QUEEN WEST ART CRAWL

For 21 years The Queen West Art Crawl festival has provided barrier free /low barrier community access to artists and the arts creating a family friendly environment allowing discovery and crosspollination in the heart of Toronto's West Queen West and surrounding neighborhoods. We believe that this environment fosters a vital sense of connection within the community and gives artists a space to learn from each other and grow their practice. Our festival focused around three main projects an Outdoor Art Exhibition a Main Stage providing professional music concerts and drag performances and a Kids' Zone with art activities and children's entertainment; along with food stalls. As well special projects such as live mural paintings art walks and tent talks give each year's festival a different flavor and increases our presence along Queen Street West. Each main festival project has its own social justice priority furthering the environment of crosspollination essential to the festival and ensuring inclusiveness with opportunities for all. We are a queer led event and our family friendly components are visibly queer inclusive. This makes us an important space within Toronto's cultural festival calendar. A space we hope to grow over the coming years. OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION - up to 250 artists and artisans in the park and online exhibiting their work with the ability to sell their wares directly to patrons (QWAC takes zero commission from art sold at this event). MAIN STAGE - up to 12 Live Music Acts (solo or groups) plus live drag performances (minimum one queen both days). Featuring Juno nominated bands as well as emerging artists in genres ranging from R&B dance indie rock world music and blues. KIDS' ZONE - at least 2 drag performers for story time readings plus live and interactive art projects for Kids provided by Roseneath Theatre and Camp Cowabunga. During Covid 19 the festival was moved online in efforts to continue supporting the artists and keep the festival alive. Online participation and programming continues. We are working with community partners to secure Indigenous / First Nations artists and musicians for special initiatives including a Drum Circles Jingle Dancing Storytelling and Tent Talk opportunities.