Highlighting the beauty and depth of Korean traditional arts through the work of Jihyun Back (@100ghyun)✨

Jihyun Back is a Toronto-based Korean traditional dancer, drummer, and choreographer who has been actively presenting performances and leading workshops across Canada since 2020. Through dance and percussion, her work creates opportunities for cultural exchange while sharing the richness of Korean traditional arts.

The first featured work is Jihyun Back playing at Arts in the Parks in 2025 with Raw Taiko.

The second featured work is a collaborative performance inspired by Samgomu, a Korean traditional drum dance that combines movement and rhythm using three drums. Blending Korean traditional rhythms with Taiko drumming, the piece was developed during Jihyun’s Artist-in-Residence with Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers and presented as part of Moving Between (2025).

The third featured work is based on Seoljanggu, a Korean traditional drum dance performed while carrying the drum on the body. Combining Korean traditional rhythms with Taiko drumming, the piece was also presented as part of Moving Between (2025).

From 2024–2025, Jihyun was an Artist-in-Residence with RAW Taiko (@rawtaiko) and continues collaborating with the organization through performances and workshops.

Learn more about Jihyun by visiting: https://www.jhback.ca/

Cover photo shot by Kat Rizza.
Video credit: Selina McCallum. Jihyun performing at the Arts in the Parks Launch in 2025
Photo Credits:
• First Photo: JJ Photos and RAW Taiko – Moving Between (2025)
• Second Photo: John T Lee Photos and RAW Taiko – Moving Between (2025)

#AsianHeritageMonth #TorontoArts #KoreanTraditionalDance #ArtistSpotlight …

Toronto Arts is proud to celebrate #AsianHeritageMonth all year long with arts organizations like Nagata Shachu. (@nagatashachu).✨

Nagata Shachu has been electrifying audiences across the world since 1998 with their rhythmic and interactive performances of Japanese taiko drumming.

A longtime part of Toronto Arts Foundation’s Arts in the Parks program, Nagata Shachu continues to bring communities together through rhythm, culture, and live performance in public spaces across the city.

Feel the rhythm. Learn where you can catch this powerful performance next. Visit https://nagatashachu.com/ 

#AsianHeritageMonth #ArtsInTheParks #TorontoArts #Taiko …

Need a fresh perspective on a challenge you’re facing? 💡

The Creative Enquiry Lab helps arts organizations and collectives tackle real challenges through collaboration, creativity, and fresh perspectives. Over the course of 8 months, program participants will collaborate with a multidisciplinary student team from TMU’s Creative School to create a solution with real world impact.

✨ Funding: $15,000
📅 Deadline: August 17, 2026
📍 For Toronto-based arts organizations & collectives

This is your chance to rethink, experiment, and grow your organization’s capacity—while contributing to new ideas for the arts sector

Questions? Reach out to liza@torontoartscouncil.org

Photo credit: Loop Sessions, 2023. Shot by Samay Arcentales Cajas

🔗 For resources, FAQ and videos on how to apply visit our link in bio
https://torontoartscouncil.org/grants/creative-enquiry-lab/

#TorontoArts #ArtsGrants #CreativeProcess #DesignThinking …

Animating Historic Sites is back, supporting projects taking place in 2027 🏛️✨

This program funds site-specific arts projects that respond to Toronto’s historic sites and museums—bringing history to life through creative storytelling across disciplines. Think performances, exhibitions, installations, workshops, screenings, and more.

💰 Grants up to $30,000 available
🎨 Open to professional artists, collectives, and not-for-profit organizations
🎟️ All programming must be free and open to the public

From research and development to production and presentation, this grant can support up to 100% of your project costs, including artist fees, materials, and equipment.

📍 Participating sites include:
Evergreen Brick Works @evergreen_brick_works
Colborne Lodge (NEW in 2026)
Gibson House @gibsonhousemuseum
Montgomery’s Inn
Scarborough Museum @scarboroughmuseums
Spadina Museum
Todmorden Mills
The Village at Black Creek @thevillageatblackcreek

Not sure if it’s the right fit? Join our office hours:
🗓️ May 12 (10–11am)
🗓️ May 20 (12–1pm)

Please visit our website (link in bio) to find the registration link for the office hours. https://torontoartscouncil.org/grants/animating-historic-sites/ (link in bio)

Make sure to check the website for full eligibility requirements before applying.

📩 Have questions? Reach out to lena@torontoartscouncil.org.

Photo credit: Holobiont by Blue Ceiling Dance, Shot by Zahra Saleki, 2023. Animating Historic Sites

#TorontoArtsCouncil #ArtsGrants #TorontoArtists #HistoricSites CallForArtists …