The Toronto Biennial of Art is a new international contemporary visual arts event as culturally connected and diverse as the city itself. From September 21 to December 1, Toronto and surrounding areas will be transformed by exhibitions, talks, and performances that reflect our local context while engaging with the most pressing issues of our time. The Biennial’s free, citywide programs aim to inspire individuals, bridge communities, and contribute to global conversations from a variety of perspectives. Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary event convenes institutions, organizations, community groups, collectives, and practitioners from across Toronto to activate partnerships that amplify the city’s vibrant and dynamic arts community.
The Biennial unfolds along Toronto’s waterfront and is shaped by its historical and present-day context. Home to over 250 ethnicities, and with over half its population born outside of Canada, Toronto has a reputation for being the most culturally diverse city in the world. A reflection of this specific context, the Biennial features Canadian, Indigenous, and international artists, over 50% of whom are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour). As conversations about truth and reconciliation as well as inclusion and accessibility continue to evolve, the Biennial recognizes the urgency of developing new ways of looking and listening.