September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day for us to honour Residential School Survivors, the children whose lives were lost through Canada’s residential school system, and their families and communities. The day is also a time for learning—a vital component of the reconciliation process—to deepen our understanding of the roots of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the ongoing impacts of residential schools, and our responsibilities to support Indigenous communities. To commemorate the day, consider the following: City of London Events Indigenous Artisan Market at Fanshawe College Learn the history of colonization in Canada - Atlohsa Family Healing Services Learn more about Orange Shirt Day Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Western University Events London Public Library Resources (not open on September 30) Please note that our office will be closed the morning of September 30 to allow staff to commemorate the day and participate in Indigenous-led local events.

The Gallery In response to demand from local artists for exhibition space and to promote and celebrate our talented local artists, the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services have collaborated with RBC Place London to pilot The Gallery program at RBC Place London as part of our London Arts Live (LAL) program offerings. The purpose of The Gallery is to promote the work of artists and creators residing in London and surrounding First Nations to display original artworks for exhibition, with sales opportunities, on highly prominent and specially designated wall space within this municipally owned building. For the tenth exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Mandy Forbes, a textile artist based in London, Ontario, whose work explores storytelling, memory, and the imaginative world of childhood. Working with found embroidery, recycled textiles, found imagery, and other repurposed materials, she creates layered, tactile works that consider the ways personal and collective memories are held within objects, images, and fibers. Her current body of work expands her ongoing material experimentation to include felting, beadwork, and printed photographs. Her practice is rooted in a fascination with the emotional and historical resonance of textiles, particularly embroidery and the domestic traditions surrounding it. Since 2019, Forbes has exhibited her work throughout Ontario, and her practice has been featured in magazines. Alongside her studio work, she is passionate about textile history and enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for embroidery and textile art through workshops and classes. Forbes’ interest in visual storytelling began with her studies in Film and Television Production at Humber College, where she developed an enduring appreciation for image-making, narrative, and the power of visual details. She also holds a BA in English from York University and an MLIS from Western University. These diverse areas of study continue to inform her approach to art, bringing together stories, research, image, and material. She currently lives and stitches in London, Ontario. About Work In a girl made of threads, textile artist Mandy Forbes invites viewers into a richly textured world made of thread, fibre, and fabric. Through an intricate series of works created over several years, Forbes brings together traditional needlecraft techniques, including embroidery, lace making, felting, and fabric painting, transforming materials often associated with domestic labour into powerful acts of storytelling and reflection. Delicate stitches, layered textiles, and hand-worked surfaces reward close attention, encouraging viewers to slow down and encounter the works at an intimate pace. As the eye follows each thread, narratives emerge: fragments of childhood, traces of family histories, and impressions of places, objects, and moments. The exhibition explores the intersections of femininity, domesticity, and remembrance. Rather than presenting these themes as fixed ideas, Forbes approaches them as evolving and interconnected experiences, woven together through the repetitive and meditative processes of making. Each piece pictured above is in order based on the below chart. For purchase inquiries, please contact the London Arts Council via email info@londonarts.ca Title Size Description Price Petal 20 in x 20 in fabric and printed linen $900 Dance Party 20 in x 20 in felt and embroidery on cotton $800 Brownie 12 in x 12 in embroidery and applique on printed linen $250 July 4 in x 6 in embroidery on cotton $180 The Skater 9 in x 12 in embroidery and watercolour on linen $350 Glasses 8 in x 10 in thread and plastic with glass beads $450 Arizona Motel 8 in x 10 in embroidery on cotton $350 tug-o-war 10 in x 10 in embroidery and applique on printed linen $375 Blue 5 in x 7 in felt and embroidery on printed cotton $225 Margot 5 in x 7 in felt and embroidery on printed cotton $225 Kitty 5 in x 7 in felt and embroidery on printed cotton $225 Star Dancer 16 in x 20 in embroidery, felt and sequins on linen $600 Bunny 10 in x 10 in handmade cotton lace $200 The Archer 10 in x 10 in embroidery and applique on printed linen $300 An Interview with Mandy Forbes a girl made of threads by Mandy Forbes (October 2026 - January 2027) Q: Tell us the story behind your exhibition. A: This exhibition is really a retrospective of my creative process over the past several years. Although my techniques and materials change, the themes of my work tend to stay consistent. I love creating work that evokes a feeling of uncertainty and nostalgia, and I am often drawn to depicting children and domestic settings. Q: What inspires you as an artist? A: Books and films are often where I draw inspiration for my work. I always appreciate a good story and one of things I like about creating art is how it can be a medium for visual storytelling. A trip to an antique store, or flipping through an album of old photos are also surefire ways to spark my creativity. Q: Describe your creative process. A: Many of my pieces start with found photographs or a piece of salvaged fabric. A big element of my creative process is experimentation, and I love working with textiles because there are countless new techniques to learn or materials to explore. Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A: Creativity matters because I believe it is a way to connect on a human level with other people. Q: What gaps currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A: London Arts Council does such a great job at supporting artists and obviously more funding would be ideal. In terms of supporting artists, I would encourage everyone who has the means to do so to buy local art whenever possible. It can make such a huge difference to an artist when you support their work. Q: What do you envision for the Arts in London? A: We have such a fantastic art community here in London! I would also love to see an outdoor art festival in London that would draw art lovers from the surrounding area. I would also love to see an artist hub with studios that are open to the public. Q: Where else can we find your artwork? A: The best place to find my work and get in touch is through my Instagram @littleshout. I am also reachable through email at mandyfc@hotmail.com. Contact: Email: mandyfc@hotmail.com Instagram: @littleshout View a girl made of threads at RBC Place London on the following dates: October October 1 – 8am-3pm October 3 – 8am-8pm October 5 – 2pm-10pm October 6 – 8am-5pm October 7 – 8am-2pm October 8 – 11am-2pm October 14 – 1pm-9pm October 15 – 9am-3pm October 17 – 6pm-11pm October 22 – 8am-8pm October 26 – 11am-10pm October 29 – 1pm-8pm October 30 – 8am-8pm October 31 – 9am-1pm November November 2 – 5:30pm-9pm November 5 – 9:30am-9pm November 6 – 10am-10pm November 7 – 10am-8pm November 8 – 10am-5pm November 10 – 4pm-9pm November 12 – 11am-10pm November 13 – 9am-4pm November 17 – 8am-4pm November 18 – 8am-4pm November 19 – 8am-4pm November 20 – 8am-4pm November 26 – 9am-9pm November 27 – 4:30pm-8:30pm November 28 – 5pm-10pm December December 3 – 11am-2pm December 5 – 6pm-10pm December 10 – 11am-2pm December 11 – 6pm-10pm December 12 – 6pm-10pm more dates will be added as available **enter via the main doors on York St.** The objectives of the Gallery program are: to create a beautiful, unique, and cultured atmosphere; provide compelling experiences for local, national, and international visitors; educate the public by presenting a series of diverse artworks created by local professional artists; and provide professional opportunities for local artists, including increased promotion, sales, and career enhancement. For more information about this project or inquiries regarding purchasing artworks, please contact the London Arts Council at info@londonarts.ca

Lindsey and The Lonelies performing at London Brewing Co on August 15, 2026 August has been a busy month of arts activations throughout the city and we can't wait to continue the energy in September! Of special note, ExtravaBandza—the signature event of LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program—is coming up on Saturday, September 12! Bring your friends and family or make some new friends at this free event from 12pm-9pm. As always, we look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming event and sharing what's going on at the London Arts Council. 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. OPPORTUNITIES We're Hiring: Coordinator, Arts Education & Exhibition Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 at 4:30pm Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the Operating Team, the Coordinator, Arts Education & Exhibition coordinates the planning and delivery of arts education and public exhibition programs for the London Arts Council. The role combines program development, administration, and community engagement responsibilities, ensuring initiatives align with organizational goals and procedures. The successful candidate will be a creative, organized, and proactive professional who supports artists, engages the community, and advances LAC’s mission through impactful arts programming. Does this sound like your perfect role? Learn more and apply at the link below. EDI Micro Grants Program Application Deadline: September 25, 2026 at 4:30pm The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Micro Grants Program (“EDI Grants Program”) is designed to provide financial assistance for projects and initiatives of Individual Artists and/or Artist Collectives who have encountered barriers obtaining support within the current systems and structures of existing traditional funding mechanisms. This program supports the following Individuals and Collectives of artists, creators, practitioners of traditional arts in all disciplines: Indigenous Peoples based in London, Ontario, and the surrounding First Nations (Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, Munsee Delaware First Nation, and Oneida Nation of the Thames), those with English as their Second Language, and Culturally Diverse (Racialized) Peoples based in London, Ontario. Attention to 2025 Recipients: Please complete the final report by September 18, 2026 at 4:30pm. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MUSICIANS The LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program bands—Aidan Hough, Lindsey and The Lonelies, and Omri Kash—will be performing with headliner artist, Tyler Shaw on September 12! Join us for an incredible day of live music, arts activities, dancing, karaoke, vendors, prizes and more! Want a chance to win Downtown London Dollars? We will be drawing for Downtown London Dollars at ExtravaBandza! RSVP at our event link in advance to secure your ticket in our draws on September 12. Full details at the link below. Please note RSVP for the raffle is not required to attend the event. NEWS Stay Tuned! Opening Soon: Nominations for Mayor's New Year's Honour List Each year, the London Arts Council invites nominations for the honouree in the Arts category. Eligible nominees are professional artists and active volunteers whose artistic excellence or outstanding contribution of service deserves recognition. Nominations will open in early September. CONNECT WITH US Never miss a beat by following along on social! Click on the icons below: