By Holly Hebert, Assistant, Events & Outreach

Over the course of a two-year pilot project, Toronto Arts Foundation, with support from TD Bank Group, will work directly with community members to support the co-curation and enhancement of existing Arts in the Parks activities and events. These enhancements are based on a series of community consultations that took place in the spring of 2026 and will continue into 2027. For more information on the pilot, please reach out to engagement coordinators Jeff (jeff@torontoarts.org) and Liz (liz@torontoarts.org). 

Parkway Forest Park rippled with vibrancy this summer, especially during the evenings of dance performances and workshops organized by Rashmi Mishra. Each event of Sundown Stories focused on a different type of Indian dance: Kathak led by Rashmi herself, Punjabi Dance with Jannat Ali, and Bollywood featuring Priyanjana.  

Sundown Stories grabbed the attention of hundreds of parkgoers, filling the green space with attendees who were there to watch and participate. Rashmi created a wonderfully welcoming environment, one that encouraged people of all ages and abilities to step into dance. Facilitators Jannat Ali and Priyanjana led step-by-step movements, ending sessions with dance parties that travelled throughout the park.  

The events were made even more lively with enhancements included in the programming at Parkway Forest this year. At the series’‘ first event, local performance group Happy Time Seniors gave a pre-show. The dance and musical group consisting of Chinese elders set the stage with movement pieces and instrumental sets.  

The free ice cream giveaways at the first and second performances were also a huge hit. Event attendees received ticket vouchers they could exchange for a free cone, popsicle, sundae, or other treat from the on-site ice cream truck. Having access to a free dessert while enjoying outdoor dances made for an even sweeter Sundown Stories.  

Adding visual arts into the mix was Splash on Earth, another local organization that repurposes waste by turning it into paint. Using food scraps as a way to make art, they joined each evening event to engage the community with sidewalk and pathway painting. 

Splash on Earth brilliantly translated Parkway Forest Park’s spirited energy into animated sidewalk art. Working in direct opposition to the ecological footprint of our society, the creative stamp they leave makes its mark, engaging whole communities at a time. You can see them at more Arts in the Parks events this year as they’re contributing to the Rosyland series in Lee Lifeson Art Park.  

The final event of Sundown Stories also included a visit from Councillor Shelley Carroll. Showing her support for the Parkway Forest community and Arts in the Parks, she gave a lovely speech about the importance of accessible outdoor events, such as this one. As one attendee said, “This is the most amazing thing ever.”  

If you are interested in donating to Arts in the Parks to help this work continue, visit us here.