May Updates
- May 29
- 4 min read
Let's make summer plans! ☀️ We are happy to share what is on and what is upcoming. Our LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program bands are in training which started this past weekend and we can't wait for their first performance kicking off the Forest City London Music Week on Friday, June 5! Pictured above is one of our three bands this year, Aidan Hough, working with our coaches at the Digital Creative Arts Centre.
Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your funding and partnership provide crucial support for LAC in maintaining and growing capacity for ongoing development, implementation, and delivery of professional artistic programs and services for our community and the local arts sector.
We extend our gratitude to our strategic programming partners whose generosity helps us support the local arts community and artists with meaningful programs and opportunities.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples
May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG2S+). This year, in an effort to honour the day, the London Arts Council in partnership with the City of London Culture Services have installed a red dress created by Joanne Powless (commissioned in 2026) and two red skirts created by Kathleen Doxtator (commissioned in 2025) in the windows of London City Hall (300 Dufferin Ave). These pieces are part of a growing collection which started with Kathleen Doxtator's red skirts last year to acknowledge the many missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples across Turtle Island, and the ongoing calls for support.
COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION PROJECT
Join us for a special unveiling of newly acquired works from the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Art Collection.
This exhibition features artwork by Mackenzie Beirnes-Daniels, Kristi White, and Mike Cywink, highlighting stories of Indigenous culture, history, and community. The event will include live music and remarks from City representatives and the artists, offering insight into the works and their significance.
Presented through a partnership between the London Arts Council, the City of London, and RBC Place, this exhibition is part of the Gallery at RBC Place program, which supports and celebrates artists from London and surrounding First Nations communities.
This unveiling reflects an ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and invites community members to gather, reflect, and connect through art.
Poster artwork from: Woven Into Myself (2025), Mackenzie Beirnes-Daniels
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MUSICIANS
We are excited to announce this year's artists taking part in the 2026 LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program. Congratulations to:
⭐️ Aidan Hough (Aidan Hough, lead vocal; Connor Elgie, electric guitar; Bryce Tiffney, bass; Miguel Thompson, drums)
⭐️ Lindsey and The Lonelies (Lindsey Burns, lead vocals/rhythm guitar/songwriter; Dawn Redskye, lead guitar/vocals; John Huff, drums/vocals; Geoff Jarvis, bass/vocals)
⭐️ Omri Kash (Omri Kashdan, vocals; Charlie Kramers, bass guitar; Griffin Noriega, guitar; Evan Chambers, drums; Nathan Nykor, keyboard; Andrew Racknor, saxophone)
The three bands will perform for the Forest City London Music Week 2026 Kickoff Party at Dundas Place (190 Dundas St) on June 5 at 7pm. This event is free and all are welcome. Mark your calendars!
ARTS ACTIVATIONS
With performances added to the calendar on an ongoing basis, check out who's performing in our community and support local talent.
MEET THE TEAM
We are thrilled to welcome two new team members to the London Arts Council. Alexandra Berney joins us in the role of Specialist, Community and Sponsorship Development and Amsa Yaro joins us in the role of Coordinator, Art Activations.
To learn more about Alexandra and Amsa, please visit the links below:
NEWS
On May 2, the Karen Schuessler Singers performed their final concert in their 33-year history.
We had the pleasure of attending a sold-out milestone concert for the Karen Schuessler Singers at the beginning of the month. With mixed emotions the choir performed the last concert in their 33-year history on May 2, 2026. Led by Artistic Director Karen Schuessler, the choir returned to the roots of what brought them together 33 years ago, singing the Missa Gaia/Earth Mass.
As part of the concert we were proud to present the choir with a Certificate of Recognition for the significant contribution the choir has made as an arts organization in the London community.
Sunfest launched their summer festival on May 20!
We were thrilled to be part of TD Sunfest ‘26 launch at London Brewing!
With incredible energy in the room, we celebrated the upcoming festival in its 32nd year. And this year will boast the largest artist lineup to date!
We extend our congratulations for the upcoming summer festival (July 9-12) in Victoria Park and appreciation for the dedication Sunfest has to culture and community. We are a more vibrant city because of the work they continue to do and the immense passion their team gives. 🎉
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