch event takes place tomorrow from 2:30 to 5 p.m. inside the Jane Finch Mall will feature powerful performances, local traditions and food. The event, sponsored by Toronto Pearson and Jane Finch Mall, is free and open to all, spotlighting the rich cultural fabric of the neighbourhood.

Throughout the 2025 season, the program will support 18 projects led by local artists and organizations, delivering free, public arts programming across the neighbourhood.

Programming highlights include:

Second Annual Jane and Finch Pride Ball: Celebrating our roots
A full-day celebration of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community featuring a Pride Ball competition, performances, interactive installations, workshops and a community potluck. Presented by the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance and PEACH on Sunday, June 22.

Terra Pulse – The Greenheart Collective
A youth mentorship program offering workshops in visual arts, eco-arts, music and digital media for ages 14 to 25. Produced by Terra Elysium Foundation from Saturday, June 28 to Friday, October 31.

Digital impressions: Urban Griots 2.0
Children and youth explore Afrofuturism through augmented reality art and storytelling. Presented by AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives from Monday, July 14 to Monday, August 25.

Black Creek Community Farm Festival and Community Market Series
Monthly artist showcases and a community festival celebrating arts and urban agriculture. Presented by Black Creek Community Farm and Foodshare Inc., through Friday, October 31.

Wheel It Studios VOL. 7
Youth develop skills in music marketing and content creation, launching original music digitally. Presented by New Tradition Music on Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5.

Flaunt It x Corner Commons: Community Arts Festival 2025
A two-day festival featuring an artist showcase and local business market led by women and gender-diverse community members. Hosted by Flaunt It Movement on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20.

Invitations to Better Worlds: Community storytelling and artistic residencies
Storytelling, youth artist residencies and a public art installation led by Jane Finch Community and Family Centre, taking place in September.

Let’s Dance
Outdoor workshops exploring global dance styles for all ages. Hosted by North York Arts at Downsview Park from September to October.

More information about the Cultural Hotspot program is available on the City’s Cultural Hotspot webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/cultural-hotspot/.

The 2025 Cultural Hotspot program is sponsored by media partners FLOW 98.7, Toronto Star and NOW Toronto.

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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