Black Arts & Innovation Expo coming to Artscape Wychwood Barns on February 27, 2016
Excelovate, in conjunction with First Book Canada, is pleased to present the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016. Now in its second year, the Expo is scheduled for February 27, 2016, from 4pm – 10 pm at Artscape Wychwood Barns on 601 Christie St. in Toronto.
While many Black History Month events strive to highlight the achievements of ancestors, the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016 looks to underscore the works of current-day innovators who are working diligently to make a positive change across Canada.
“This event defines a new way of celebrating Black History Month with focused attention placed on the remarkable achievements of tomorrow’s legends,” – Emmy Eaton, Excelovate’s Vice President of Operations.
The Expo will feature international recording artist, producer, and executive Kardinal Offishall, supermodel Stacey McKenzie, singer/songwriter Allie, and the bestselling author of Animal, K’Wan Foye.
Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion hosted by Tika Simone, live performances by John River, the AfroLatino Dance Company, Allie, Ascension Groove, and the Kenn Lewis Trio. Featured exhibitors will include artists Komi Olaf, Ekow Nimako and Apanaki Temitayo. Authors on-site will include K’Wan Foye, Dalton Higgins, and Claudette McGowan, who will preview her latest children’s title, Freshy.
The event will also feature ten $2,000 scholarships, a silent auction, 3 Community Trailblazer awards, food tastings, a Lion’s Lair competition, books and art for sale, author signings, and a kids’ playzone. New to this year’s Expo is the Lion’s Lair – a competitive think-tank challenge. The winner will receive $5,000 to launch or expand their business. Also, a career fair will also be featured; companies participating include Facebook, Lexmark, Compucom, Dell, Tracker Networks, Compugen, and other leading tech companies.
For more information about the Black Arts & Innovation Expo, visit BlackExpo.ca.
Cost:
The Black Arts & Innovation Expo runs Saturday the 27th from 4pm – 10pm and the cost is $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Getting there:
Wychwood Barns is at 601 Christie St., about a block south of St. Clair Ave. and the 512 West streetcar (exit at Wychwood and walk about 2 blocks south) from St. Clair West station can get you there in about 10 minutes.
About Artscape / Wychwood Barns:
Wychwood Barns was originally a TTC streetcar maintenance facility (known as the streetcar “barns”), and operated up until 1992 when it was sold to the city. The City of Toronto leased the 1.7 hectare (approximately 17,402 square metres) property to the not-for-profit Toronto Artscape Inc. who raised money to open Artscape at Wychwood Barns in late 2008. Today Wychwood Barns is home to artist housing and studios, public green space, a greenhouse, a farmer’s market, a beach volleyball court, and office space for many local community groups.
About Excelovate:
Excelovate is a human services company focused on helping people and enriching lives through book and app publishing, personal coaching, and business consulting.
About First Book Canada:
First Book Canada provides access to new books for children. To date, First Book Canada has distributed more than 4.5 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout Canada.
