With Toronto’s art and culture scene better than ever, there’s no reason not to discover your inner artsy side.
And go beyond a concert at the ACC.
Even if you’re as corporate as the 9-5 world can breed, it’s easy to become more artistically minded: do artsy things (duh).
Here are our picks to get you through the winter.
1. Twisted at the Factory Theatre (Now until February 22th)
Coinciding with Black History Month, The Factory Theatre presents Twisted. The multi-cultural production is inspired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, and deals with present day poverty, race relations, and struggle. The two main characters struggle to survive in their own isolation, with their only solace found in their cell phones. The show features an original hip-hop soundscape, created by Hagler, a music producer for Drake.
2. Marilyn: Forever Blonde (February 11th-14th)
Just time for Valentine’s Day comes one of history’s most iconic sex symbols in all her glory. Get an inside look into what life was like for Marilyn Monroe, told through her own words and music shortly before her tragic death. The critically acclaimed, multiple award-einning show hits the Winter Garden Theatre for four days only. Because, really, who doesn’t love Marilyn?
3. The Artist Project (February 19th-22nd)
The Artist Project fair will transform the sprawling Better Living Centre with the works of art of over 250 top contemporary artists from around the world. If you want to make a party of it, bond with the creative set of young professionals over the art, music, and installations at the Opening Night Party on Thursday, February 19th.
4. Art Battle (monthly)
If you’re in the market for some quality, affordable (actually) art, complete with a live competitive painting party, hit up the next Art Battle event. Held monthly at The Great Hall, Art Battle is live competitive painting at its finest, where some of the city’s most talented artists create their best works of art in 20 minutes and compete for the title of winning artist. After each of the three rounds, the art is up for grabs via a silent auction.
5. Douglas Coupland at the ROM and Mocca (January 31st-April 26th)
Thought-provoking contemporary artist, writer, and thinker, Douglas Coupland, explores issues that affect us in a new exhibition. Through everything from Lego and found materials, to colourful pop culture-centered paintings, Coupland explores the modern human condition, Canadian cultural identity, the power of language, and the influence of technology in modern life. Douglas Coupland: everywhere is anywhere and anything is everything is at the ROM from January 31st to April 26th, and at MOCCA from January 31st- April 19th.
6. Basquiat: Now’s the Time at the AGO (now until May 10th)
Not that we have to tell you, because you’ve seen it all over Instagram, the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition has hit the AGO. The exhibition displays the radical vision of New York artist, musician and fashion-world icon Jean-Michel Basquiat. The artist, of course, is known for his expressive street art-inspired and politically charged work, which confronts issues of racism, identity and social tension, all created during or before 1988, when he died at 27 of a heroin overdose.
7. Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo at The Theatre Machine (February 20th-March 7th)
If you’re new to the indie theatre scene (or theatre in general), then starting with Shakespeare may be too ambitious. Sterling Studio Theatre presents Gina Gionfriddo’s Becky Shaw, a character-centered, LOL-heavy play that involves five very imperfect people in their 30s and bad blind dates, temptations, and moments that make them question their ethics and life in general. Juicy.
8. SNAP! (Thursday, March 26th)
If your walls are looking a little bare and you’re in the mood to support a great cause, hit SNAP!, the annual gala and photography auction hosted by the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). Attracting some of the city’s most notable faces, SNAP! will include a live auction of art, a silent auction, and a photo competition, plus free-flowing drinks and conversation.
9. Love Art Fair (April 17th-19th)
Love Art Fair returns to Toronto for its second year. As the sister fair of the global brand Affordable Art Fair, Love Art Fair features all sorts of affordable art that won’t break the bank, in an approachable setting. It offers the chance to discover new artists and thousands of contemporary artworks and to participate in hands-on workshops. The fair will feature the work of over 40 galleries, with pieces starting at $100.
10. Restless Spirit Productions’ Triple Bill (February 27th-March 8th)
There’s a new indie theatre company in town, and they’re launching with a triple-hitter, Triple Bill. If you’re testing out the indie theatre waters, this may be your best bet – you get three shows in one. This includes a stand-up set from Canadian Comedy Award winner Ken Hall, a production of The Value of Trying (written by Emmy-nominated writer Katie Ford), and a final performance of Delores, a drama about two sisters coming to terms with their dysfunctional upbringing.
11. The Horseshoe Tavern
Sure, a concert at the ACC is fun sometimes, but you can also spend a lot less money and experience some of the best artists in the city at a place like Horseshoe Tavern. The iconic venue and bar has been a staple on the Toronto music scene for years, yet you’ve probably only been once or twice in your life. And hey, even if you’ve never heard of the band, you can always roll in from Queen Street and enjoy cheap beer and a good vibe regardless.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from: Art Battle Canada
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