Younger than Beyonce Gallery opening in Toronto

It's Beyonce's 33rd year on earth, and the holy queen of pop's name is about to gain a little more prestige in Toronto. Younger than Beyonce's gallery will showcase work by emerging artists younger than 33 starting in 2015, with its name inspired by the New Museum's Younger Than Jesus show in New York City (Jesus died at 33, Beyonce... is 33 for the moment).

"We chose her because she is our personal Jesus. We admire her ambition, talent, and her ability to reach a wide audience," OCAD MFA grads Marjan Verstappen and Humboldt Magnussen, the programmers and artists behind the gallery, tell me. While Beyonce made her millions through song, the nomadic gallery will be entirely crowdfunded through fundraisers and a just-launched Indigogo campaign.

The young entrepreneurs explain the unique-to-Toronto gallery concept. "Opening in early 2015, YTB will program month-long pop-up shows in spaces throughout Toronto, including short art exhibitions, artist talks, and performance art nights celebrating experimental practices." Confirmed artists and curators include Rouzbeth Akhbari, Ella McGeough, and Jessica Kichoncho Karuhanga. For aspiring young artists, a first call for submissions will drop December 9.

Toronto galleries have struggled of late to make it in high-traffic areas, often due to rising rents - so YTB's plan just may beat the system. Learn more on their Indigogo campaign or catch them in person at their BeyoncĂŠ VS The World fundraiser at the Henhouse December 20 (where Bey will feature on every other song). The party is $5/PWYC.

Photo: AP Select