Co-produced with Harbourfront Centre and sponsored by TD Bank.

Reviving the legacy that first brought culturally diverse sounds into the collective consciousness of a generation of Torontonians, this exhibition pays homage to WOMAD – a World of Music, Art and Dance at Harbourfront Centre from 1988 to 1992. Artifacts, memories, sights and sounds allow us to explore the Festival founded by Peter Gabriel 30 years ago in the UK. The ear-opening inspiration it provided when Toronto became part of its global tour led directly to the founding of Small World Music Society by Alan Davis in 1997. Its relevance to Toronto as a global music city is significant. What Thomas Brooman, Artistic Director of WOMAD, wrote in 1988 is equally relevant today: “Toronto’s varied multicultural roots make the city a perfect home.” Small World Music Society’s 17th Annual Festival hopes to continue this celebration of diversity and plurality, and encourage both reflection and continued cultural bridge building.

Related event: WOMAD 30 Panel Conversation at Harbourfront Centre's Lakeside Terrace, Saturday, August 18th 1p.m.



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