The city of Toronto enjoys a thriving arts and literary scene. It is the third largest English-speaking theatre centre in the world (after London and New York), and is home to a plethora of both small and large publishing presses, world-class library and archival systems, world-renowned newspapers and magazines, numerous independent bookstores, and various literary communities and festivals. Toronto’s vibrant artistic sensibility makes it fertile ground for scholars and artists alike. The sponsoring institutions themselves are home to a number of award-winning writers, artists and performers. Related events that coincide with the conference include walking tours, exhibitions affiliated with Ryerson University, the University of Toronto and OCAD University, gallery visits and readings and performances by local artists and authors (TBD).
Toronto has many sites of cultural interest for conference attendees. These include:
Galleries
One of the largest art galleries in North America, Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), houses a major collection of twentieth-century Canadian art, as well as works by renowned international modernist artists and the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre. Toronto is also home to the Gardiner Museum, which focuses on ceramics, and the Bata Shoe Museum, and the McMichael Collection of Canadian Art, the Aga Khan Museum, and Ismaili Centre are located in Toronto’s suburbs.
During the MSA Conference, the Bata Shoe Museum is happy to provide free admission to all delegates who show their conference badge. Likewise, the AGO is offering 20% off admission for all conference attendees, and delegates 25 years and under will be given free admission.
Historic properties
Of particular interest to conference attendees may be the Spadina House Museum, which preserves the home of a wealthy Toronto family as it was in the 1920s and 30s; and Casa Loma, a palatial residence built in the early twentieth century, featuring opulent decorations, secret passages and 5 acres of gardens.
Theatre
Several theatres within walking distance of the conference venue host major productions. Other theatre options include Tarragon Theatre and Factory Theatre, which produce Canadian plays, and Soulpepper Theatre, located in the historic Distillery District, which puts on a mixture of Canadian and international, contemporary and classic shows. Each of these is accessible via public transit or cab.
Family
For attendees travelling with children and families, Toronto is home to many family-friendly attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Toronto Zoo, as well as the CN Tower.
For a more extensive exploration of the city’s upcoming events and attractions, visit the official Toronto Tourism website.
Contact us with any queries
Conference host
The Modern Literature and Culture (MLC) Research Centre was the host of MSA Toronto 2019. Stay up-to-date with the Centre’s research initiatives, projects, and events.
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