Luminato in the Community
Luminato believes that the festival should be celebrated by everyone in the GTA (and beyond). We strive to create inclusive experiences and break down barriers to access the arts. Our community work ensures that as many people as possible can experience Luminato either by attending shows and events or participating in workshops and conversations.
Community Partnerships
We are partnering with many other organisations to amplify their programming, including dance Immersion, TO Live, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Power Plant, YZD Northcrest, Jumblies, Community Music Schools of Toronto, Museum of Toronto and more. We are also bringing programming and workshops to the City of Brampton and to grassroots organizations in Scarborough.
SUPPORTED BY:
Dandyism Workshops
Dandy in a Day: Movement and Poetry Workshop
Tuesday June 10, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Scarborough Town Centre
Step into a dynamic and creative space where movement and poetry intersect, exploring the powerful symbiosis between words and dance. This workshop invites participants of all backgrounds and experience levels to experiment with writing poetry in their mother tongue while responding to their own words through African-rooted dance styles. Through this unique blend of artistic expression, you'll uncover the deep connection between language and movement.
The session will explore how poetry and dance inspire and respond to each other, encouraging you to express your thoughts and emotions through both writing and movement. At the end of the workshop, you'll have the chance to experiment with a responsive duet, pairing poetry with dance, before we bear witness to Dandyism.
Excursion:
Thrifting in Kensington Market
Wednesday June 11, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Meet outside Courage my Love, 14 Kensington Ave
Join us in Kensington Market as we source unique clothing and items to usher in our summer wardrobe and to upcycle for the Dandyism textile sewing workshop. Think bold patterns, vibrant colors, and limitless creativity. This is a chance to embrace flamboyance, fashion, and resistance. Bring a tote bag and an open mind!
Dandyism: Fashion Sewing Basics
Thursday June 12, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Brampton Arts Organization- Unit 301, 8 Nelson Street W, Brampton ON
Join us for a hands-on workshop blending fashion, history, and creativity. Inspired by the flamboyant self-expression and African resistance roots of Dandyism dance, this session will teach essential sewing skills and techniques for creating ties, scarves, and accessories, as well as using other tools like glue guns to embellish and build unique garments.
Facilitated by local textile artists from Brampton’s Quilters Guild, you'll learn to design and craft stunning pieces that reflect the spirit of Dandyism. Collaborate with others to create garments to wear during Luminato Festival on June 14 at Brampton Farmers Market. Whether you're a sewing novice or have experience, this workshop will ignite your creativity and connect you to a powerful cultural tradition. All materials and tools will be provided.
Dancing the Dandy – A Movement Workshop
Friday June 13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Brampton Arts Organization - Unit 301, 8 Nelson Street W, Brampton ON
In Collaboration with Kelewele African Dance Camp
Step into the vibrant world of Dandyism dance, blending 18th-century flair with African resistance and self-expression. This workshop invites participants of all ages and skill levels to explore Dandyism dance alongside traditional African styles.
Led by Ziza Patrick, Artistic Director of Dandyism, and Kelewele African Dance Camp instructors, you'll learn the historical and cultural significance of these dance forms. With a focus on Cameroonian and Congolese styles, you'll explore foundational movements and choreography while celebrating creativity and individuality.
The workshop also integrates fashion with movement, offering a demonstration on constructing Dandyism-inspired outfits. You'll learn choreography to be showcased at the Luminato Festival on June 14 at Brampton Farmers Market. Whether you're an experienced dancer or new to movement, this workshop celebrates self-expression and community through dance.
Harbourfront Hub
Along with the incredible music on our stages this weekend will be filled with workshops and activations for all ages.
The Tawoos Initiative will be bringing back their tarot card and palm readers as well as a letter writing experience.
Lulaworld are bringing multiple percussionists from across Canada and the world to share a workshop for all ages, along with a hair workshop and crafting opportunities for kids.
Miigwech Collective will be sharing traditional medicines, a live mural painting, an Elders teepee and a Red Dress Installation.
We are partnering again with StreetARToronto to showcase some of the city’s finest graffiti artists . They will be live spray-painting city bins to go back into rotation to beautify our city with art and colour.
We welcome back Word on the Street who are joining us again this year with a new and fabulously curated book nook. You will be able to join us in our relaxed tent area and sit and read a book, get out of the sun, and meet with members of our access team to chat about Indigenous practices. If you need a weighted blanket, some earplugs, or just a place to recharge and hang out, this is the place.
TDSB
Last year, Luminato confirmed an exciting partnership with the Toronto District School Board that extends into 2027. Under this agreement, Luminato brings artist-led activities into local high schools each year (such as chorale, dance, storytelling and photography workshops). Our goal with this multi-year partnership is to encourage youth — the next generation of arts enthusiasts — to explore their own creativity and to engage with the ideas and themes raised during the festival.
SUPPORTED BY
Sankofa Square Market
by Luminato’s Eco-Responsibility Committee
As the ice melts in THAW by Legs On The Wall, we are reminded that “the water pays the price of convenience. Just an hour away, there is no fresh water. Find out how you can support the water today.”
In partnership with this powerful performance, Luminato is proud to present a Pop-Up Market at Sankofa Square, where you can engage with organizations, businesses and campaigns committed to undertaking eco-responsibility and implement cyclical approaches to making, teaching, and repurposing. It’s more than just a market—it’s a call to action to reflect, learn, and take action to protect the water as a living entity just like you and I.
From a Swap Shop to knowledge keepers, we invite you to pause and learn how to live in harmony with the earth and support water protection today.
There’s no time to waste, so take the time to slow down, learn, and develop a deeper connection with the water that sustains us and relies on us to take care of them.
