THINGS TO DO

May 24–28: Celebrate Newcomer Day — all week

The city is hosting its seventh annual Toronto Newcomer Day virtually on May 25 — with related events organized by the Neighbourhood Arts Network starting the day before and continuing until May 28.

To find out more information about the events, including how to register, visit the Toronto Newcomer Day web page.

Here’s the schedule of events.

May 24:

The launch of “Critical Narratives: Dreamscapes,” a relaxed listening session of a mindfulness audio piece created by RBC Newcomer Artist Award recipient Siavash Kaveh, accompanied by Iranian vocalist Milad Bagheri, is scheduled.

May 25:

Residents can join in celebrating newcomers and their contributions to the city online from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day will include the Welcome Gesture, a simple guided experience led by Dreamwalker Dance Company and a town hall session with Mayor John Tory from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newcomers need to register for this event ahead of time.

An information fair will be available online, with most exhibitors offering information posted about programs and services available for newcomers. Agencies are hosting virtual meet and greet sessions throughout the day.

From 6 to 7 p.m., “In Conversation: Indigenous and Migrant Placemaking Through Music” will focus on a dialogue between Indigenous musician Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone and multidisciplinary newcomer artist Borelson.

May 26:

“In Conversation: Parenting and Artmaking During COVID-19” will explore the invisible labour of artists during the pandemic from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

May 27:

Join Esmond Lee and writer Sabra Ismath for an artist conversation around Lee’s “Gods Among Us” photography series at the Virtual Exhibition Tour and Artist Talk Presented in Partnership with Doris McCarthy Gallery from 6 to 7 p.m.

May 28:

A free screening of nine dynamic short films”ImagineNATIVE Short Films Focus + Artist Talk” is moderated by Niki Little from 6 to 8 p.m. The films range from documentary and dramatic to animation films created by Indigenous filmmakers, which were presented at the 2020 imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and will be followed by an artist talk.

Programming for the day also includes a partnership with the Toronto Public Library to  showcase author Koom Kankesan, who will share his journey from being a newcomer to choosing a path in the arts; a partnership with Small World Music to showcase two newcomer artists, Medusa and Moneka Arabic Jazz; a virtual tour of Toronto City Hall; and a glimpse into the development of the Spirit Garden, which is being led by Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre.