Beyond the Rhythm - The Association of African Canadian Artists

Joe Halstead
The celebration of Caribbean arts and culture, through the
festivities of Scotiabank Caribana, is a defining feature of our
multicultural city.
Like our city, Scotiabank Caribana has grown in confidence and
stature. The maturation of our festival has allowed us to offer
revellers a wider range of cultural offerings. We understand that
the talent and creativity of Caribbean artists is not exclusive to
the colour and sound of mas, the steel pan and calypso that is
widely associated with “parade” day and related events.
Beyond the Rhythm is the Scotiabank Caribana Visual Art
Exhibition. The Art Exhibition is in its third year and is a visual
art presentation of 50 works on canvass, which celebrates our
survival and accomplishments beyond the bounds of hardship
and sorrow.
The exhibit is on display from July 23rd to August 3rd, 2009
at the Royal Ontario Museum, one of our continuing institutional
sponsors.
The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s largest and the fifth
largest museum in North America is world renowned for world
culture and natural history. The quality of the art exhibition and
the majesty of the venue make this show a growing highlight of
the line-up of Scotiabank Caribana events.
The show consists of 50 large 3’x4’ canvases, created by
twenty-five artists — 11 male and 14 female — ranging in age
from the 20’s to the 60’s — half of the artists born outside of
Canada — Caribbean, Africa, England, and America. Each of the
works were created to the poem “Beyond the Rhythm” written
by the exhibit curator Joan Butterfield.
I want to thank Scotiabank for its expanded partnership,
participation and contribution to the overall festivities. The
African Canadian art on display would not receive the exposure
that the Beyond the Rhythm visual art exhibition provides to these
talented artists without Scotiabank’s committed support.
Thanks to our viewing audience for taking the time to visit. I
am quite certain that you will appreciate the unsung brilliance
of the art on display.
Enjoy!
Joe Halstead,
Chairman and CEO
Festival Management Committee
Scotiabank Caribana 2009
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