JAYU FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Now accepting artist vendor applications for the iAM Artist Market on November 26

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WHAT IS JAYU FEStival of the arts?

JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA) is a 7-day celebration of creative expression rooted in human rights and social justice, featuring films, workshops, performances, an exhibition, and an artist market. We believe art can be a tool for change by sharing human rights stories, building empathy, fostering healing and community, and sparking the conversations that help push the world toward a more equitable, loving place.

MULTI-DAY FESTIVAL

  • EXHIBITION

    ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

    Bringing together emerging and established creators who invite viewers to see the world through their eyes and explore their stories and experiences.

  • FILM SCREENINGS

    SHORT + FEATURE LENGTH FILMS

    From short features to a feature film, each screening highlights voices often left unheard and explores themes of equity, resilience, and the human experience through a lens of truth and transformation.

  • POETRY SLAM

    JAYU SLAMS

    Poetry takes centre stage as artists share work that moves between vulnerability and strength awhile creating a space for reflection, and resilience.

  • ARTS WORKSHOPS

    YOUR TURN TO CREATE

    Get hands-on in our studio and explore a creative art-making experience led by talented artists and facilitators. Learn new techniques, experiment with different materials, and create a unique piece to take home while connecting with fellow creatives.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
November 13 – 26

  • Stitch by Stitch: Embroidery Workshop

    DAY 1

    DECEMBER 10 @ 7:00-9:00PM

    Celebrate the voices of 8 Black youth artists as they share collages and spoken word poetry capturing the heart of their journeys and the beauty of interdisciplinary art in motion.

    RSVP

  • Opening Reception


    DAY 2

    DECEMBER 11 @ 7:00-9:00PM

    View our Annual Juried Exhibition where artists from our community explore themes of identity, resilience, and justice through their work and a panel discussion.

    RSVP

  • Short Films Screening


    DAY 3 (AFTERNOON)

    DECEMBER 12 @ 4:00-6:00PM

    See the world through the eyes of youth filmmakers, raw, real, and unfiltered as they tackle stories ​​that bring our communities closer together.

    RSVP

  • Feature Film



    DAY 3 (EVENING)

    DECEMBER 12 @ 7:00-9:00PM

    Watch Boxcutter (2024), a film made in Toronto, followed by a panel and Q&A diving into themes of self-belief, community, and creative resilience.

    RSVP

  • Poetry Slam



    DAY 4

    DECEMBER 13 @ 7:30-10:00PM

    JAYU Slams brings together ten youth poets to share powerful stories, compete for the title of Slam Champ, and celebrate the power of words, community, and truth.

    RSVP

  • Bound to Create: Book Binding Workshop


    DAY 5

    DECEMBER 14 @ 2:00-4:00PM

    Get hands-on in our studio and learn the art of decorative stitch bookbinding. Craft a unique, handmade book that reflects your personal style.

    RSVP

  • iAM Artist Market

    Description goes here
    Click Here

"I crawled out of my year long hiatus of being anywhere to see this happen, and it made me realize that sometimes being in the right spaces does amazing things for the spirit.”

– JFA Artist & Attendee

Meet the Artists & FILMMAKERS

  • Name Name

    Artistic discipline

VIEW ALL ARTISTS

thank you to our funders and sponsors!