Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise today to recognize the 17th annual Toronto Arts Week which runs from September 20-28; a city-wide celebration of the arts that highlights Toronto's arts and diverse cultures.
The Toronto Arts Festival attracts more than 400,000 people. It is the largest multidisciplinary, neighbourhood-focused festival of its kind in Canada. Some of the activities include: community street festivals; behind the scene tours of theatres, galleries, studios, rehearsal spaces; textile design studios; special programs; and readings.
The Toronto Arts Festival is promoted under the auspices of Arts Toronto, which was created in 1985 by the Toronto Arts Council with the aim of establishing and promoting a city wide festival.
I would like to offer a special commendation to Peter Herrndorf, the president of the National Arts Centres, for his pioneering work in helping launch this wonderful festival.