The opening day of the Toronto Biennial of Art 2026’s three-day Convening centres Indigenous perspectives and practices, and will feature an array of contemporary traditional foods, followed by a facilitated drum social where participants are invited to bring drums and rattles to share and learn songs. TBA artists Bonnie Devine, Taqralik Partridge, and Rebecca Belmore will discuss their artistic practices and new commissions for the 2026 Toronto Biennial.

This program is free, but registration is required in order to attend. Please register via this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/convening-an-arrival-a-grounding-a-departure-day-1-tickets-1997005435014?aff=oddtdtcreator#location

Schedule as follows, subject to change:

1:00 PM: Gather at the Native Canadian Centre.Opening remarks from curator Allison Glenn and co-curators Bert Whitecrow and Mikinaak Migwans.

1:30 PM: A shared meal will be served as guests gather and connect.

2:15 PM: A conversation with Bonnie Devine, Rebecca Belmore, and Taqralik Partridge, exploring their practices and their work within the Biennial.

3:30 PM: Break & Set up for Drum Social

3:45 PM: Drum Social led by Jamie Whitecrow. Extra drums and rattles will be available for guests who would like to participate or you are welcome to bring your own.

4:45 PM: The drummers bring the Convening to a close with a closing song.