Announcing the Mayor's Evening for the Arts

June 2, 2015 - Susan Crocker, Chair of the Board of Toronto Arts Foundation, is pleased to announce that Toronto Mayor John Tory is lending the name of the office of the Mayor to help raise $1 million in support of the arts.

The Mayor’s Evening for the Arts will be held at the Metro Convention Centre on Monday October 26.   A special launch event was held at the Four Season’s Centre for the Performing Arts last evening and included an impressive lineup of corporate and individual sponsors committed to making the Evening a huge success.
 
Mayor Tory spoke about his belief that the arts constitute the soul of Toronto as well as contributing to the city’s ability to attract jobs and people.  When in Austin the Mayor noted that he had asked Google and IBM why they located there, and they responded, “Because of the buzz, because of the young, talented, smart, people who are committed to the arts are located here and we want to hire them”. 
 
In addition to Mayor Tory, speakers at the launch event included the Mayor’s Evening for the Arts Dinner Co-Chair Howard Sokolowski, President & CEO of Metropia Inc. and the Mayor’s Evening for the Arts Fundraising Co-Chair, Kevin Green, President, Verdiroc Development Corporation.  Bell Canada was confirmed as presenting sponsor of the Mayor’s Evening for the next two years.  Sponsorships and table sales to date including commitments made at the launch event total over $400,000. 
 
Claire Hopkinson, Director & CEO of Toronto Arts Foundation, noted that proceeds from the event will be directed towards artists working in all areas of Toronto.  In particular, increased support will benefit 1,500 artist members of the Neighbourhood Arts Network offering engagement opportunities and employment skills to thousands of youth across the city.  In addition, the soon-to-be-announced Arts in the Parks program will create exciting new performance and presentation opportunities benefitting artists and residents alike.
 
For more information on Mayor’s Evening for the Arts sponsorships and table sales please contact: Karen Miller at Tel: 416-224-9990 email: kim.inc@kimfundraising.com

- 30 -

About Toronto Arts Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that provides the opportunity for individuals, private and public foundations, corporations and government agencies to invest in and strengthen the arts in Toronto. We are powered by our vision Creative City: Block by Block, a commitment to connect every Toronto neighbourhood to the transformative social and economic benefits of the arts.

Contact information:
For more information about Toronto Arts Foundation, please contact:Jennifer Green, Associate Director, Toronto Arts Foundation 
Email: jennifer@torontoarts.org or Tel: 416 392 6802 x207.