Toronto the Creative: Arts Week 2004

Once in a while, I get sent to Vtape to pick up a "deck" (that's industry speak for a VCR or DVD player). It's usually on a beautiful day and so I don't mind, especially since the Vtape offices are in my favourite building in the entire city (maybe even the world!), 401 Richmond — the home of beautiful, nice and talented people.

From the outside, it doesn't look like much. Just a converted warehouse on the southeast corner of Richmond and Spadina. But inside there are creaky hardwood floors, exposed brick, art galleries, publishing companies and other officies devoted to creative creation. Up on the roof is one of the nicest, most private places to enjoy your lunch. There are flowers and plants everywhere and a secretive place to admire the Toronto skyline.

401 Richmond is also one of the sites participating in this year's Arts Week. There will be public exhibits and other events all around the city. The official kickoff is tomorrow at Nathan Phillips Square.

Don't forget, Word on the Street is this Sunday. This year it has moved from Queen's Street to Queen's Park, (so in my opinion it should be Word in the Park). There are a number of cool events including a panel discussion titled "Hearts and Minds: The Struggle of Canada's thinking persons magazine," which will feature panelists, Ken Alexander (The Walrus), Derek Webster (Maisonneuve) and Joyce Byrne (This Magazine). I'll be there.

I will also be at the Shameless magazine booth, where they will have copies of their second issue. This issue includes a profile on Margaret Cho, done by yours truly. I admit, I'm not particularly proud of this article, but I am pretty excited for it anyway. Next time, I'll write better...

Links:
Toronto Arts Online