The Artwherk! Collective and the Art Gallery of Ontario have teamed up to make a little history in time for Pride Toronto 2009. For the first time in its history, the AGO is hosting an official Pride Toronto event: Artwherk!

The annual Artwherk! exhibit showcases the work of young queer artists and runs through Pride week. This year, the artwork is on display in the AGO's atrium, Walker's Court. The magnificent space in the newly designed AGO shines a spotlight on local queer talent by not only honoring the artists, but making their work very accessible to all visitors of the gallery.

Opening night was last night -- free admission Wednesdays at the AGO -- and was hosted by the Artwherk! Collective. A panel of artists were on hand to talk about their work and answer questions from the audience. Afterwards Walker's Court was filled by the sights and sounds of live performances by local musicians and burlesque troupes.

It was incredible to stand in the centre of a massive institution like the AGO while all eyes were focused on young local talents -- not to mention experiencing that space filled with live music.

Hopefully this historic move will be a trend for the AGO and we'll see more for years to come.

Artwherk is on display now through Pride Sunday.