Welcome to 2018! In the darkness of February we launch the new year of First Thursdays with hopes to release the past, and resist in a continuous present. ‘Shake It’ is a unique program, that looks at tradition in a contemporary way, and as always through the eyes of the artists. In all this we honour the season, and history of Carnival. 

Headlining is artist Juliana Huxtable with a DJ set at 10pm. Juliana has occupied both clubs and galleries with her work which weaves history and body through gender, race and futurism. She is also the founder of the famous New York underground party, Shock Value. Before Juliana takes the stage DJ Nino Brown of Yes Yes Y’all, Toronto’s biggest and longest running inclusive, hip hop, R&B and dancehall party, will move the crowds in Walker Court. 

Elsewhere in the building, theatre artist Rhoma Spencer will be recreating the custom of Viey la cou,or the old yard, where traditional Mas is performed. The Gallery will be transformed into a performative tableau inhabited by selection of traditional Trinidad and Tobago Carnival characters, and specially scripted by the artist. Jasmyn Fyffe, Toronto-based choreographer and dancer will present a new work exploring her relationship to J’ouvert tradition and its emancipatory folklore.

Galleria Italia will be host to soca sounds all night courtesy of Toronto’s leading Soca DJ crew D’ENFORCAS, and don’t miss a specially curated selection of Out of the Vaults, themed interactive projects and talks including artist Natalie Wood. As well, this month’s unique artist designed program will be created for the night by 19-year-old Toronto artist Alexis Eke.

For all the latest details on First Thursdays programming, follow #AGO1st on Twitter and Instagram.