tdsbCREATES Artist Roster

ZAHRA HARRIET BADUA - Dance

Zahra Badua is a bilingual multi-hyphenated artist from Ghana who started dancing as a meansto understand and learn more about her African heritage, she is a trained Traditional West African, Afro Caribbean Folklore dancer as well as other West African and Caribbean street styles. Whether it is through teaching movement, lectures, seminars, podcasts or her administrative work, Zahra is dedicated to disseminating knowledge about the vast beauty and history of Afro-Diasporic dance and to use the arts to promote happiness, self-expression, and confidence. Zahra is also a movement coach for adults with different developmental abilities and children living with autism. Lastly, she is the Administrative and Engagement Coordinator for dance Immersion. A black led arts organization that produces, promotes and supports Black dances and artists from the African Diaspora.

KATELYN BERNARD - Dance 

Growing up mixed, dance was introduced to Katelyn at a very young age. It wasn’t until high school that Katelyn began to take HipHop seriously. It ignited a passion that she continues to carry through her teaching and training. Training/performing thoroughly under “school of groove” as well as training under her mentor Monica Fern aka “Knives” has allowed Katelyn to further develop her skills as a dancer, performer, and mentor. Teaching multiple programs for at risk youth has inspired Katelyn’s purpose with dance. She is passionate about uplifting and empowering youth, and utilizes her platform to do so. 

RYAN DELA CRUZ - Dance

Ryan Dela Cruz is a Toronto born dancer, youth educator and aspiring videographer who believes in utilizing art to challenge our physical and mental limitations for social collectiveness and social change. At the age of 5, Ryan performed for the Miss Saigon at the Princess of Whales Theatre. Today, Ryan represents Toronto dance culture both locally and internationally, from Toronto to the U.K and Spain.

Ryan is also the lead program coordinator for his collective Bucc N Flvr (Flavor) Dance who was featured on CBCart and were named “NML Much Music’s Best Dance Crew Champions”. Together, Ryan and Bucc N Flvr lead a free dance mentorship program with marginalized youth in the Scarborough community and continue to collaborate with like minded professionals who believe in furthering our next generation youth with quality education, soulful expression and story telling.

Follow officialbuccnflvr for more info about their community involvement 

JESSICA DUBEAU- Dance

Jessica is a dance artist, educator, youth mentor and certified personal trainer. Originally from Muskoka, Ontario, her dance studies began as a competitive dancer. Now, Jessica is a proud Triple Threat Alumni of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. Her professional career began as a Cheerleader with the Toronto Argonauts. Select performance credits include; Artists Shawn Desman and Bruno Mars. The Juno Awards, Pan American Games Closing Ceremonies, and Para Pan Am Games Opening Ceremonies. Jessica is also the Founder of Freedom in Dance & Athletics an Educational Partner of the TDSB, a program that focuses on enhancing the dance curriculum through unique and specialized programs that run across the GTA as well as the Bahamas. 

EDZ GYAMFI - Dance

Edmund "Edz" Gyamfi better known by his stage name Edz Gyamfi, is a Ghanaian-Canadian dancer and choreographer from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. His main dance styles consist of Hip Hop, Dancehall & Afro Dance. Edz is currently apart of TDSB Partnership program. All in part of focusing on the importance of dance education through movement, history and culture. 

Edz has devoted his studies and travel to places like Jamaica, New York & L.A along with taking virtual programs. He has trained and studied with Commercial Industry Leaders such as world renowned Commercial Choreographers Rhapsody James, Luam Kyflegy and Galen Hooks. He’s also trained with Street Dance OGs & creators in Buddha Stretch, Popping Pete, Chrybaby, HypeGirl & Mr.YouTube.

Furthermore, Edz has had the opportunity to also learn and train from Professor Orville (Dancexpressionz), DHevolution by BlingEvo, Dancehall Vybz Spirit and Zidan- from Xqlusiv Dance Crew. 

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Edz continues to find new ways to learn, share and cultivate minds in a fun, safe and interactive environment. 

Credits include:

TO LIVE- THE ART SQUAD, CBCarts "THE MOVE" SEASON 2, SELF MADE NETFLIX SERIES- MADAM CJ WALKER, SPORT CHEK, MOORES- PROMPOSAL, CBCGems- Black Life | Untold Stories.

Check out his website: www.edzgyamfi.com 

ALLEN KAEJA - Dance

Allen Kaeja (Co-Artistic Director, Choreographer, Film Director, Educator, developed PVD with Karen) is an internationally recognized and award-winning Choreographer and Dance Film Director. The child of a refugee and Holocaust survivor, Allen has created 30 years of Holocaust inspired stage and film works.  Overall, he’s created over 210 stage works and Choreographed/Directed 35 films. Co-Artistic Director of Kaeja d’Dance with Karen Kaeja, Allen’s works have been featured in commercials, films and festivals around the world. Hehas received numerous national and international commissions, teaches Kaeja Elevations and Dance Film master classes worldwide. 

 Karen and Allen received the DanceOntario Lifetime Achievement Award; were Finalists for the TAF-2020 Celebration of Cultural Life Award and are nominated for the Eldred Family Dance Award for lifetime achievement in dance. Allen was very excited creating with Director Keira Loughran, choreographing Wendy / Peter Pan until COVID closed Stratford Festival in 2020. Allen and Karen recently created Kitchen Dances Web Series with Moze Mossanen and In Case of Emergency, celebrating eighteen dance artists in our community. The Kaeja’s will be touring to the USA, New Brunswick and British Columbia in 2023.

SARITA LEYVA - Dance

Sarita Leyva is a renowned contemporary folkloric and popular dancer, educator, and choreographer.

Sarita began her dance career at the age of 7 at the Vocational School of Art Raúl Gómez García in Holguín, Cuba, in the specialty of Classical Ballet, where she finished her studies until the 5th year of Ballet and obtained her diploma of elementary level, then she continued her studies of the medium-superior level at the Professional School of Arts "El Yarey" for one year and a half and subsequently she moved to Havana to complete her studies at the Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Arte, ENIA, obtaining her diploma as Professor- Instructor of Dance in 1987.

After her graduation, while living in Cuba Sarita maintained a very active career as a choreographer-dancer and dance teacher, working in many institutions, dance groups, and companies such as Grupo Omó Olorun, Grupo Oriki de La Casa de Africa in Old Havana, Compañía de Danza Pinos Nuevos just to mention a few, as well as she was a teacher of contemporary dance technique and Classical Ballet at the Paulita Concepcion Vocational School of Arts in Havana.

She moved to Toronto in 1997 and taught at Etobicoke School of the Arts, Toronto's Spanish Centre as well as internationally, and is Toronto’s most sought-out Cuban dance teacher, having established a solid roster of students over the past twenty-six years.

Presently, Sarita is the Artistic Director of Iré Omó Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance Ensemble and school, the first dancer of Iyá Iré Afro-Cuban Ensemble she also works as a dance instructor at Lula Lounge, Salchata Dance Company, City Dance Corps and offers private instruction. Sarita was also on the teaching staff at the faculty of the School of The Arts, Media & Design at York University teaching Cuban dance and Salsa and Related forms of Latin Dance.

ZITA NYARADY - Dance

Zita Nyarady is a dance, theatre and circus artist. She has worked on projects with Guild Festival Theatre, TOLive, Anandam Dance Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Nightwood Theatre, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Rhubarb Festival, Native Earth, Theatre Direct, Shakespeare in Action, and Odin Teatret. As co-artistic director of The Grand Salto Theatre Zita's interdisciplinary performances have been presented at Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Toronto Festival of Clowns, Edmonton Play the Fool Festival, Montreal Clown Festival, Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival, 60x60, Clay & Paper Theatre, Harbourfront Centre and Fringe Festivals across Canada. Zita is a sought after circus dramaturge and has worked with LookUp Theatre, Femmes du Feu and Hercinia Arts Collective. As an arts educator Zita has worked with Prologue for the Performing Arts, Shakespeare in Action, Theatre Direct, Branchout Theatre and The Waldorf Academy. Zita was the 2017/18 Dramatist in Residency at The Heliconian Club in Toronto, 2019 choreographer for Chimera Project Company B and is in the Cirque du Soleil performer database. 

JANICE POMER - Dance

Based in Tkaranto, Ontario, Canada, Janice Pomer has been teaching, performing and creating in the fields of dance, music and physical theatre since 1976, touring and teaching across Canada providing dance experiences for learners of all ages and abilities in urban, rural, First Nation and northern communities. Janice’s unique pedagogy emphasizes how dance is a holistic,multidirectional process that engages the physical, intellectual, creative, emotional and intuitive aspects of the mover. Author of three internationally acclaimed books on dance education: Perpetual Motion, Creative Movement Exercises for Dance & Dramatic Arts (Human Kinetics USA 2002), Dance Composition, An Interrelated Arts Approach (Human Kinetics USA 2009) and most recently Elementary Dance Education, Natured – Themed Creative Movement and Collaborative Learning (Human Kinetics USA 2023). The books have been hailed as ‘inspiring’, ‘innovative’, ‘invaluable’ and ‘dynamic’. 

CADDY SUPERVILLE - Dance

Caddy was born and raised in Toronto with a mixed heritage of Trinidadian, Chinese and European. She found inspiration in music videos on Much Music & B.E.T, which lead her to her first few dance classes at her local community centre at the age of 8. A few years later she joined the competitive hip hop program at The Toronto Dance Industry in Scarborough. She was awarded scholarships, which gave her the opportunity to train with industry choreographers and instructors. Over the years, she trained in Toronto, Montreal, New York and L.A in multiple styles including; Hip Hop, Waacking, Jazz Funk, House, Dancehall, Samba, Salsa and more. Caddy is now well known in the community for her Waacking skills and knowledge having studied for over 13 years studying with: Tyrone Proctor, Viktor Manoel, Princess Lockeroo, Munezero & more. She has trained with: Luther Brown, Mariano, Julio Fuentes and many more. She has danced with companies such as: Gadfly, Asymmetry Creations & Salem Dance Company to name a few. Caddy is a member of the all female dance crew, DEUCEnDIP performing for Much Music’s NML Live, Toronto Pride Festival, Canada’s Walk of Fame and many more. Caddy currently works with a Samba dance company known as “Drey’s Dance Company”. Caddy will continue to entertain and share her passions with the world by shiningmher light and sharing her infectious energy wherever she goes.

Credits Include:

• Performing at the MMVAs with Kiesza & PSY

• Singing and dancing for Carnival Cruiselines

• Dancing in an international AMEX Aeroplan Commercial

• Choreographing a Waacking piece for the Fringe Festival

Check out her website: www.CaddySuperville.com

MEREDITH THOMPSON - Dance

Originally from Huntsville, Ontario, the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, Meredith Thompson (she/her) has long been dancing about and enjoying the physical expression and experience of movement. As a child she spent countless hours making up dances both alone and with friends, and today she continues this practice. As a creator/dance maker, Meredith still works both independently and collaboratively, and past projects have been presented at various festivals and events across the county, from coast to coast to (Arctic) coast. She is particularly interested in site-specific work, and has been significantly influenced by her work facilitating community-based dance works for large casts of movers of all ages and backgrounds. As a dancer/performer, Meredith has collaborated with and interpreted the works of numerous artists, and performed throughout Canada and beyond for two decades. Fond of teaching and young people, she has been working as a teaching artist with the Toronto District School Board in a variety of capacities since 2000. She has also taught and facilitated dance and movement workshops for a number of arts organizations and companies, and continues to do so. Based in Toronto, Meredith is a graduate of York University’s Department of Fine Arts and Faculty of Education. 

MARGARET BOERSMA - Drama

Margaret Boersma (OCT) is a creative educational consultant, teaching artist and performer whose specialty areas are Drama, Dance and Emotional Literacy. Margaret consults with teachers to create an inquiry based, cross-curricular unit integrating other curriculum expectations with the Arts. The curriculum comes to life through her innovative ‘first person learning’ approach to teaching. With over 30 years experience teaching kindergarten to grade 8, Margaret is a life-long enthusiast of brain compatible strategies to engage students into a process of learning that incorporates ‘powerful personal expression’ in a way that elevates their performance in school. She also incorporates social and emotional learning skills in her work with students and teachers. Margaret works locally and internationally, bringing learning to life. www.margaretboersma.com

MARLA  BRENNAN- Drama

Marla Brennan is dedicated to empowering and educating the next generations with her beloved drama, creative play, puppetry and juggling programs. A bilingual, multi-disciplinary performing artist and expert arts educator, Marla has been a guest presenter in over 600 schools across Canada and in the United States. Her drama program has an emphasis on teamwork, community building, kindness and also includes a performance by The Juggling Chef, which wows students and teachers every time! Using her passion for entertainment and education, Marla positively impacts thousands of students and delivers a message of joyful empowerment. Check out TheMarLabs for more information about Marla's work.

KRISTIN LINDELL - Drama

Kristin Lindell is an Arts educator from the Beach area of Toronto. She holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music from York and her MA from the University of Victoria. Kristin has studied at the National Ballet School and the Young People’s Theatre. As a vocalist, Kristin has toured Canada and the United States singing original Roots and Jazz music. She has taught Drama and Vocal Music, and facilitated arts based workshops for the past 12 years. Kristin has directed Musical Theatre productions, and crafted multi-arts productions with a wide range of youth programs. Kristin has taught Voice for Centennial College Music Industry Arts program, Artscape, The Music Project and several local Choirs. 

As an artist educator with the Royal Conservatory of Music and TDSBCreates, she has led over 100 arts-based workshops in TDSB and Vancouver School Board classrooms. For details: www.kristinlindell.com

MANDY E. MACLEAN -  Drama

Mandy E. MacLean is a Member of the Mad Community, has had multiple experiences of Traumatic Brain Injury, and is a proud Maritimer. She is a multi-hyphenate artist currently based in Toronto. She is influenced by her training with the SITI Company (NYC) and by members of SCOT (Japan). Recently she participated in the access-led development process of Blind Dates at Theatre Passe Muraille. Recent performance work Don’t Go Into the Woods (In Development, Tarragon Theatre, dir Courtney Chg’ Lancaster), You’re Never Alone (Film, dir. Tyler Seguin), Abyss (ARC, dir. Richard Rose). Recent directing includes; Honesty by Jordan Tanahill for the Honest Eds Closing. Recent Arts Educator Work; W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind, Roseneath Theatre, Theatre by the Bay, NB Drama Fest, and Humber College. Her solo work, hiraeth, premiered at SummerWorks 2019. Versions were first staged at Forward March 2019 and SummerWorks 2018 with the support of the OAC and Tangled Arts + Disability. She was a finalist for the 2022 Cayle Chernin Award in Theatre. She is currently managing an accessibility based creation project between Prologue Performing Arts X The W. Ross School School for the Blind. She is also the Arts Activation Coordinator for Frog in Hand’s The Art Shelter. Mandy has over a decade of experience working with youth, has driven a military tank, and is currently searching for baked goods across Ontario. 

JACKSON NAIR - Drama

Jackson Nair is a mixed-race actor, director, writer, and theatremaker emerging in Toronto’s performing arts industry both onstage and behind the scenes, with a particular interest in multicultural theatre, theatre education, and theatre for young audiences. He has been working with children for over ten years. Jackson has a BA in Drama from Bishop’s University with a minor in Ancient Greek and Roman Civilizations, and also studied at Southampton Solent University in England.

Jackson’s directing credits include: Women and Wallace, Outside Looking In: A Modern Fairytale for Young Adults and Other Bipeds, A Wolf at the Oasis, and Just In Love. Most recently, his one person show Ganapati Stories was part of the 2021 Toronto Fringe Festival’s KIDSFEST.

CATHY NOSATY - Drama

Cathy Nosaty enjoys a diverse career as a musician, composer, musical director and teaching artist. She began her musical training as a classical pianist, and her love of creative collaboration led her to compose music for dance, theatre and film. She has scored over 100 productions for regional and independent theatre companies across Canada, a dozen documentary films and the second season of the TVO preschool series Dr. Cheddar. She conducted community choirs for Community Arts Guild Unfolding and Moving Parts for Fujiwara Dance Inventions. She has been nominated for five DORA awards and the 2020 Louis Applebaum Composer Award - Music for Young People.

Cathy is enthusiastic and passionate teaching artist who has facilitated with tdsbCREATES, the Canadian Opera Company, Corporation of Massey Hall/Roy Thompson Hall, Tapestry Opera, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Theatre Direct, Swallowing Clouds, Jumblies Theatre, Community Arts Guild, and numerous programs with the Ontario Arts Council. She is presently an M.A. candidate in the Critical Studies in Improvisation program at the University of Guelph.

ANN POWELL - Drama

Ann Powell has been co-artistic director of Puppetmongers Theatre since she and her brother established the company in 1974. With the company, she creates critically acclaimed, award winning shows for both young and adult audiences, and has toured with them around the world. Amongst bigger projects Puppetmongers has been involved in, we were the Puppetry

Department for the “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” movie, and created and built the puppet show for the first Winter Festival at Canada’s Wonderland. Outside of Puppetmongers, Ann‘s solo puppet play, “Bed & Breakfast”, was awarded a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry by UNIMA-USA, and she collaborates on projects with other theatre companies and artists. She has also illustrated a number of books for children, and was a founding member of Kids Can Press.  As a teacher of puppetry and related theatre arts to children and adults, Ann has conducted workshops and programs in elementary schools and universities, at summer camps and conferences across Canada, in the US and the former USSR, and teaches at Puppetmongers’ Toronto School of Puppetry.

KHADIJAH SALAWU- Drama

Khadijah Salawu is an actor, arts educator, writer, creative producer, and DJ. She is a graduate of the Arts York drama program at Unionville High School, and holds a HBA in Drama, Theatre and Performance from the University of Toronto

She is the founder and editor of The African Diaspora Literature and Performance Toolkit, a forthcoming online adaptable list of resources that provides examples about African diasporic literature and performing arts with a focus in African-Canadian creation. It is designed to be used by high school english and drama teachers in their classrooms.

She has served as the Artistic Director and co-founder of FreeUp! – an annual nation-wide youth-led Emancipation Day celebration, wherein the CBC Gem Emancipation Day 2020 Special received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performing Arts Program at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards.

Khadijah brings her love for imagination and storytelling to young people as an arts educator at Soulpepper Theatre, St. James Town Community Arts and across the Greater Toronto Area. 

JAMES BUFFIN - Film

James Buffin is a filmmaker with 35 years experience working on tv shows, movies, and documentaries all around the planet. Having received generous mentorship from many talented people over the decades, he believes strongly in empowering the next generation. James has a long track record of teaching people of all ages including at TDSB, Planet In Focus, Liaison of Independent Filmmakers Toronto and Workman Arts.

James enjoys co-designing and leading programming that matches the specific needs of every class he works in. Whether it’s framing and composition, project planning, video editing, camera work, audio recording, short film creation or reflexive mentorship, he’s happy to ensure your students are encouraged, nurtured and receive professional support in taking their next step with video and photography. See more information about James Buffin’s work here www.jamesbuffin.com 

EKATRINA IONOVA - Film

Ekaterina Ionova graduated from Toronto Film School in 2007 where she studied Film and TV Production. Shortly after that Ekaterina founded her own production company, FILMBERRIES,  that later became Filmberries Kids Club (Filmberries Studio) where children write, act, direct and produce their own short movies, cartoons, pictures and art projects. Ekaterina has been collaborating with many artists and production companies and associations, such as "ACE After Four" Children's Enrichment Program in Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic School, "Gilda's Club" Greater Toronto, "SickKids" Hospital, Rogers "TV Mosaic" / Multicultural Programs, Toronto Public Library, TDSB's  and TCSB's schools, and many more. Recently, Ekaterina and other filmmakers have created and organized FilmHoodFest, a Children's Film Festival, featuring short films made by kids from Toronto and GTA.

In her classroom, Ekaterina focuses on storytelling, encouraging and empowering children to produce their own films, from simple animation to more advanced live-action shorts and film projects, many of them have been submitted to various Film Festivals For Kids around the world and nominated.

JULIANNA NOTTEN - Film

Julianna Notten (She/They) is a Toronto-based, award-winning, queer filmmaker and co-founder of Switch Hitter Films. Currently she is developing both her first television series, Well That’s Just Super, as well as her sophomore feature "And I Feel Fine". Their debut feature, "Erin's Guide To Kissing Girls" recently had its premiere playing in prestigious festivals, notably Mill Valley where it won the audience choice for best family film, LA Femme where it won best feature of the festival and Raindance London which earned it rave reviews. The short of the same name has played in over 40 film festivals around the world, most notably Frameline42 which later picked it up for distribution. Julianna is a graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) Film program, where she received the Norman Jewison award and Natalie MacDonald Memorial award in her final year. Their thesis film, Earth To Avery premiered at the TIFF Kids International Film Festival in 2016. They've made it their mission to create stories with queer and gender diverse protagonists who break boundaries and challenge stereotypes.

LINDSAY GOODTIME - Multidisciplinary Arts

Lindsay Goodtimes is a passionate arts educator and multidisciplinary artist dedicated to fostering creativity and connection through her teaching. As a mother and community advocate, she brings her diverse skills in children’s theater, dance, circus arts, acrobatics, singing, and hosting into her educational practice. Lindsay's work is deeply influenced by her journey as a dyslexic learner, driving her commitment to creating inclusive, empathetic learning environments where all students can thrive. She focuses on using performance and artistic expression to build social connections, enhance emotional wellness, and encourage empathy. Lindsay's projects include Space Chums, an interactive electro-pop show for young audiences, and TWEET TWEET, a contemporary circus performance for early years, developed in collaboration with Holly Treddenick, which earned a Dora Award nomination. Her teaching style is rooted in curiosity, unlearning, and growth, and she is dedicated to helping students find their voice through the arts. 

MEGHA SUBRAMANIAN - Multidisciplinary Arts

Where do stories meet? In Megha they meet as Dance, Cinema, and Writing. A multi-disciplinary artist, Megha practices several forms of storytelling, constantly engaging with diverse thoughts that question her conditioning.

Her arts enable communion with the self and with the world around her. 

She considers educational institutions as an essential part of community building, and has constantly engaged with the community as a TESL instructor, as an instructor of English, Film and Theory of Knowledge in the IB and Cambridge curricula. She has also been a dance educator for several years. Constantly engaged in research and development spiritually and academically, Megha brings her unique vision to all the art forms she engages in.

Lights. Camera. Dance. 

STEPHANIE CHUA - Music

Stephanie Chua is a pianist, educator, and musical connector.  

She has been broadcast across Canada on CBC Radio 2 and in Europe on Rondo Classic FM and has performed in solo and chamber recitals across Canada, Europe and Asia.  Highlights include being a featured performer in Soundstreams’ sold-out season opener ‘Six Pianos’ at Koerner Hall (Toronto), solo recitals at SOUL Live Music Project in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in partnership with Saigon Classical, New Music Edmonton, and Music Toronto’s Discovery Series; along with performances at Shanghai New Music Festival, Impuls Contemporary Music Festival (Graz, Austria), and Sound Symposium (St.John’s, NFLD). 

Stephanie’s wide and diverse practice encompasses piano-playing in traditional classical settings to performing on unusual keyboards (such as toy pianos, kalimba, and melodica) to found objects.  Stephanie is a dedicated educator and has taught piano for over 20 years as well as facilitating graphic score and sound workshops in community settings.  

CHANEL FYFFE - Music

Chanel Fyffe is a Canadian Jamaican RnB Soul  singer/creator/visual artist/producer that was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. Her music is described as smooth and honest . When you listen to her you will be taken back to the era of the 90’s which will have you reminiscing about the old days. She began writing  poetry at the age 10 which then turned into songs during her teens. She spent her early years in the community arts field recording and performing over 20 songs. Through her lyrics, you will feel a genuine connection to her as her sense of authenticity is one of her many strengths. She is an alumni of the Independent Music Program at Seneca College. Her 5 Song EP  called Thirty One was released on September 17,2021. Focus was the lead single followed by IWAC. The EP is making its way around the world.

Stay tuned on her social media platforms http://www.instagram.com/mschanelfyffe. You can also find her around the city showcasing her art at pop up events or performing at open mics. 

KIBRA - Music

Toronto-based singer Kibra is quickly making a name for herself as one of the most exceptional voices in Toronto’s R&B and soul music scene. A standout songwriter and vocalist, Kibra is known for her unforgettable and soulful performances. Frequently addressing pressing social issues in her songs Kibra is committed to building and uplifting community through her music. Kibra has taken the stage at the Toronto International Film Festival, Afrofest, the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Yonge and Dundas Square. She has also performed internationally at the SXSW in Austin, Texas and at Afrochic in Accra, Ghana. Prepare to be enchanted as Kibra takes you on an unforgettable musical journey, captivating your heart and soul with her unparalleled talent, unwavering passion, and unforgettable performances.

MALIIK - Music

Maliik is a Jamaican, Toronto-born artist and visionary, who has been releasing music since 2016, and engineering since 2019. Maliik has a multitude of musical talents. Moving with passion and a deep love for his art, he is a self-taught rapper, singer, songwriter, audio engineer, advocate for justice and seeker of truth. Using his music to inspire and impact on personal and communal levels. At the age of 12, his mother took him to a studio in the heart of the city. It was then, that he fell in love with recording arts and he has since been refining his craft. Incorporating his Jamaican roots and the influences of his upbringing in Canada into his work, Maliik’s art is versatile to the core. Showcasing his constant ability to stretch expectations and step outside any boxes. Juxtaposing a platitude of sounds, Maliik has a unique ability to string elements of Reggae into contemporary Hip-Hop flows, while bringing in softer sounds when called for, creating a raw and magical atmosphere. He can seamlessly thrive in any musical element and consistently proves it- to himself and the world. Maliik continues to create music independently and in collaboration with several artists. Maliik released his solo project titled, ‘Can’t Quit, Gotta Have It’. 

JOAQUÍN NUNEZ -  Music 

Joaquín has been a percussionist on Juno and Grammy nominated CD compilations, Juno nominated – Hilario Durán Trio “Motion” (2010); and Grammy nominated and Juno Award Winner 2007 – Hilario Big Band CD “From the Heart” featuring Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez & Paquito D’Rivera (2007). Joaquín co-produced “Havana Nights” (2010) in collaboration with pianist, Eddie Bullen; also, he was the producer of Cubanos’ debut CD “Holguin” (2002); and he performed as percussionist for the North American premier of the soundtrack to the musical theatre production of “Dirty Dancing” (2008). Exploded onto the world music scene as a co-producer of the CD with famed Euro-performer Zucchero “La Sesión Cubana”, doing the record’s release “2013-2014 World Tour Zucchero and La Sesión Cubana.” The lyrical CD” Keep Them Close” with Kalabash was produced by Mr. Hidalgo and most notably awarded a Juno (2014) for his work with David Buchbinder and Odessa Havana with the CD “Walk to the Sea.”

In the midst of all, Mr. Nunez' passion for educating and teaching others the amazing world of music through drumming, dance and songs and it's correlation with other arts, excel on his more than 30 years of experience. Some of his achievements includes:  founder of Sistema Toronto's Percussion Department(2012) as well as the unique of his type Rumba Squad at St. Michael College School (2013-2019). Since 2014 has been lead instructor of the Cuban Brazilian Drumming and Dance Program part of TDSB Community Music Program, participating on Music by The Lake 2019 and several TDSB Spring Concert; to mention some.

MICHAEL O'CONNELL - Music

a r t i s t educator / c o m m u n i t y builder / m u s i c artist

For the past 20 years, Michael O’Connell has facilitated as an Artist Educator, with over 700 hours in national and international classrooms and countless hours collaborating within communities of young people living on the margins. He loves to co-create brave spaces that explore Identity, Anti-Oppression, and STEAM curricula through music, movement and videography. Equipped with an ever evolving repertoire of upbeat and inviting activities, Michael works to center the voices and leadership of young people in the creative process. Michael has been a mentor artist with the Royal Conservatory’s Learning Through the Arts Program and a facilitator with Toronto’s KickStart Arts. He has been a Program Coordinator for the past 20 years at Sketch Working Arts, primarily in the Audio Arts program, prioritizing the development of many artists whose identities are underrepresented in music spaces and throughout the industry. They also tour and release music internationally under the artist name, Culture Reject.

MARTA ELENA PEREZ VALLIN - Music

Marta Elena, Excellence Award winner (Celebration of Latin Culture and Community,) was born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba. She belongs to a younger generation of Cuban musicians who are happy to honour the island nation's Afro-Latin musical roots while looking for new ways to express the music that courses through the country's veins. She started to sing at 10, performing in all school events and amateur presentations. At 18, her professional performance was singing as part of the chorus of the Company of Zarzuelas and Operettas of the Teatro Lirico Nacional, one of the most famous theatres in  

Havana. In Canada, Marta Elena's recent highlight performances include her Western Canadian tour  in 2022, her Bader Centre appearance as a Guest of Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Big Band, and her performance with the Ontario Pops Orchestra.As an educator working with children for over a decade, brings the joy of music to students while sharing the cultural background through information, education and entertainment, presenting a comprehensive Cuban music journey, students have been exposed to the various styles of Cuban music combining the magic and flavour of Cuban music and the  graceful sound of traditional Cuban songs. 

MATIAS RECHARTE - Music

Matias Recharte was born in Lima, Peru. He built his first drum set out of cans and buckets at age 11 and later studied Afro-Peruvian music, eventually moving to Afro-Cuban folklore. He completed a Bachelor of Music at the Rotterdam Conservatorium. In 2013 he arrived in Toronto where he completed an MA in ethnomusicology and is currently pursuing a Phd in Music Education. As a performer he is a touring member of Jesse Cook’s band and member and educational programming director for Kune, a Toronto-based global music ensemble.

ALI SOULFUL - Music

Ali Soulful is an Arab-Canadian independent artist whose musical palette is inspired by the creative work of artists such as J. Cole, Drake, and Post Malone. Using his cultural and faith background and powerful delivery, Ali Soulful has garnered global attention across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The strength of his music and creative content has led him to perform at over 25 different venues across Canada in 2021, guest performing at the UN Impact Gala, and considered one of "Canada's Most Slept on Artists" by acclaimed urban media firm Shifter Magazine. A dynamic social media presence and a very strong dedication to his craft has seen Ali Soulful grow a loyal fanbase around the world, especially in the Arab global community, amassing over 10 million views across all social media platforms on his infectious content. 

DAVID DELISCA - Spoken Word

Toronto Poetry Slam alumni, 4x member of the TPS team. Winners of the 2013 CFSW national competition in Montreal. Born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, raised in West Palm Beach, Florida , David Delisca is a spoken word poet, writer, actor and comedian. A versatile artist, he uses stories of the immigrant and diaspora experiences, as well as other various human realities, to bridge realms of communication. As an arts educator/facilitator, he has lead hundreds of sessions throughout Canada with various initiatives using to art to focus of subject of  Social Justice, Anti-Bullying, Hip-Hop among other topics.  A Founder and creator of art based social engagement projects, Right Beside You and collective member of the Spoke N Heard.

KEOSHA LOVE - Spoken Word 

Keosha is an award-winning artist, activist and educator who builds spaces for wellness and collective liberation. As a poet and writer, Keosha is notable for centering self-actualization, womanism and joy as rebellion in her work. She closely explores the diverse narratives and identities of Black and racialized people to champion their stories and her culture. In 2016, Keosha founded Our Women's Voices, a Toronto-based non-for-profit focused on amplifying the voices of women and making social change through arts, education and community organizing. With her BA in Psychology and roots in creative arts, Keosha has graced many stages and rooms as a teacher and public speaker, exploring themes of mental health, race and gender advocacy. Keosha's work can be found in collaboration with Facebook, Nike, Art Gallery of York University, Never Apart Magazine & more. Her poem "A Prayer for Black Women" has been shared nationally and featured in CBC’s Poetic License. In 2021, Keosha debuted her first mental health series titled Black & Vulnerable also on CBC. Most recently, Keosha was the recipient of the Community Hero Award presented by TFC for her contributions towards her community. Ultimately, Keosha Love is a storyteller and pivotal voice that inspires others to use theirs. 

GLORIA O'KOYE - Spoken Word 

Spoken word artist from Toronto, Ontario. A talented songwriter for the past 20 years, and dedicated short story writer for 18 years. Her involvement in the poetry scene started with the performance of her most popular poem ‘Letter to My Angel’, at Fallen Soldiers in 2013. Incorporates choruses and hooks as techniques in her poetry. Genre: cultural reggae and 90’s rap. Biggest influences from artists for her writing: Morgan Heritage, Tupac, Mary J Blige, Nas, Renee Henry, Whitney French & Mally Bless. Moving around the city frequently and getting exposed to various lifestyles, her writing reflects on her personal experience and the lives of people surrounding her. Also passionate about building relationships with different communities, she has been an active member in community engagements across the GTA since 2010. And a reporter for the Toronto Caribbean newspaper in 2020. In 2023 Gloria was a creative writing teacher in Nemaska, Quebec 

SPOKENBYT - Spoken Word 

SpokenbyT is a spoken word poet, performing artist, writer and facilitator from Toronto ON. T uses the art of words and poetry to explore her emotions and articulate her perspectives on the world around her. T’s poetry has reached stages across the map including HISTORY, Brooklyn Museum, Massey Hall, and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. As of September 2023, T hit a record of 100 shows. T has spent years teaching and connecting with youth and young adults through mentorship and facilitation, expanding on writing and expression, as well as performance techniques. She made her poetic songwriting debut on Yebba’s single, Waterfall (I

Adore You). T has grown with non-profit organizations like Unity Charity, is an alumni of The Remix Project and has continued to collaborate with numerous brands and organizations such as Footlocker Canada, Adidas and Daniels Corp. To date, she has performed on over 60 stages in front of more than 100,000 people thus far.  

LESLIE ASHTON - Visual Arts/Photography

Leslie has spent her career creating with communities large and small. She has partnered with individual teachers, school-wide projects, community groups and theatre troupes. She welcomed all of Toronto to create with her during her Nuit Blanche project, Make Your Mark Upon The Starry Night at the Royal Conservatory. She is a passionate storyteller through visual art. The mediums used to tell the story are varied; collage, painting, photography, printmaking, puppets, and masks. She is a graduate of Montreal’s Dome Theatre School and Banff School of Fine Arts. Currently, as well as working in schools, she leads visual arts workshops with the homeless population, with youth in group homes, as well as with adults in health care centres. In these creative learning environments she has the opportunity to accomplish the one on one, artist-to-artist dialogues that are the foundation of mentorship and that she finds so stimulating. 

DAN BERGERON - Visual Arts

Dan Bergeron is a public artist who employs a range of styles, themes and materials to activate and explore the meaning of our shared public spaces. The shape, texture and location of a site and its history or current uses dictate the form and content of his projects. Dan’s projects are sometimes commissioned and sometimes uncommissioned; sometimes temporary and sometimes permanent. His public installations aim to open a dialog with viewers, promoting engagement through both intimate familiarity and wonder at the unexpected.

Dan has installed uncommissioned works in cities around the world including London, New York, Paris and Amsterdam. He has completed commissions for the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto. Dan’s mural works are located in major cities across Canada and he has created permanent public artworks for the City of Toronto, the City of Richmond, BC and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). 

RITA CAMACHO-LOMELI - Visual Arts 

Rita’s most recent projects include spatial interventions, artist’s books and curatorial projects. She received her MFA from OCAD University. Rita's recent research consists of exploring the grammar of space and time through simple yet meaningful interventions comprised of daily activities such as walking and listening. She has received grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council and exhibited her work in artist-run centres, festivals and on the streets. As an educator, her role consists of familiarizing students with contemporary art and design.

KINGI CARPENTER - Visual Arts

I started my creative career at OCAD in Toronto, where I discovered my passion for fabric design and silkscreening. These united my love of fashion, sewing, drawing, creating and colour. At 24, I became an indie fashion entrepreneur with my business Peach Berserk. My wildly popular boutique was open 19 years, leading Fodor's travel guide to say I was ‘the undisputed monarch of Queen St. West." Now, from my Toronto studio, I continue to diversify my business in creative ways. I teach screenprinting and design in workshops for the TDSB, colleges and various organizations. My DIY book/DVD, "Silkscreen NOW", sells internationally. I also guest lecture widely and am a board member of the Ontario Arts Education Association. My charity work includes the Dare to Wear Love fashion initiative for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, and teaching Screen printing and entrepreneurship with United World Schools in Northern Cambodia.

ELAINE CHAN-DOW - Visual Arts

Elaine Chan-Dow is a Toronto-based photographer and interdisciplinary artist and researcher. Her current work explores the intersection of cultural studies, botany, and art. Holding degrees in Urban Geography, Image Arts-Photography, and a Master of Fine Art, Chan-Dow's previous work, supported by an SSHRC grant, delved into the connection between objects and remembered history, particularly within the context of cognitive impairments. Her current research and artistic journey focuses on the intricate interplay between art, humanity, and the natural world, conveying a powerful message of biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability. Her artwork is in institutions and private collections, including a recent installation at Butterfield Park, OCAD University. Chan-Dow's influence extends to her role as an educator within the Faculty of Arts at OCAD University. 

ANDREW DUFF - Visual Arts

Andrew Duff is a Toronto-based visual artist who explores the world of mixed media with a blend of drawing, painting, and collage. His distinctive style is marked by a semi-abstract approach incorporating loose drawing and a carefully curated palette. Through his work, Andrew delves into themes of nostalgia and self-reflection to craft artwork that resonates with viewers.

Drawing inspiration from the urban landscapes of street art and graffiti, Andrew incorporates textures reminiscent of weathered surfaces and faded images. Influenced by the bold lines found in comics, as well as the works of artists like William Kentridge and Cathy Daley, his work aims to challenge conventional boundaries.

Excited by collaboration, Andrew often teams up with fellow artists and art collectives on dynamic projects that open up new possibilities with his art making. Currently, Andrew is embarking on a new series inspired by a recent trip to Italy, drawing from the rich influences of Roman art and architecture.

Andrew has exhibited extensively including at the Artist Project and as an Artist member with the Gerrard Art Space, and Loop Gallery. Andrew is also a graduate of OCADU, NSCAD, and the Artist-Educator program at the Royal Conservatory.

LEAH GOLD - Visual Arts 

Leah is a visual artist and art educator. Her work ranges from ornately detailed graphite and ink drawings to multidisciplinary collaborations with musicians, dancers, seniors, and children. As a community artist and educator, Leah has facilitated projects for such organizations as TIFF, The Koffler Centre of the Arts, Arts Etobicoke, Lakeshore Arts, and the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for the Arts. She especially enjoys exposing students to materials they may have never encountered before, and creating large scale, collaborative works of art together.

Leah’s work as an art educator has always been informed by her active studio practice. Her drawings, murals, and ceramics have been exhibited in solo and group settings in Toronto, and internationally. Her recent projects include residencies at Maria A Shchuka and Brentwood Public Libraries (with Hijinks Collective), where she and her collaborator April Aliermo used storytelling, mixed media collage, and music composition to document the community’s collective memories of food and play.

ZAMARLA JOSEPH- Visual Arts

Zamarla Shannon Joseph is a Toronto-based visual/media artist, from the island of St.Lucia and CEO of Saccadic M.O.V.E.s. Saccadic M.O.V.E.s provides a service of high quality and exceptional visual/media arts content in film, VFX, photography, and graphic design. Zamarla has always wanted others to see the world through her eyes, and over the past 8 years, she has worked on doing so, with her talents she has worked with a number of not-for-profit and educational organizations in Toronto. She has worked on the television show “The Handmaid’s Tale”, and is a visual instructor with the City of Toronto. Zamarla is a marginalized youth activist and mentor. She is the audio/visual manager of the not-for-profit organization “The Birthday Wish Project”, and 1 out of 9 faces for CEE Toronto’s “Who I Really Am” campaign.

TAYA KOZAK-GOEBEL - Visual Arts

Taya is a highly versatile and intuitive artist and educator who brings her diverse skills and enthusiasm to the classroom to encourage, foster and instill a deep love of the arts in the lives of children. Taya works across many disciplines including fine art, mosaic, printmaking, urban art & installations, sculpture, textiles and indeed anything that sparks and captures her interest. Over the past 10 years, Taya has worked in many TDSB schools with the Royal Conservatory’s Learning Through The Arts Program and is the founder and resident artist for the ‘Fern Avenue PS Arts Collective’ implementing quality arts programming for the Fern community. She is always excited to collaborate, learn and share knowledge with students and teachers. Taya truly believes EVERYONE can be creative and hopes she inspires that belief in others. 

DIANA NAZARETH - Photography

Diana Nazareth is a photography educator and founder of Project Kids & Cameras. Her photography workshops and programs for kids are informed by an extensive study of key progressive educational methods such as Literacy Through Photography, PhotoVoice and Visual Thinking Strategies. Since 2013, she has designed and facilitated photography workshops for schools, community art centres, libraries and community-engagement initiatives throughout the Greater Toronto Area to over 1000 people of all ages. As a teaching artist, she believes the exploration of photography - and the skills kids' acquires through its practice - can fosters a deeper level of self-expression and esteem, language acquisition, integrative-learning, and community-engagement. She received her B.A. in Communications/Photojournalism from Temple University, and her Teaching Artist Certification from The University of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA. 

SERVENAZ RAYATI - Visual Arts

Sarvenaz Rayati is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto. She received her BA in painting and visual communication from Art University in Tehran. She has exhibited her works internationally. In recent years, she has been working on two ongoing public art projects, People & Trees installation and Mosaic Stories Mural.

“Storytelling has always been my main motivation to create art.

Heritage, the self, path, nature, the act of seeking—these are all recurrent

themes in my work. I’m inspired by Persian miniatures & literature,

comics and life around me.”

www.sarvenaz-rayati.com

instagram :@the_cypresstree

DIZZY RICAMARA - Media Arts

Dizzy Ricamara is a multifaceted award-winning director/actress from Scarborough, ON. She is known for her work in short-documentaries such as “Worst Student Ever” (2018),  The Community Healing Project, (2022) and CBC Gem’s “Black Boys Skate Too” (2023) highlighting the missing voices from the underrepresented communities in Toronto. Dizzy has also been featured on CBC Gems Television Series  "Pretty Hard Cases" as Danica Marks, as well as  SuperchannelTV's "Secret Santa" casted as Rosie Gomez. Nonetheless, Dizzy’s passion for community building has manifested into her production house Friends from the Endz, bridging the gap between BIPOC creatives and industry opportunities with the goal to change the on-screen narratives through branded content, music video and short-format unscripted content. 

PAUL STEWART - Visual Arts, Pottery

I began my pottery carrier in 1985 as a second generation potter.I have also had the good fortune to have been an arts educator for twenty years. In that time I have delivered hundreds of workshops in dozens of schools, community centres, health centres, libraries and my own studio.   I have worked with a variety of groups in different contexts; children, youth, people marginalized or at risk, seniors. In the past 7 years I have become active in facilitating community arts projects with a number of groups, primarily in community health care centres and libraries.

KSENIYA TSOY - Visual Arts

Kseniya Tsoy is a community-engaged artist originally from Uzbekistan and a recipient of the Newcomer Arts Award from the Toronto Arts Foundation.

In the community, she is best known for her whimsical collaborative murals where community members are engaged in all stages of the creative process. Kseniya uses vibrant colours, bold minimalist shapes, and uplifting messages to create whimsical and playful artwork that inspires joy.

In schools, she loves painting murals, working on intricate collages and mosaics, and creating zines and comics with children. What connects these all is her passion for telling our diverse and amazing stories through art.