COVID-19 unfortunately sparked anti-Asian racism locally, nationally, and internationally. Covid has had a significant impact on the local arts community and the festival was conceptualized as a way to foster deeper engagement and collaboration amongst the collective organizations. 

By exploring new ways of capacity-building and fostering community partnership, the festival hopes to celebrate the collective depth and breadth of performing and visual arts in the GTA and continue to build solidarity and resilience.

Public Transit: Line 3 Scarborough - Scarborough Centre Station

Drive and Park: Green P Parking - Lot 711 (paid)

100 Borough Drive Parking (paid)

Scarborough Town Centre (free)

The festival site at Scarborough Civic Centre is an accessible City of Toronto venue. Film screenings taking place at Cineplex are also accessible.

You sure can! If you are interested in volunteering for the festival, please email us togetherwerisefest@gmail.com.

Nagata Shachu is also always on the lookout for volunteers. Contact us!

The Together We Rise Festival is open to, and welcoming of, audiences of all ages. There will be family-friendly activities, and admission to all events is completely free.

The festival is a pet-friendly event. Please be considerate, and leash your dogs, and be aware of the folks around you

We’ll have a selection of vendors who will be offering a variety of food and beverages for purchase. We highly recommend that you bring your own water for the day. Food is also available at the Scarborough Town Centre, just a few steps away.

No, we won’t be serving alcohol at the event this year. Maybe next time.

The festival will have accessible washrooms and changing stations available inside the Civic Centre during festival hours.

We’ll get wet and go indoors! The festival will take place rain or shine. Please check the forecast before attending so you can prepare to be comfortable. In case of heavy rain, all outdoor performances will be moved indoors at the Civic Centre.

There is no wifi provided, but there is wifi at the Scarborough Civic Centre Toronto Public Library branch.

Proof of vaccination is no longer required for events in Ontario. We will continue to work with public health authorities to ensure our policies are in accordance with the latest public health guidance in Ontario. 

We encourage masking and physical distancing, and those that are feeling ill should stay home, to reduce the risk of transmission. Precautions may be added or modified as we continue to monitor the situation.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation in creating a healthy experience for all.