Toronto
#1 Art & Design Event
Artistic director Jorn Weisbrodt capped off his five years with Luminato by moving the event to the waterfront’s decommissioned Hearn Generating Station. For the festival’s 10-year anniversary, 40 percent of corporate partners were new, with L’Oréal Canada returning as the lead. Next: June 2017
Toronto
#2 Art & Design Event
The economic impact of last year’s dusk-til-dawn art party grew to $41.5 million in 2016, according to the City of Toronto, drawing more than 1 million people—200,000 of them from out of town. The event featured more than 300 local, national, and international artists. Next: September 30, 2017
Toronto
#3 Art & Design Event (up from #4)
In 2016, the festival’s 20th year, the number of featured photographers tripled to 1,500 and Steam Whistle Brewing joined Scotiabank as a sponsor. Next year the focus will be on Canada as the country celebrates its 150th birthday. Next: May 1-31, 2017
Toronto
#4 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
A chance for regular people to get behind-the-scenes tours of usually off-limits locales, the 2016 edition saw 230,000 visitors access 127 sites. In-demand sites included the Art Deco water treatment plant in the Beaches and a historic fire station. It’s sponsored by residential developer Great Gulf. Next: May 27-28, 2017
Ottawa
#5 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
The prestigious prize for artists age 40 and under began a partnership with the National Gallery of Canada in 2016 and moves its 800-person gala to Ottawa this year. A total of 25 artists will share the $100,000 prize, with half of the purse for the top artist. Next: November 1, 2016
Toronto
#6 Art & Design Event
Attendance at TO DO, Toronto’s independent design festival, tripled to 99,000 in 2016 and is expected to grow again in 2017. More than 400 designers and 70 venues participated this year, with Canadian furniture maker Keilhauer as presenting sponsor. Next: January 16-22, 2017
Toronto
#8 Art & Design Event
The design and architectural expo and conference returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in 2016, expecting 30,000 attendees and 1,600 exhibits. The event is co-presented by Interior Designers of Canada and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Next: November 30-December 1, 2016
Montreal
#9 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
Dedicated to the promotion of art on paper, the event turns 10 in 2017 and announced plans to move to a new, as-yet-undisclosed venue. In 2016, 38 galleries showcased pieces by more than 300 artists. Educational programming, panel discussions, and tours rounded out the offerings. National Bank was a main sponsor. Next: April 2017
