Kelly Langgard
Director & CEO,
Toronto Arts Council & Foundation
Toronto Arts Foundation’s TOgether Through Art initiative aims to cut through the loneliness plaguing so many Torontonians, connecting them through creative experiences.
“Art doesn’t just reflect life — it allows people to see themselves in each other’s stories.” Canadian artist Robert Lepage’s words capture art’s incredible impact — the way it can uplift, inspire, restore, and connect us. In a vibrant, diverse city like Toronto, people have access to so many creative activities in their communities that build connection, create feelings of well-being and joy, and help us to understand and appreciate other cultures and perspectives. On top of fostering well-being and community, the arts are also great for our economy: in 2022, arts and culture generated more than 100,000 jobs in Ontario and accounted for $11.4 billion of Toronto’s GDP.
TOgether Through Art is an initiative of the Toronto Arts Council and Foundation, in partnership with arts organizations of all shapes and sizes across the city. It aims to get more Torontonians involved in creative activities where they live. Featuring an active listing of events and activities happening across Toronto, TOgether Through Art encourages participation in the community-building and social connection activities that make life in this culturally rich city so dynamic and engaging.
Mediaplanet chatted with Kelly Langgard, Director & CEO of Toronto Arts Council & Foundation, to learn more about TOgether Through Art’s impact, why you should engage with the arts this summer, and upcoming programming to look forward to.
Mediaplanet: How does the TOgether Through Art initiative support mental health, belonging, and connection across the city?
Kelly Langgard: Toronto’s city motto is “Diversity Our Strength” and this is very evident and celebrated in the range of arts experiences Toronto has to offer. By coming together through creativity — in museums, festivals, parks, theatres, and other community spaces — we learn about ourselves and each other, build new connections, and feel good about who we are and where we live. TOgether Through Art invites people to be curious about the diverse identities and stories of our city.
MP: Why is public access to the arts so important for Toronto’s communities?
KL: I believe that creativity is in all of us, and that being part of something creative makes us happier human beings. A 2023 survey showed that 90 per cent of Ontarians said the arts make their community a better place to live. Eighty-seven per cent said that participating in arts activities built a shared sense of community identity, and 78 per cent said that the arts improved their mental health. The World Health Organization has also found that frequent engagement in arts and culture supports mental and physical health across all ages.
TOgether Through Art invites people
to be curious about the diverse identities
and stories of our city.
MP: What role does art play in starting conversations and fostering community?
KL: Artists are essentially sharing their perspective with you through whatever medium they’re using. And an artwork is complete when someone engages with it and brings their own perspective — that interaction is what sparks inspiration, conversation, and connection.
MP: What programming can people look forward to this summer?
KL: Toronto Arts Foundation is hosting on its websitea listing of arts and culture events happening across the city. These listings will be updated regularly, and we encourage the public to take a look at the events put on by dozens of participating arts organizations. Our own Arts in the Parks events are part of this listing. Arts in the Parks events are free, family-friendly, and happening in local parks throughout the city all summer long.
To learn more about TOgether Through Art and events happening near you, visit torontoartsfoundation.org.
