Luminato Festival Toronto postponed for the first time in 15 years

Apr 27 2021, 6:10 pm

A summer staple, the Luminato Festival Toronto is officially being postponed.

The city’s international festival of arts and ideas said it is rescheduling the 2021 summer festival to October for the first time in its 15-year history.

“Luminato Festival, in collaboration with dozens of artists and a large community of funders and supporters, is committed to presenting a dynamic series of film and digital experiences from across the Greater Toronto Area,” says Luminato Festival Toronto CEO Celia Smith.

Smith added that the latest restrictions are a new challenge that required the festival to move to the Fall season to ensure safety.

“Moving the Festival forward to October puts the health and safety of artists, production teams, and creators first,” said Smith.

Marking its 15th anniversary, Smith said that this year’s Festival attracted provocative and acclaimed storytellers, art makers, and performers, including original, debut works by many renowned names in the industry.

“After a year of lockdowns that have shuttered live performance, there is a growing hunger among audiences for cultural events as vaccinations continue to roll out. Arts, culture and creativity will help us find our way through this difficult time and draw us together again,” she says.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said the Luminato Festival is an example of Toronto’s resilience.

“The arts, as demonstrated by Luminato’s exciting programming, will play a critical role in bringing this city back to life,” said Tory.

“The City of Toronto is delighted that, despite facing so many challenges, Luminato Festival will go forward this fall with an exciting lineup of films and digital experiences.”

Earlier this year, Luminato announced it would be returning in June but would be virtual.

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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