BAND launches an online Arts & Culture Map highlighting Black-led venues, events, and artists across Canada. The interactive tool fosters connection and visibility.
BAND Gallery & Cultural Centre has introduced a new digital tool that is poised to transform the way audiences discover and engage with Black-led arts and culture in Canada. The BAND Arts & Culture Map is an interactive, user-friendly platform that pinpoints venues, events, and heritage sites across the country, offering a dynamic resource for locals, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Designed to be both a directory and a storytelling platform, the map reflects BAND’s mission to celebrate and preserve Black cultural contributions. Visitors can search by location, artistic discipline, or event type, opening up a wealth of opportunities to connect with creators and spaces rooted in African and Caribbean heritage. From contemporary galleries to historical landmarks, the map provides a curated, living archive of Black Canadian creativity.
A comprehensive and accessible cultural guide
The BAND Arts & Culture Map stands out for its intuitive design and breadth of coverage. Users can browse listings for visual arts exhibitions, live music performances, theatre productions, literary events, and festivals, each with detailed profiles including addresses, contact information, and multimedia content. The platform is fully mobile-friendly, making it easy to explore while on the move.
By bringing these resources together in one place, BAND hopes to create stronger connections between communities and the artists who inspire them. It also aims to promote cultural tourism by highlighting destinations that might otherwise go unnoticed by visitors.
Key features include:
- Interactive navigation: Search by city, art form, or keyword to find events and venues.
- Diverse categories: Covering visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, and heritage.
- Artist and venue profiles: Featuring images, descriptions, and contact details.
- Mobile-friendly access: Ensuring ease of use from any device.
Strengthening communities and cultural visibility
The launch of the Arts & Culture Map has far-reaching benefits. For residents, it’s a tool for discovering local events, supporting neighbourhood businesses, and engaging with the arts in new ways. For artists and cultural spaces, it offers increased visibility, audience growth, and the potential to attract collaborations and partnerships.
“Representation is at the heart of what we do,” said a BAND spokesperson. “This map makes it easier for everyone to find and support Black artists and cultural spaces, creating pathways for deeper engagement and understanding.”
Cultural tourism also stands to gain. By showcasing a wide array of cultural offerings, the map invites visitors to experience the richness of Black Canadian culture—driving foot traffic, boosting local economies, and expanding the reach of community events.
Building on collaboration and shared vision
The creation of the BAND Arts & Culture Map involved input from local artists, historians, and cultural workers to ensure accuracy and relevance. Partnerships with community organizations and arts councils further enhance its scope, ensuring the map remains an evolving and inclusive resource.
Explore the map
The BAND Arts & Culture Map is now live and available to the public. Whether you are seeking your next cultural outing, learning about Black Canadian heritage sites, or simply exploring the creative spirit of a new city, the map is an invitation to engage with the people and places shaping Canada’s cultural landscape.
Visit the BAND Arts & Culture Map to embark on a journey through the vibrant world of Black-led arts and culture.
