House Of Arts

05/18/2024

🎉Come together for a transformative Writer’s Circle on June 1st at Westin Hotel on the Harbour Front.

✍️ Celebrate the opening of my solo exhibit, “Ancestor Project: Goddesses,” by grounding ourselves, sharing our stories, and connecting with fellow writers. Bring your blankets, cushions, and writing tools for an afternoon of creativity and community.

📣Open to all, from seasoned writers to curious newcomers. Please arrive on time. Let’s rewrite history together!

📚✨

Made possible by & Toronto Arts Foundation

05/10/2024

Reflecting on the past year, unfortunately, it marked the end of consistent monthly events at House Of Arts.
The cyberbullying became the final straw for me. Despite pouring countless voluntary hours and labor into the initiative, the lack of funding and legal support in handling cyberstalking and bullying took its toll. It became clear that prioritizing my well-being was paramount, leading me to step back from programming, events, and festivals.

In light of this experience, I strongly advocate for urgent action on and budget allocations to support organizations grappling with similar issues. The online world is an integral part of our lives, and it’s imperative that we take proactive steps to address its challenges.

Thank you Sharlene Gandhi for shedding light on this important issue and for including us in the article. We appreciate you and Future of Good!

Sharlene’s statement resonates deeply: ‘It’s a double-edged sword – we would like to do advocacy, but it can also draw unwanted attention. What is the balance between us doing communications work and trying to protect our volunteers?’

05/10/2024

Recap of Canada Film day Event! 🎬✨

On April 17th at Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), we kicked off the evening with a screening of “Unarmed Verses” by renowned director Charles Officer. Following the screening, I Warda Youssouf of House Of Arts led an engaging discussion on storytelling and community impact, bringing together an all-star panel.

Yazmeen Kanji, a Muslim Indo-Caribbean filmmaker and CEO of Films With A Cause shared insights from her award-winning documentaries, including “From Syria To Hope” and “With Love From Munera.”

Spencer Phillips, Executive Director at Art Starts brought his wealth of experience in championing inclusive creativity and driving social change through the arts.

Many thanks to Tara Marina Pearson from Centre for Social Innovation for facilitating this event, assisting me in preparing for the conversation, and collaborating with House of Arts. I've always wanted to host a screening for REEL CANADA Film Day!

02/07/2024

Reflecting on Amanda Parris insightful words at TIFF Bell Lightbox last night deeply resonates when contemplating the challenges faced by nonprofits, especially amidst the increased focus on "Diversity" funding initiatives. As she aptly pointed out, giving from guilt is not a place where funders wish to stay in the long run.

To all the hashtag out there, do you find yourself drowning in grant applications, desperately hoping for a financial lifeline to keep your noble missions afloat? Fear not! "I Hope Like Hell We Get This Grant" is a musical remedy for those late-night hashtag proposal struggles. 🥲

As a passionate advocate for the arts, I personally connect with this song on a profound level. At House of Arts, on January 31st, we faced rejection after five months of hard work applying for an OTF grant. Undeterred, we rallied and applied for four more grants on Feb 1st. We're committed to running free programming, powered by the dedication of our incredible volunteers, and all we're yearning for is a well-deserved break!

The question arises: Does Canada have a philanthropic problem, or is there an oversight when it comes to supporting the very arts and culture that put it on the map?

This album transcends being a mere 'parody' of tunes; it's a lifeline for those of us navigating the challenging seas of nonprofit nonsense together. It's a comforting reminder that we're not alone in this challenging voyage.

Now Playing: I Hope Like Hell We Get This GrantNew short just dropped! We're excited to debut our newest video, full of hits we know our fundraising friends ...

09/21/2023

🌟 Join House Of Arts for a night of celebration and connections at Society Clubhouse. Mark your calendars for September 23rd from 7 to 10pm for the ultimate Graduation + Networking Event!

✨ Walk the red carpet, savor delectable appetizers, strike a pose for the photographers, and most importantly, mingle with the talented graduates of the "Acting from the Ground Up" program.

🎟️ RSVP now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/graduation-networking-tickets-685188476177

09/18/2023

09/04/2023

With Gratitude to Our Funders! 🙏💫

We owe our deepest thanks to the Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation, our incredible funders. They believed in our vision and granted us the Animating Toronto Parks grant – our largest funding milestone to date!

A special shoutout to Lena, the most wonderful grant officer for Animating Toronto Parks. Your support and guidance made this journey beautiful, leading us to collaborate with numerous supportive community groups and breathe life into our Festival, 'Hear the Horn of East Africa.' 🌍🎉

This Festival made history as the first to unite East Africans in a public setting, and we're determined to continue this legacy. Together, we've laid the foundation, and we hope to make this Festival an annual endeavour.

To our funders, thank you for believing in our dream and helping us turn it into a reality!

🌟

09/03/2023

Gratitude Overflowing! 🙏❤️

Behind every successful festival is an incredible community, and we're overwhelmed with appreciation for ours. 🌟

🌳 Friends of Guild Park's John Mason, the glue that bridged us the ever so distant Guild Park. Friends of guild park is a volunteer group of dedicated, wonderful, and caring humans - the light of Guild Park!

🎨 SKETCH (Sarah, Felicia, Antonia, & Paulina): Our resource wizards, connecting us with freelancers, space, and even the occasional snack. They came through big time on Festival day, securing chairs & tables for us.

🌿 Arts in the Parks Toronto (Alexandra, Jacqlyn, and Hasanika) Your support made our first festival an absolute joy to work on!

🎲 Park People / Ami·es des parcs (Wesley and Ayesha): Thank you for the games and Festival resources that brought smiles to countless faces. Y'all made our engagement with kids an absolute joy.

💧 Emma & Sean: Keeping us hydrated and energized with water!

👕 Acting in Color : Crafting the amazing shirts for our dedicated volunteers and crew.

It truly took a village to make the Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival a reality, and we'll be forever thankful to everyone involved.

Wishing you all a fantastic long weekend! ☀️🌻

09/03/2023

🙌 A Massive Thank You! 🙌

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the amazing attendees who joined us on Thursday at the Guild Park and Gardensfor the Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival.

A big shoutout to our dedicated Arts in the Parks Toronto volunteers and staff (Liz and Randy) for their assistance with wayfinding and unwavering support. Special thanks to for capturing these incredible moments for us and !

To the talented vendors and performers, you truly brought the festival to life with your artistry and passion! 🎨🎶

Don't forget to tag us in the photos and videos you captured House Of Arts. Let's keep the memories alive!

Wishing everyone a fantastic long weekend!

☀️🌻

09/03/2023

Festival details

Location: Guild Park and Gardens
Time: 3pm-7pm
Date: August 31st, 2023

We advised people to bring their own snacks and cozy blankets to enjoy the festival vibes. To explore our vendors unique products and art on-site.

We've had FREE water at the entrance, we had a beautiful sunny day and we wanted everyone to stay refreshed throughout the festivities!

We had lawn games and activities for kids of all ages, t'was a family-friendly affair !

We encouraged everyone to wear their traditional outfits and celebrate the rich heritage of East Africa.

We hope to turn this Festival into an annual event !

Guild Park

09/02/2023

Meet the crew for Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival on Thursday at Guild Park and Gardens!

Warda Youssouf was dedicated to bringing East Africa to East of Toronto through this extraordinary and historical festival!
Warda's vision for the next few years is to globalise East African Arts and Culture, so we can show up LOUD, PROUD and PRESENT

Janet Hinkle is a dynamic multiracial artist weaving contemporary fine art and craft. Her unique perspective on identity, blending materials and inspirations from mid-century to futuristic design, brings a vibrant touch to our event.

Evan has a background as a musician and audio engineer, Evan brings the perfect harmony of skills to manage the tech magic behind the scenes. Get ready for a seamless and sensational festival experience!

Jane Doe Smith is a multi-talented Community Artist and Entertainer. With roles as a Producer, Fashionista, Mentor, Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, and Electrifying Performer, she's a force to reckon with. As the Music Coordinator for SKETCH Toronto she's dedicated over 10 years to co-authoring the Sketch Audio Arts program in Toronto, mentoring young artists on the margins and propelling their careers.

Hailing from Tanzania, Ron Naiman embodies art in all its forms – a painter, singer, dancer, stylist, model, and aspiring actor. A graduate of 'Acting from the Ground Up program' her multidisciplinary approach creates a vibrant fusion of creativity that speaks volumes.

Brice Zhao is a 22-year-old Chinese-Canadian filmmaker with a deep passion for cinema. Driven by a love for storytelling, Brice is dedicated to creating films that not only captivate audiences but also inspire meaningful conversations and reflections on important issues.

Bernice Mwaura is an interdisciplinary artist who weaves her stories through photography, film, and visual mediums. With exhibitions at the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival and as a Gallery 44 member. Drawing inspiration from her background in Film Studies and African Studies, her lens explores belonging, joy, and connection.

Selina McCallum a proud half Tanzanian, half Torontonian, Selina is a digital storytelling enthusiast. With a background in Digital Journalism and Communications, Media, and Film, she's a talented social media manager, filmmaker, photographer, and videographer.

Mohamed Abdu is an Eritrean writer/director making waves in the film industry's continuity department. From Canada to his passion for the arts, he's embraced photography, videography, modeling, and social event coordinating. His journey reflects a commitment to growth, helping friends step into the industry, and building his skills through courses and work experiences.

Hoang Trinh has been creating engaging social media content, coming from Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. A social media specialist, a content creative. She loves to connect with people through her innovative and artistic posts.


Guild Park

09/02/2023

Who were the Vendors for Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival on Thursday at Guild Park and GardensGuild Park and Gardens?

1) Zebidah's floral design studio, born in 2021 from a profound love for nature, weaves a special touch into every creation. From whimsical arrangements to capturing the very essence of each season.

2) Muna is a self-taught henna pro with 9+ years of experience, Muna's journey started with a young fascination for this ancient art. Her fusion of traditional and modern styles crafts intricate designs that weave tales. Beyond adornment, henna is Muna's canvas for boosting confidence and self-care, embodying boundless beauty.

3) Ayat Salih is a Sudanese artist weaving visual arts, filmmaking, and research into her creations. From selling her prints to offering captivating portrait services, her artistry shines through. Don't miss the chance to explore her vibrant world of creativity!

4) For the past 26 years, Johnny Bravo has proudly operated his own ice cream truck, known as 'Johnny Bravo' in the industry. Beyond the treats, his true fulfillment lies in bringing joy and connection to underprivileged communities. A viral moment in August 2021 through 6ixBuzz opened doors he never imagined.

5) Hilac fashion and beauty offers exquisite Qasil & Haruud products, and they are leaders in modest, modern fashion. From hijabs to abayas and dresses, they're dedicated to deliver the latest styles and top-notch quality.

6) Sarvenaz Rayati is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, she holds a BA in painting and visual communication from an art university in Tehran. Her creations have graced exhibitions in Tehran, New York, and Toronto. With ongoing public art projects including People & Trees light installation and Mosaic Stories mosaic murals, she weaves stories through her art. Inspired by Persian Miniatures, film stills, and graphic novels, her visual language explores heritage, self, nature, and seeking.

7) Dagmawit Worku is an emerging artist, delves into the complexities of race, culture, sexuality, class, and mental health through her captivating creations. Currently pursuing a New Media degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, her work marries technology and art, fostering introspection and critical engagement. With 5 years of diverse experience, she's crafted thought-provoking commissions that challenge both herself and her creativity

Guild Park

09/02/2023

Meet our Singers for Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival on Thursday at Guild Park and Gardens!

Eleanor Gebrou R&B-infused melodies, colored with soul and indie accents, bring narratives of resilience and triumph to life. Her music, hailed by Earmilk, ColorsxStudios, and more, captures life's intricate emotions with a chorus of soulful beats. As a musical force, Eleanor's contributions resonate with artists like Texas King, Saveria, and Chad Price. Get ready for her debut E.P. 'A Late Bloom,' dropping this summer of 2023!

Almasi Mathu is a nonbinary artist and immigrant from the Gikuyu peoples of Central Kenya. Their multidisciplinary talents encompass music, poetry, dance, filmmaking, and acting, reflecting the rich tradition of Gikuyu storytelling. Join us in celebrating their journey from our program to the festival stage!

Shiku hails from Nairobi, Kenya, brings contemporary Rnb-infused soul to our stage, enriched with mesmerizing harmonies that are truly one-of-a-kind. 🎶✨ Inspired by vocal trailblazers like Sauti Sol and influenced by theatrical and neo-soul legends, she embarked on her musical journey during college. Her debut single 'Make it Better,' released in 2021, emerged as a pandemic anthem celebrating individuality. Come and experience her authentic and healing musical expressions!


Guild Park

09/02/2023

Meet our poets for Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival on Thursday at Guild park and gardens!

Afrah Artan is the author of 'After Empty Heaven,' a captivating anthology of verses published in 2023. evocative words have graced prestigious venues like Daniels Spectrums, where her poem 'Pots and Pans' resonated during the 2018 art exhibition for the Muslim community.

🎤🌍 Husam Himmat is a Sudanese peer supporter, facilitator, and community organizer, weaves connections for BIPOC individuals in GTA. He believes in the power of community and aims to create avenues of kinship. As a budding writer and poet, his words delve into Identity, Love, Hope, and Purpose. Recently, his reflections on Sudan's War amidst a world seeking change hold profound resonance.

Zuber jr is an Ethiopian-born, Toronto-based spoken word artist, mental health workshop facilitator, and event coordinator. Zuber's poetry captures real-life scenarios, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of his journey. He's a catalyst for change, curating discussions, workshops, events, and fostering safe spaces for Black youth to thrive.

09/02/2023

Meet our dancers for Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival on Thursday at Guild Park and Gardens!

Abdullah Omar Hassan is graduate of the 'Acting from the Ground Up' program, is a self-taught dance virtuoso. Renowned for versatile freestyle expertise, from house dance to popping, hip-hop, and animation, Abdulla's dance journey embodies a myriad of styles. Collaborator with Nuit blanche, star of music videos, and fearless battler, his adaptability and creativity shine bright.

Whilst Rosina Bethlehem Solomon journey with Ethiopian dance began in 2015 alongside SebSeb Belu, where she embraced her heritage and its artistic expressions. From Toronto to global stages, she has mesmerized audiences with her captivating performances. Beyond dance, Rosina shines as an actor and musician. Join us as she weaves her cultural tapestry through movement and artistry!


Guild Park

09/02/2023

Yesterday ! Before our Festival kicked off !

Performers, crew and vendors are prepping for today's Hear the Horn of East Africa Festival at Guild Park & Gardens.

Free entertainment and activities start at 3:00 pm by the Greek Theatre. Part of the City of Toronto' Arts in the Park Program.

Lots of free parking onsite. Even the ice cream truck is at Guild Park on this sunny afternoon.

09/02/2023

Early sound check happening now for today's Hear the Horn of East Africa festival at Guild Park 's Greek Theatre.

Drop by today for this first ever arts event at Guild Park, presented by Toronto's Arts In The Parks program. Rose Shiku will be performing at about 4:45 pm this afternoon (Aug 31).

07/24/2023

Join History in the making✨

Hear the horn of East Africa Festival is on the lookout for talented individuals to join our dynamic team!

🙌🔥 If you're a skilled DJ, captivating host, audio tech wizard, creative production designer, or videographer, this opportunity is for you!

🎉Apply now (email in poster), let’s make memories that will last a lifetime!