If you’re looking for a creative space in Toronto like no other, BAND Gallery and Cultural Space on Lansdowne Ave is the place to be. Part art space, part community centre, BAND — which stands for Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue — spotlights the artistic and cultural contributions of black artists in Canada and abroad, while also opening its doors to anyone in the community who wants to learn more.
“We really want it to be not just an art gallery, because we don’t want it to be a space that’s just about visual artists. We want it to be about cultural expression and a space for people to gather,” explains Karen Carter, co-founder and chair of the board for BAND.
“You’re walking through different rooms and having different experiences around people who create work — some of it scents, some of it food, some of it art, some of it clothing. The space is for black artists and cultural workers to be able to engage with each other and the broader community,” says Karen.
The lively, colourful and welcoming space in a historic building at Queen and Lansdowne does just that.
