Press Releases
Markham’s Inaugural Spring Festival Concert heralds the Lunar New Year
A Confluence of Dance, Music and Creativity to Celebrate Chinese Cultural Heritage
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Markham, Monday, February 26, 2024: The first ever official inaugural Markham Spring Festival Concert was held to mark the newly proclaimed Chinese Heritage Month and the Lunar New Year. Organized by the Markham Arts Council and the City of Markham, the Markham Spring Festival Concert welcomed the Year of the Dragon and celebrated diversity while representing a significant number of Chinese cultural values and traditions.
Held at the People’s Theatre for the Performing Arts on February 25, the concert was attended by Markham Deputy Mayor Michael Chan, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillors Amanda Yeung Collucci and Isa Lee as well as Stephen Chait, Chair of the Markham Arts Council (MAC), MP Paul Chiang, MPP Daisey Wei, MPP Vincent Ke and Consul General of People’s Republic of China, LUO Weidong, and other dignitaries.
“February has been officially declared by the City of Markham and York Region as Chinese Heritage Month, acknowledging the outstanding contribution and legacy of the Chinese community which has enriched the city’s economic vitality, cultural landscape and social fabric,” declared Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti in a video message on February 25.
The event began with the traditional Nanhai Lion and Dragon dance followed by spectacular performances in dance, music, martial arts performances as well as Chinese instrumental music.
“We are celebrating the Lunar New Year and Chinese Heritage Month with this captivating concert by bringing you unforgettable experiences, enchanting melodies and vibrant dances as we celebrate the joyous occasion of our Chinese New Year,” said Markham Councillor Amanda Yeung Collucci. “This is also an opportunity for Markham’s diverse communities to learn more about Chinese culture and heritage,”
The concert featured a diverse range of performances, including traditional Chinese folk songs, classical compositions, and contemporary interpretations. There was a Feng Shui expert who spoke about the year of the Dragon and what the year would bring for each Chinese zodiac sign.
“Get ready to ring in the Chinese New Year with a vibrant and exciting Spring Festival Concert!” said Stephen Chait, chair of MAC addressing the audience at the concert. “Thank you for joining us for an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and celebration as we welcome the Year of the Dragon.”
“Today’s showcase features a lineup of talented musicians and performers with the promise to dazzle audiences with traditional Chinese music, modern interpretations, and fusion performances that showcase the rich tapestry of Chinese culture,” said Sandra Tam and Renu Mehta, vice chairs of MAC. “The cultural immersion will transport you into the heart of the Chinese New Year festivities.”
For more information, visit www.markhamartscouncil.com or email info@markhamartscouncil.ca
Experience the Magic of Chinese New Year with a Spectacular Concert Celebration!
FIRST EVER MARKHAM SPRING FESTIVAL CONCERT 2024
See Chinese Version / 點擊看中文版 – HERE
Toronto, Tuesday, February 13, 2024: The first ever official inaugural Markham Spring Festival concert is being held in February to mark the newly proclaimed Chinese Heritage Month and the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon. Organized by the Markham Arts Council, the Markham Spring Festival Concert will be held on February 25, 2024 to welcome the Year of the Dragon and celebrate diversity while representing a significant number of Chinese cultural values and traditions.
“February has been officially declared by the City of Markham as Chinese Heritage Month, acknowledging the outstanding contribution and legacy of the Chinese community which has enriched the city’s economic vitality, cultural landscape and social fabric,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This will coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year in February, the most meaningful festival for the Chinese community.”
The event will include performances by local artists and the opportunity for Markham’s diverse communities to learn more about Chinese culture and heritage.
“Get ready to be swept away on a musical journey as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Chinese New Year with a breathtaking concert that will leave you mesmerized,” says Markham Councillor Amanda Collucci. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of captivating performances, enchanting melodies, and cultural immersion as we welcome the arrival of the Lunar New Year.”
The concert is being held at the People’s theatre for the Performing Arts at 22 Esna Park Dr. Markham, ON. The concert will feature a diverse range of performances, including traditional Chinese folk songs, classical compositions, and contemporary interpretations.
“Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, hope, and celebration, and what better way to honor this auspicious occasion than with a concert that showcases the beauty and diversity of Chinese music and culture,” says Stephen Chait, chair of MAC. “Prepare to be transported to a world of enchantment as talented musicians, dancers, and performers take the stage, bringing to life the rich traditions and customs of this ancient festival.”
“This concert is not only a celebration of Chinese culture but also a bridge that connects people from all walks of life,” say Renu Mehta and Sandra Tam, vice chairs of MAC. “It is an opportunity to come together, to embrace diversity, and to appreciate the beauty and richness of different cultures. Let the music transcend boundaries and unite us in a shared experience of joy, harmony, and cultural exchange.”
For more information, visit www.markhamartscouncil.com or email info@markhamartscouncil.ca
Markham’s Talent Set to Take Stage Once Again at 2023 Markham Talent Showcase
From Competition to Celebration: The Next Phase of Markham Talent Unveiled — MARKHAM, November 3rd
Markham Arts Council, in partnership with Ward 6 Councillor Amanda Collucci, is elated to announce the successor to May’s widely acclaimed Open Casting Call competition. Markham Talent Showcase 2023 is Scheduled for November 30th, 2023, at the Flato Markham Theatre, the event aims to shine a spotlight on the remarkable performing arts talent in the region that merits wider recognition. Tickets for the show will be priced at $25.00, with proceeds going to Markham Arts Council to fund the arts and tourism. The Showcase is a multi faceted entertainment experience that will feature an array of performances spanning acting, music, dance, and fashion.
ORGANIZED BY MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL AND MARKHAM WARD 6 COUNCILOR AMANDA COLLUCCI
Highlights of the evening include:
- Guest Celebrity Host – Samantha Aucoin (Actress, Astrid and Lily Save The World)
- Special Guest Performances: Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Markham Councillor Amanda Collucci, and Richmond Hill Councillor Simon Cui
- Nanami Li: A vocal powerhouse and the winner in the “16 and Under” category of the 2023 Open Casting Call. Known for her unparalleled breath control and emotive vocals.
- Silver Tulip Fashion: Prepare to be dazzled by an array of intricate South Asian designs as models showcase the artistry of local boutique Silver Tulip.
- Truong Ng: Markham Talent Model Category winner, up and coming Model who never fails to stop the show with incredible conviction
- Experimental Acts: Venture beyond the conventional with one-of-a-kind performances, such as Adam Keung’s mime act that challenges traditional performance norms.
- Rising Stars: Keep an eye out for emerging talents like Athena Park, whose engaging stage presence and unique artistry signify a bright future in the industry.
Markham Talent 2023 Open Casting Call was a huge success in terms of participation and turnout. Over 200 talented performing artists spanning across Ontario, signed up to be apart of the massive inaugural event. The 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call culminated in an award ceremony on May 13 at the Xinflix Auditorium, where winners across various performing art categories such as singers, songwriters, dancers, actors, and models were recognized.
“That’s what excites me. We give a platform, an opportunity, a way in…. for someone developing their talent that hasn’t been discovered yet” – Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham Mayor
“I am amazed with such a wide pool of talent available in Ontario that was just waiting to be tapped,” said Councillor Collucci. “It was a delightful surprise to see the energy and creativity and the diversity of talent that was showcased in Markham Talent.”
Winners announced for The First Ever 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call, celebrating Ontario’s best Performing Artists
Nanamie Li and AC5 is the Big Winner of the York Region’s Got Talent
MARKHAM, May 14, 2023: It was a showcase of excitement, expectation and applause as the panel of judges began to announce the awards at the Grand Finale of the 2023 Markham Talent Open Casting Call.
The winners in the singers, songwriters, dancers, actors, models and other performing artist categories walked up to the podium on May 13 at the Xinflix auditorium in Markham to be honored at the event. The biggest award, amidst the resounding sounds of applause, was given away to Nanamie Li and AC5, the winners of the Markham Talent – 2023 Open Casting Call, both of whom received a trophy as well as $2000 in prize money.
Winners in other categories also received trophies as well as cash prizes of $2000, with the second and third prize winners receiving $300 and $200 respectively and the opportunity to get booked by talent agencies.
The award winners were selected from a large pool of diverse talent who submitted their art and participated in this first ever Talent contest held across Ontario.
The event opened with a special feature performance by Maya Gamzu, semi-finalist and recipient of the golden buzzer at Canada’s Got Talent 2023 who charmed the audience with her mesmerizing voice. Actor Judge and Actress Samantha Aucoin, who is also a singer/song writer took our breath away by her musical talent with her beautiful voice.
The event, co-chaired by Markham Ward 6 Councilor Amanda Yeung Collucci, Markham Arts Council Chair Stephen Chait and Markham Arts Council Executive Director Shruti Ganapathy, was the first of its kind to be held in the city of Markham.
“Markham Talent will be invited for a segment on stage at the City’s Canada Day celebrations this year that usually attracts an audience of 20,000–30,000 people,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Honorary Chair of the event.
“I am amazed with such a wide pool of talent available in Ontario that was just waiting to be tapped,” said Councillor Collucci. “It was a delightful surprise to see the energy and creativity and the diversity of talent that was showcased in Markham Talent.”
The impressive array of judges includes Juno Award Board Member – Aideen O Brien;
Brian Levy, Casting Director; Amy Wright, Producer / Dance Choreographer /Casting Director of The Next Step; Robert Laidlaw, Singer-Songwriter / Juno Awards Nominee; Patricia Jarosz, Talent manager; Cynthia Cully, Model Agent / Manager; Jessica Gregory, Toronto’s Top Runway Coach; Lucas Nguyen, Actor / Singer; Samantha Aucoin, actress; David Chester, owner of Chalet Studio; and Sarah Bay-Cheng, Dean, York University, School of Arts, Media, Production and Design (AMPD)
“Congratulations to all the winners,” says Stephen Chait, chair of the Markham Arts Council. “Everyone is a winner as each one of them showed the courage and strength to enter into the Markham Talent contest.”
All proceeds from this event will go towards helping Markham Arts Council drive economic growth in arts, culture, and tourism sectors within the City of Markham.
Complete List of Winners:
Group A: 16 and under category:
Overall Champion 1st Winner – Nanamie Li, Music
Overall Champion 2nd Winner – Daniel Tamburro, Dance
Overall Champion 3rd Winner – Ethan Sohrabian, Model
Music Category Winner – Stephen Tang
Dance Category Winner – Ashley Chau
Model Category Winner – Brooklyn Williams, Stargo Model Academy
Actor Category Winners:
1st – Serena Wang
2nd – Kelly Hof
3rd – Liat Assraf
Group B: 17 and over category:
Overall Champion 1st Winner – AC5, Dance
Overall Champion 2nd Winner – Emma Ren, Music
Overall Champion 3rd Winner – Annie Liang, Lindance Studio – Dance
Music – Breanna Ells
Dance – Spread Dance
Model – Truong Ng
Actor Category Winner –
1st – Kavita Taluja
2nd – Anju Malhotra
3rd – AJ Spatola
About Markham Talent (www.markhamtalent.ca)
Lead by Councilor Collucci, Markham Talent 2023 Open Casting Call is an event to promote performing arts and entertainment industry in the City of Markham
Organized by Markham Ward 6 Councilor’s office and Markham Arts Council, this exciting event is co-chaired by Markham Ward 6 Councilor, Amanda Yeung Collucci, Markham Arts Council’s Board Chair, Stephen Chait and Markham Arts Council’s Executive Director, Shruti Ganapathy
All proceeds from the event will go towards Markham Arts Council’s mission to continue to support and promote local Markham artists on a global scale.
About Markham Arts Council (www.markhamartscouncil.com)
Markham Arts Council is a registered, nonprofit, and charitable organization, first established in 2004 with a focus on connecting local artists and promoting the various diverse forms of art in Markham. It was founded to help the local under-served artists and arts organizations to come together, network, share their resources and grow.
Over the past 16 years, the Arts Council has played a leadership role in the community, providing quality programming and services.
Media Contact, Interviews and RSVP:
Grace Zhou,
Executive Assistant to Councilor Amanda Yeung Collucci
905-305-5990/ Email: gzhou@markham.ca
Shruti Ganapathy
Executive Director – Markham Arts Council
Email: info@markhamartscouncil.com
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL THROUGH THE TOURISM RELIEF FUND
MARKHAM, ON (January 2023) – Markham Arts Council (MAC) receives $100,000 from Central Counties Tourism (RTO6) through FedDev Ontario to attract visitors and support future growth.
The tourism sector is vital to the economy and jobs in Markham.
A large portion of Markham’s local population is composed of self-employed artists who are critical in servicing the tourism sector through their arts and cultural offerings that attract visitors to the city. During the pandemic, restaurants, bars and pubs, and the performing arts sector were hard hit. Markham Arts Council recognizes the economic benefits tourism brings and wants to utilize the arts to attract visitors to Markham. As a result, Experience Markham Music was born.
In 2022, Markham Arts Council (MAC), received a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from Central Counties Tourism (RTO6) to put towards this initiative. The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to 11 Regional Tourism Organizations across southern Ontario and the Indigenous Tourism Ontario..RTO6 received $8.65 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.
Experience Markham Music subsidized in-person performances at local restaurants and businesses when pandemic restrictions lifted. Through this program, MAC ensured that artists continued to receive a living wage while generating performance opportunities for them at local venues, which also helped the host venues rebuild by drawing in customers.
This investment will help Markham Arts Council adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in the arts, culture, and tourism sectors within the City of Markham.
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QUOTES
“Markham has a vibrant arts and culture scene, which has been enhanced by the Markham Arts Council’s Experience Markham Music initiative. This Government of Canada investment will help MAC showcase our local performers, enriching the lives of residents and tourists and supporting local businesses, too.”
– Hon. Helena Jaczek, Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville
“The program is extremely close to our heart. Throughout the pandemic years, MAC worked with local artists to ensure that we were able to create meaningful paid work for them to continue to sustain during these challenging and unprecedented times. We were only able to succeed in our endeavours to support the rebuilding of key tourism sectors due to this generous support we’ve received from our federal and provincial partners. This funding was crucial in ensuring that we were able lay a strong foundation for the recovery of the performing arts and small business sectors and crucial to the survival and growth of tourism.”
– Shruti Ganapathy, Executive Director, Markham Arts Council
“The visitor economy creates thriving, vibrant communities across Ontario. Visitors bring new money into a community and for many businesses in York, Durham and Headwaters, these additional revenues can mean the difference between staying solvent and having to shutter their doors forever. Central Counties Tourism applauds the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of growing our collective capacity to welcome and entertain visitors. Its investment in tourism is helping municipalities and individual businesses build compelling destinations that will attract visitors and residents alike. The economic impact from the Tourism Relief Fund will be felt for years.”
– Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director, Central Counties Tourism
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Markham Arts Council
Tel: 905-947-9054
Email: info@markhamartscouncil.com
Website: www.markhamartscouncil.com
Facebook: @artsinmarkham
Twitter: @artsinmarkham
Instagram: @artsinmarkham
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkhamArtsCouncil
MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF STEPHEN CHAIT AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD
MARKHAM, ON (Thursday, June 24, 2021) – Markham Arts Council (MAC), a non-profit, charitable organization that focuses on capacity building and community by serving the arts and cultural community of Markham has announced the appointment of its new Chair and four new Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to announce Stephen Chait as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Markham Arts Council,” said Renu Mehta, Vice-Chair of the Board. “Stephen Chait served as the Director of Economic Growth, Culture, and Entrepreneurship with the City of Markham from 2006-2020. Since 2016, Chait has taken a keen interest in the workings of Markham Arts Council, serving as ex-officio on the Board of Directors. Upon retirement in 2020, Chait became a formal member of the Markham Arts Council serving as Vice-Chair of the organization.”
MAC also announced four new members who will join the Board bringing their diverse expertise and insight to the organization. These include Shelly Davine, Dan Walsh, Tamarie Warner, and Alana Simon.
“We’re excited to expand our board with four new members who will bring valuable talent and professional expertise to enhance our vibrant and inclusive arts and cultural programming and services in Markham, considered one of the most diverse cities in Canada with a rich cultural heritage,” said Chait.
Returning Board members include Renu Mehta (vice-chair), Dan Felushko (committee chair), Mithan Kansal, and Connie Fong (directors).
About Markham Arts Council
Markham Arts Council (MAC) was incorporated in 2004 with a focus on connecting local artists to promote the diverse forms of art and to help local under-served artists and arts organizations to come together, network, share their resources and grow. Over the years, MAC has played a leadership role providing quality programming and services such as Art for Seniors, Visual & Performing Arts Programs, Arts and Cultural Heritage Celebrations, Culture Days, Walk with Art, Funders’ In, Artist Unplugged Series, Heritage Walks documentaries as well as forums for professional development and networking. For more information, visit www.markhamartscouncil.com.
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Media Contact:
Shruti Ganapathy
Executive Director – Markham Arts Council
McKay Art Centre, 197 Main St Unionville, Markham L3R 2G8
Tel: 905-947-9054 / Email: info@markhamartscouncil.com
MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL CANCELS VIRTUAL CANADA DAY CONCERT BROADCAST
MARKHAM, ON (June 21, 2021) – In the light of the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Residential School at Kamloops, B.C., Markham Arts Council, in solidarity with the stewards and caretakers of Turtle Island, has joined hands with several other organizations to cancel its Virtual Canada Day concert series broadcast. Instead, the Markham Arts Council will broadcast an episode later this summer featuring a local Indigenous artist and exploring the theme of what it truly means to be a Canadian.
In coming to this decision, the leadership at Markham Arts Council noted that whilst all Canadians will mark Canada Day in their own way, an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and examination ought to be provided about what we already know from our past and ensure that going forward, no Canadian is left behind.
For more information on the Arts and Cultural programs and initiatives facilitated by the Markham Arts Council please contact 905-974-9059 or email info@markhamartscouncil.com or sign up for our newsletter on our website: www.markhamartscouncil.com
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Markham Arts Council
Tel: 905-947-9054
Email: info@markhamartscouncil.com
Website: www.markhamartscouncil.com
Facebook: @artsinmarkham
Twitter: @artsinmarkham
Instagram: @artsinmarkham
MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL TO CELEBRATE ITS FOURTH ANNUAL ARTS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS THROUGH A MONTH LONG EVENT
The virtual festival will showcase local visual, performing and literary artists while keeping communities engaged during these challenging and unprecedented times.
MARKHAM, ON (April 20, 2021) – Markham Arts Council will be celebrating its fourth annual flagship Arts and Cultural Heritage Celebrations (ACHC) virtually through a month-long cultural showcase on Markham Arts Council’s YouTube and social media channels.
The celebrations will include virtual visual arts exhibitions, musical and dance performances and author readings.
“As we know, the world is currently faced with extremely challenging times. Art is healing and therapeutic in nature,” said Deepti Aurora, Chair, Markham Arts Council. “Now more than ever, we need to embrace our cultural differences and stand together in humanity as Canadians. Right now it’s important for people to stay connected safely so we can be less isolated during this pandemic.”
The virtual celebrations will have video messages from several Federal, Provincial and City dignitaries including the Mayor of Markham Frank Scarpitti, MP for Markham – Unionville Bob Saroya, MPP for Markham – Unionville Billy Pang, MPP for Markham – Thornhill Logan Kanapathi and Head of Markham City’s Race Relations Advisory Committee Andrew Yu.
“At the City of Markham, we value the importance of promoting artistic and cultural expression and celebrating our local talent,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our city is made stronger and more vibrant because of our rich diversity and heritage through the Arts and Culture and I encourage you to virtually join us in the month of May for a celebration of arts & culture hosted by the Markham Arts Council.”
The Celebrations, which coincide with Asian Heritage Month and South Asian Heritage month will pay homage to the true multicultural Canadian spirit that the City of Markham has owned, which has resulted in Markham becoming one of the fastest growing cities in Canada.
“The Celebrations fit perfectly with the mandate of the Markham Arts Council,” adds Aurora. “One of our goals is to provide emerging and established artists with opportunities to learn, grow and collaborate on projects. This is important now more than ever. Through events like the Arts and Cultural Heritage Celebrations, we hope to build a stronger, more unified arts community that encompasses all forms of arts within the city of Markham.”
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ABOUT MARKHAM ARTS COUNCIL
The Markham Arts Council was originally started with a mission to serve and enhance our community’s well-being by providing arts and cultural education and awareness while supporting the work and development of visual, literary, and performing artists. Over the years, the Arts Council has worked on collaborative projects and initiatives by providing emerging and established artists with opportunities to grow and learn. Our aim is to build a stronger, more diverse yet unified arts community that encompasses all forms of art.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shruti Ganapathy
Markham Arts Council
Tel: 905-947-9054
Email: info@markhamartscouncil.com
Web: www.markhamartscouncil.com
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