Toronto, ON — The JAYU Festival of the Arts will return to Toronto from December 10 to 14, showcasing five days of youth-led poetry, art, workshops, and film programming that centre human rights, equity, and social justice. The annual festival elevates the work of emerging artists—particularly equity-deserving youth—whose storytelling reflects lived experience and community narratives.
This year’s edition features an expanded lineup, including spoken word performances, a multimedia art exhibition, hands-on creative workshops, and film screenings paired with conversations with artists. Each program is designed to amplify young voices and foster meaningful dialogue between creators and audiences.
“The JAYU Festival of the Arts is a space where young artists can take risks, share their stories, and connect with their communities through art,” said Nicole Dance, Manager of Fund Development. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the next generation of creators and deeply thankful to our funders for making this possible.”
Major Support for JAYU’s 2025 Festival
The 2025 festival is supported by a wide coalition of funders committed to arts access, anti-racism, and youth empowerment. This includes:
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Government of Canada, through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canadian Arts Presentation Fund and the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program Events Stream
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Ontario Arts Council and Government of Ontario (support for iAM x Verse & Visual Expressions)
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Canada Council for the Arts (exhibitions, workshops, and community programs support)
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TD Bank – iAM Core Lead Sponsor
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Toronto Arts Council, with funding from the City of Toronto
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RBC, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, Co-operators, Canada Life, The Daniels Corporation, Charles H. Ivey Foundation, Sony Electronics Inc., Kiwanis Club of Toronto, and St. George’s Society of Toronto
Thanks to this funding, JAYU continues to provide platforms, mentorship, training, and community connections for youth artists throughout the GTA.
A full schedule of events and ticket information is available at www.jayu.ca/festival.
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