Day 1: Introduction to Toronto’s Art Scene & Iconic Landmarks Morning: • Welcome Session & Overview: Orientation session and introduction to Toronto’s diverse art and cultural scene. • Lecture/Workshop on Toronto’s Art History: A brief overview of the city’s evolution, artistic movements, and key cultural influences. Afternoon: • Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Visit one of the largest art museums in North America, featuring Canadian, Indigenous, European, and contemporary art. • Visit Casa Loma: Explore this iconic gothic revival-style mansion, which is a beautiful landmark in Toronto. Walk through the lavish rooms and gardens and learn about its history as the residence of Sir Henry Pellatt. Evening: • Attend a Classic Music Performance: Head to Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto’s premiere venue for classical music, to enjoy a performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (if available). Day 2: Indigenous Art and Culture + Famous Church Visit Morning: • Workshop on Indigenous Art: Learn about Indigenous art and its significance in Canadian culture. Afternoon: • Visit the Toronto Indigenous Cultural Centre: Gain deeper insights into the rich history and cultural practices of Toronto’s Indigenous communities. • Visit St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica: Explore one of Toronto’s most famous churches, a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture with stunning stained-glass windows and a rich history. Evening: • Explore Downtown’s Public Art Installations: Take a walk through Nathan Phillips Square and other public spaces to view prominent artworks. Day 3: Contemporary Art and Design + Government Supports for Artists Morning: • Workshop on Contemporary Art: Explore current trends in Canadian contemporary art, street art, and digital mediums. Afternoon: • Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA): Explore thought-provoking exhibits in a former industrial building with a focus on modern art movements. • Street Art Tour: Explore Toronto’s famous Graffiti Alley and Queen Street West for vibrant street art and murals. Evening: • Informative Session on Government Supports & Grants for Artists: Workshop on Government Funding for Artists: Learn about the various grants, subsidies, and programs available to artists of all backgrounds in Canada. This will cover: o Canada Council for the Arts: Programs for individuals and organizations to support artistic creation, research, and touring. o Ontario Arts Council (OAC): Opportunities for Ontario-based artists in various disciplines. o Support for Indigenous and Cultural Communities: Programs tailored for Indigenous artists and multicultural art forms. o Other Grants & Funding Sources: Local government funding, private foundations, and university-based programs. o How to Apply for Grants: Practical tips and resources for navigating the application process. Day 4: Architecture and Urban Design & Best Art Colleges Morning: • Workshop on Toronto’s Architecture: Learn about the architectural evolution of Toronto, from Victorian-era buildings to modern skyscrapers. Afternoon: • Architectural Walking Tour: Visit landmarks such as the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Ontario Science Centre, and Aga Khan Museum for their unique architectural designs. • Visit Distillery District: Discover Toronto’s historic distillery district, now home to art galleries, boutiques, and cafes set in beautifully restored Victorian industrial buildings. Evening: • Visit the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Tour one of Canada's top art schools and learn about their architectural, design, and urban planning programs. • Visit OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University): Explore Canada's largest art and design school, known for its innovation and focus on fine arts, digital media, and design. Talk to faculty members or students about the programs available for aspiring artists. Day 5: Multiculturalism in Art & Classic Performance Morning: • Workshop on Multiculturalism in Toronto: Discuss how the city’s diversity influences its art, culture, and cuisine. Afternoon: • Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Focus on exhibits that highlight multicultural influences, including African and Asian art collections. • Explore Chinatown and Little Italy: Walk through Toronto’s vibrant cultural neighborhoods, visiting galleries and artisan shops that represent these communities. Evening: • Attend a Theater Performance at the Royal Alexandra Theatre: This historic theater is one of the most famous venues for classic plays and performances in Toronto. Enjoy a live production in this iconic venue. Day 6: Art in Public Spaces & Nature Morning: • Workshop on Public Art Installations: Learn about how public art transforms urban spaces and the community. Afternoon: • Toronto Islands & Art: Explore the Toronto Islands to enjoy outdoor art installations, sculpture parks, and beautiful views. Consider participating in an outdoor art workshop or photography walk. • Visit High Park: Walk through this lush park, home to various art installations and nature-inspired exhibitions. Evening: • Attend a Performance at the Canadian Opera Company: Enjoy a classical performance at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the home of the Canadian Opera Company. Day 7: Exploring Toronto’s Culture and Reflection Morning: • Visit the Aga Khan Museum: Discover Islamic art and culture in this beautifully designed museum, which hosts some of the world’s most important collections. • Explore the Textile Museum of Canada: Dive into the world of textile arts, from historical fabrics to contemporary designs. Afternoon: • Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (if not visited on Day 1): Explore any new exhibitions or revisit favorite works from the first day. • Group Reflection Session: Reflect on everything you've learned throughout the week with a discussion or creative exercise to share thoughts and ideas. Evening: • Farewell Reception or Dinner: Celebrate the completion of the week at a local gallery or restaurant, where participants can share their experiences and showcase their creative works.