The Art Museum is thrilled to present a celebratory cycle of programming titled Carnival Blues to mark the conclusion of the exhibition Land. Sea. Sugar. Salt.: Terrestrial and Aquatic Contemplations of the Caribbean. Guest-curated by Bushra Junaid and Natalie Wood, the program is inspired by the exhibition’s multifaceted geographical, historical, environmental, cultural and deeply personal reflections on the Caribbean region.
As Bushra and Natalie observe, “Stepping into the gallery space for the first time, we each felt the movement of people across, toward, and outward from the vast territory of islands, mainlands, and waterways of the Caribbean, as well as the influence this migration has had on Canada and the world. We also thought of one of its most significant exports and gifts to humanity: the distinct form of Caribbean Carnival.”
Through dance and movement workshops, hands-on “mas” (masquerade) camp workshops, panel discussion, and procession, Carnival Blues takes us beyond the frame of the exhibition space to consider and celebrate the enduring legacy and impact of Carnival. The workshops and panel are rooted in traditional mas/Carnival practices as championed by the Blue Devil Moko Jumbie Mas Camp, a community-based Carnival arts initiative founded by artists-activists Natalie Wood and Michael Lee Poy.
All events are free. Registration is required for most programs.
Carnival Blues
July 23–24, 2026
University of TorontoA program of Land. Sea. Sugar. Salt.: Terrestrial and Aquatic Contemplations of the Caribbean
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Venues:University of Toronto Art Centre
Paul Cadario Conference Centre
University College, 15 King’s College CircleHart House
7 Hart House Circle
Check out the full program schedule here.