Art is a part of Toronto, but you don’t see it! Immerse yourself in the ever-expanding world of expression that Toronto brings

BY ADRIAN REECE

Toronto boasts exciting activities seven days a week. There is so much going on that FOMO will hit you in your feelings at least once a week if you’re trying to experience the best this city offers. Many forms of expression appear to be missing from the diverse culture of this city that does not rest. However, it is as simple as changing your perspective, and looking in new places, new experiences.

Toronto has an art scene that is almost hidden from the general public.  If you’re looking for different art forms, you have to look no further than finding one of the many open mic events that litter the east and west sides of the GTA. There are organizations and talent that spread throughout the streets of the city that essentially go unnoticed and unrecognized. Luckily the artists of Toronto don’t sleep, nor do their craft; constantly working and creating, they add beauty to the city in aspects that many citizens don’t register on their commutes to and from work every day.

The question is how do we connect with the talent that lives here? The first thing that comes to mind is social media, but if it were that easy many of our local artists wouldn’t be so obscure. If you want to experience the nuance that only Toronto can bring to the world, you have to get out into the city and find those little tucked-away venues that feature all sorts of different mediums of expression. It is now that people are starting to realize that: spoken word poetry, live bands, singer-songwriters, painters and everything in between aren’t as scant as we’ve been led to believe.

Many organizations make it their duty to throw art and artists right to the forefront of your eyes. Rise for One has had a significant impact in the city for several years, and it continues to grow to nurture new artists and give a platform to any brave enough to provide the world with their gifts.

6ixpoet society has created safe spaces for poets of every skill level to share their most vulnerable selves with like-minded individuals. Many artists are also paving their way in their respective fields and can fill rooms with just a murmur of their names. Whether it is an organization, or an individual, art fills the streets of the GTA from one end to the next, so much so that you can find different forms of expression seven days a week if you get out of your comfort zone and take a look around.

There is no shortage of talent, so it seems almost saddening that more people you should know aren’t on your phone screens more often. The beauty of this city is that we are fighters, so if you don’t know about someone now, you will eventually; these artists work tirelessly to bring their expression to you, and they won’t rest until you have seen or heard of them.

There are so many different skills and talents that you are bound to fall in love with the local art scene once you dive in. Once you’ve immersed yourself in the ever-expanding world of expression that Toronto brings, you’ll find yourself actively searching for more and connecting with more and more people you would have never found if you didn’t decide to look a little further into what Toronto has to offer.