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Since the 1880s, when
immigrants from Ukraine to Canada embraced the
opportunity to work, prosper and raise families in peace
and freedom, Ukrainian culture has enriched the Canadian
landscape in every facet of life. Today, over four
million people in Canada can trace their heritage to
Ukraine, and Ukrainian Canadians, by virtue of 120 years
of contribution, are well organized and respected
members of their communities.
In 1995, Toronto was twinned with Kyiv, the capital of
Ukraine, and to mark this occasion, the Toronto
Ukrainian Festival was established under the umbrella of
the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Toronto Branch.
Originally known as the Bloor West Village Ukrainian
Festival, it was meant to be a showcase of the most
widely identifiable aspects of Ukrainian culture in
Canada – music, dance, food, visual arts and community.
It was an instant hit, establishing itself as one of the
premier Ukrainian festivals in North America and growing
to attract audiences well in excess of 500,000 from
across Canada, the US and abroad.
The Festival takes pride in turning its spotlight on
contemporary professional and amateur artists and
performers from North America and Ukraine, and in
celebration of Toronto’s diversity, invites a local
performing group representing another culture to bring
its talents to the main stage each year.
Throughout its sixteen-year history, the Festival has
hosted prime ministers and other politicians from all
levels of government. The parade that launches each
Festival has been led by marshals including the Rt. Hon.
John Turner, businessman and philanthropist James
Temerty, music legend Randy Bachman, investigative
journalist Victor Malarek, Senator Raynell Andreychuk,
media celebrities Luba Goy, Mimi Kuzyk and Ted Woloshyn,
community activist Maria Szkambara, former
vice-president of TorStar and Metroland Media Group Ron
Lenyk, and former Ontario Education Minister Gerard
Kennedy.
The Festival’s main stage has seen top performers from
Ukraine including Ruslana, Vopli Vidopliassova, Mad
Heads XL, Mandry and Pikardiska Tersia, as well as The
Ukrainians from England, Canada’s many Ukrainian dance
companies such as Barvinok, Desna and Rusalka to name a
few, and bands such as Edmonton’s Kubasonics and many
others.
The Toronto Ukrainian Festival also has provided an
opportunity for outreach to those who have taken part in
the parade, the stage and the kiosk areas, including the
Canadian Armed Forces, the Scotiabank Run, the Ukrainian
Collective of Artists, university student clubs, dance
groups, choirs, sports and martial arts clubs, and
local, municipal and federal politicians. As a result,
it attracts diverse audiences of multi-generational
families. Repeat visitors are a mainstay, as evidenced
in bookings at the Festival’s host hotels, The Four
Points Sheraton and the Old Mill Inn, from letters and
emails, and from the reports of local business owners
and street vendors.
The Festival has a Board of Directors and a committee of
organizers whose members bring their diverse experiences
and ideas to the table. Some volunteer in other
festivals such as Harbourfront and the Toronto
International Film Festival, as well as in industry
meetings, seminars and tourism conferences. The Toronto
Ukrainian Festival is a member of Ontario Tourism,
Tourism Toronto, Festival and Events Ontario, SOCAN and
the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Toronto Branch.
Vision, Mission and Goals of the Toronto Ukrainian
Festival
VISION: To offer the largest celebration of Ukrainian
spirit in the world – showcasing the best of Ukrainian
arts and culture and thereby strengthening the
multicultural fabric of Canada.
MISSION: To inspire members and audiences to a higher
level of community engagement and achievement.
GOALS:
1. To provide a three-day entertainment
experience for the entire family on Bloor Street West;
2. To provide the best venue for all types of
entertainment for the audience and the entertainers;
3. To provide a platform for the presentation of
arts and culture;
4. To engage the local business community within
the Festival activities;
5. To showcase Ukrainian Canadian entrepreneurial
achievements;
6. To develop a strong network of volunteers,
entertainers and leaders for the community;
7. To maintain the Festival’s financial
sustainability. |
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