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As summer hits its vibrant peak, our arts community continues to shine! Whether you're tuning in to local sounds or marking your calendar for upcoming opportunities, we are always excited to share what's on! Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your critical 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. PUBLIC ART PROJECTS Photo of artist Billy Bert Young in front of "Chorus City" Chorus City (2025) is a community mural by Billy Bert Young located at the East Lions Community Centre. The mural that faces out to the playground at East Lions Community Centre came to be through The London Arts Council and the City of London. The piece itself is a tribute to London's UNESCO City of Music designation and reflects artists who are from, or have performed in, the city. "Three distinct panels present this convergence of musicians, from differing cultural backgrounds and musical genres, in a collective chorus." Traces of Time Exhibition of Paintings by Artist Ani Sarian at RBC Place Gallery . Exhibition continues through July, ending in September 2025. Bayfield– Ani Sarian Songlines murals continue to inspire! These projects, created in partnership with the City of London, London Music Office, and the Rotary Club of London, highlight the talented artistry of Maisa Mreiwed and Aruba Mahmud. Don’t miss an opportunity to experience these murals in person — Joy by Maisa Mreiwed at the South London Community Centre and Colourful Communities by Aruba Mahmud at the South London Community Pool.   Joy by Maisa Mreiwed     Colourful Communities by Aruba Mahmud PROGRAMS AND LEARNING Belong (Expansion) – Inclusive Arts Experiences Youth and Children Summer Workshops Belong Expansion Youth Art workshops are wrapping up this month at Arva Eco Park. Twelve workshops will be delivered between July 8 - August 14. These workshops cater to ages 4-14, and run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm - 2:30pm. ARTS ACTIVATIONS Every week the downtown core is activated with live, local musical talent with support from The Paul Seed Fund. Check out the full schedule on our Activations Calendar . Fiker & Co. performing at the LAL Busking Festival July 27, 2025 Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the London Arts Live Busking Festival - London's first music-centred busking festival, on Sunday, July 27! We were thrilled to have 39 London Arts Live musicians participate across 18 acts and six different stations along Dundas Place. Missed your chance to experience the LAL Busking Festival? Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to immerse yourself in this uniquely local celebration of diverse musical offerings! Anddre Mafra & The Reflections performing at ExtravaBand-za! 2024 Mark your calendars, ExtravaBand-za! 2025 is happening on September 6 from 12:00pm - 9:00pm! Dundas Place is our stage for the grand finale of the LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program , where participating bands will perform in a festival-style setting supporting this year's headliner, Renforshort . Check out the activations calendar for full details on upcoming performances, opportunities, and events. ARTS INVESTMENT Now Open: EDI Micro Grants The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Micro 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 Artists/Collectives 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), Artists/Collectives with English as their Second Language, and Culturally Diverse (Racialized) Artists/Collectives based in London, Ontario. Apply by August 15, 2025 at 4:30pm

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 sixth exhibition, The Gallery featured artworks created by Ani Sarian , a local visual artist. Born in Damascus, Syria, Ani Sarian is of Armenian descent. From an early age, she found solace in painting, using art to express her inner thoughts and emotions. For Sarian, art serves as a refuge—a safe space where she can process and understand the world around her. Sarian studied at the Djemaran Academy in Aleppo from 1978-1980 and the Sarian Academy in 1981. In 2012, as the war in Syria escalated, Sarian and her family relocated to Canada (2016), seeking safety and stability. In this peaceful environment, Sarian has once again immersed herself in her creative practice. An Interview with Ani Sarian Traces of Time by Ani Sarian (May - August 25, 2025) Q : Tell us the story behind the work that makes up the Traces of Time exhibition. How did it start? What was it inspired by? A:   Traces of Time  began as a deeply personal exploration into memory and the quiet ways time leaves its mark on both the body and environment. It was inspired by moments that slip through the cracks of everyday life — textures fading on walls, shadows shifting across a room, and emotional echoes of places once familiar. I wanted to capture the poetry in those traces and how they whisper. Q:  What inspires you as an artist? A:  I’m constantly inspired by the in-between — those liminal spaces where emotion meets form, memory meets material. Nature, decay, urban solitude, and the emotional resonance of overlooked details feed my imagination. I’m also deeply moved by human vulnerability in our attempts to hold on, to remember, to make meaning. Q: Walk us through the creative process behind this work. How do you go about creating these fascinating images which sit on the cusp between representation and abstraction? A:  My process often begins intuitively — with a gesture, a mark, a texture that feels right. I work in layers, allowing the piece to evolve rather than planning it rigidly. I let accidents happen and then respond. It’s a dialogue between control and surrender. I aim to evoke rather than describe — so what emerges might resemble something familiar, but it resists full recognition. That ambiguity is intentional — it invites personal interpretation. Q: Why does creativity matter to you? A:  Creativity is how I process the world. It’s a form of witnessing, of translating what can’t be said out loud. It creates connection—between inner and outer worlds, between people. In a society that often demands certainty and speed, creativity allows for pause, reflection, and vulnerability. It’s essential, not optional. Q: What is it like being a creative here in London? Are there gaps that currently exist when it comes to supporting the Arts? What kind of support is needed? A:  London is rich with artistic energy, but it can also be isolating and inaccessible—especially for emerging or underrepresented artists. There’s a need for more grassroots platforms, affordable studio spaces, and sustained mentorship, not just exposure. We need investment in not just finished products but the messy, unseen process of creation. Q: What do you envision now for your future in the Arts here in London? A:  I see myself building more community — collaborating across disciplines, mentoring younger artists, and creating immersive experiences that bring people into deeper engagement with art. I want to keep pushing the boundaries of my medium while staying grounded in honesty and emotional resonance. Q: What made you most excited about putting yourself out there to work with the London Arts Council and RBC Place London for this exhibition? A:  The invitation to share vulnerable, process-driven work in a public space felt both bold and affirming. Collaborating with the London Arts Council and RBC Place meant being part of a conversation — about what art can be, and who it’s for. I felt seen not just as an artist, but as a storyteller. Q: We hope to see lots more of your artwork around the city. Where else can we find your artwork? A:  You can find more of my work online on my Instagram page @ani_sarian . View the Traces of Time Exhibition at RBC Place London on the following dates: May 13 | 11:00am - 9:30pm May 15 | 11:00am - 9:00pm May 16 | 12:00pm - 8:00pm May 17 | 9:00am - 9:00pm May 21 - 25 | 9:00am - 6:00pm May 26 | 1:00 pm - 9:00pm May 28 | 10:00am - 8:00pm May 29 | 11:00am - 8:00pm June 2 - 6 | 8:00am - 5:00pm June 7 | 8:00am - 11:00am June 11 | 12:00pm - 4:00pm June 12 | 8:00am - 5:00pm June 16 | 9:30am - 2:30pm June 18 | 9:00am - 5:00pm June 19 | 9:00am - 4:00pm June 23 - 30 | 8:00am - 4:00pm July 3 | 11:00am - 2:00pm July 10 | 11:00am - 2:00pm August 14 | 11:00am - 2:00pm               August 21 | 11:00am - 2:00pm               August 23 | 4:00pm - 9:00pm ** 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

Artists and attendees at the Songlines Mural Unveiling - June 26, 2025 The summer is flying by and heating up all at once! We are excited to highlight some projects and programming which took place over the past month as well as help you plan your next local artistic experience!   Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your critical 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. PUBLIC ART PROGRAM Photo of artist Billy Bert Young in front of "Chorus City" Chorus City (2025) is a community mural by Billy Bert Young located at the East Lions Community Centre. The mural that faces out to the playground at East Lions Community Centre came to be through The London Arts Council and the City of London. The piece itself is a tribute to London's UNESCO City of Music designation and reflects artists who are from, or have performed in, the city. "Three distinct panels present this convergence of musicians, from differing cultural backgrounds and musical genres, in a collective chorus." Traces of Time  Exhibition of Paintings by Artist Ani Sarian at RBC Place Gallery. Exhibition continues through June and ends in September this year. Rising of Colour – Ani Sarian Thursday, June 26 was an incredible coming together of community in celebration of two local artists for the Songlines Mural Unveiling at South London Community Centre.   This project in partnership with the City of London, London Music Office, and the Rotary Club of London highlighted the talented artistry of Maisa Mreiwed and Aruba Mahmud to the tune of DJ Deon Carter spinning local artists’ tracks courtesy of the playlist through London Music Office .   Thank you to everyone who came, celebrated, and showed their support at the unveiling last month! We hope you don’t miss an opportunity to experience these works in person — Joy  by Maisa Mreiwed at the South London Community Centre and Colourful Communities  by Aruba Mahmud at the South London Community Pool. Colourful Communities  by Aruba Mahmud Joy  by Maisa Mreiwed PROGRAMS AND LEARNING While our Growing Together Through the Arts Workshops  have wrapped up for the summer, we wanted to share a recent experience from pottery instructor, Darlene Pratt, and one of her class participants, Stacey Arthur. "I always enjoy teaching people who are new to working with clay; they are so excited and eager to learn! The participants in the Growing Together workshops were lots of fun to spend time with and they all did a great job, despite little to no experience working with clay.  Several people took all four sessions and many expressed interest in taking any additional classes offered through the program. It's gratifying for me to watch people work diligently through the process of making something they can be proud of and use for years to come." - Darlene Pratt Photos provided by Stacey Arthur of her Pottery Class artwork "I've participated in several of the art workshops through the City of London's Senior's Satellite program. They're a great way to sample different techniques and media. The amazing local artists who teach the classes are very well organized, patient and encouraging. It was so much fun to "play" for a couple of hours!" - Stacey Arthur Belong (Expansion) – Inclusive Arts Experiences Youth and Children Summer Workshops   Belong Expansion Youth Art workshops will be delivered this summer (July-August) at Arva Eco Park. Twelve workshops will be delivered in total between the July 8 and August 14. These workshops will be twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm - 2:30pm and cater to ages 4-14. INDIGENOUS LONDON ARTS Earlier this month we said farewell to a beloved team member, Janet Antone, Administrator, Indigenous London Arts and welcomed our newest team member, Emily Schuyler, Specialist, Indigenous London Arts! Janet Antone, Administrator, Indigenous London Arts , has decided to resign from the London Arts Council to focus on her family and beadwork business ( Ms. Antone's Beadwork ). Janet joined the LAC team in 2023, and over the past two years, she has passionately guided the London Arts Council's Indigenous London Arts program and service area, further defining it as a distinct area, sovereign in its development.We learned so much from her knowledge and experience regarding how best to support our Indigenous community members and neighbours, and from her example of careful and compassionate guidance. Janet, we will miss you so much and wish you all the best in this next chapter! Meet Emily Schuyler! Emily is a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She holds a certificate and advanced diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe college, and a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts.   Emily creates mixed-media work that explores themes of identity and memory, by combining her cultural teachings, knowledge, and her experience as an Indigenous person living in the twenty first century using both traditional and contemporary methods of art making.  ARTS ACTIVATIONS Check out local musical talent with support from The Paul Seed Fund! Join us for Lunchtime Music at Market Lane every Friday from 11:00am - 1:30pm. On Saturday mornings enjoy live music at Covent Garden Market Farmers' Market from 9:00am - 1:00pm. If evenings are more your vibe, come out to Saturday Night Live music from 5:00pm - 10:00pm. Sundays have some fun in store as well with Dundas Play from 11:00am - 4:00pm at Dundas Place.   This Sunday, July 27, is Busking Festival on Dundas Street! You won't want to miss this lineup of local bands, duos, and soloist performing in true busking fashion. For lineup and event location details visit the link below! ARTS INVESTMENT Now Open: EDI Micro Grants The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Micro 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 Artists/Collectives 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), Artists/Collectives with English as their Second Language, and Culturally Diverse (Racialized) Artists/Collectives based in London, Ontario.   Apply by August 15, 2025 at 4:30pm ARTIST FEATURE Earlier this month (July 4, 5, 6) London’s very own The Pairs played the prestigious Mariposa Folk Festival  as it celebrated its 65th Anniversary.   The Pairs are a cornerstone of many of LAC’s programs including London Arts Live since its inception in 2016 and the LBMX Place Extravabandza event and mentorship program in 2024.   This extraordinary trio write, orchestrate and perform, through soaring harmonies. The Pairs successfully received support through the Community Arts Investment Program (CAIP) in 2019 and 2022 as well as support as Individual Artists in 2023.   You can find out more about The Pairs, their music, and their touring schedule at the button below!