Discover and experience North York as a Cultural Hotspot

From May through October, the City's third annual Cultural Hotspot initiative will celebrate and spotlight the arts, culture, events and communities of North York.The Cultural Hotspot will feature a number of signature projects, which provide unique interactive arts opportunities for youth across North York, including an acting bootcamp, mural painting workshops, a festival, performing arts and mentorship opportunities.More than 25 SPARK projects will showcase the work of North York's emerging artists. Events include a musical production about Marc Chagall performed in Russian, Yiddish and French; North York Korean community youth and seniors art and storytelling workshops and the production of a film that engages members of the deaf community in its creation.Last year's popular Hot Eats program returns to profile North York's diverse culinary options. Launching this summer, the program will highlight local restaurants and cafes.This year's Hotspot will focus on neighbourhoods extending north and south from Finch Ave. to Lawrence Ave., and west to east from Jane St. to the 404/Don Valley Parkway.In the last two years, more than 40,000 people attended over 120 projects involving dozens of partners. These projects resulted in 300 youth being mentored in artistic endeavours.As with past Cultural Hotspots, a Cultural Loops self-guided tour resource will be created so that people will be able to continue to enjoy the arts, history and nature of these areas.The Cultural Hotspot is produced by the City in collaboration with local arts, cultural, educational and heritage organizations, community partners, local businesses and other City divisions. It builds on existing community strengths while developing resources outside of Toronto's downtown, as recommended by the Creative Capital Gains Action Plan.More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot