Thank You Toronto Arts Foundation 2024

Toronto Arts Foundation - Thank you for the recognition

Pan Fantasy Steelband is the Recipient of the 2024 Toronto Arts Foundation Arts for Youth Award. We are honoured!

Pan Fantasy Steelband operates under the guidance of the North York Inter-Community Youth Group (NYICYG). 

Wendy Jones, the leader of Pan Fantasy Steelband, is so proud of her team:

… Thank you to Toronto Arts Foundation; 

Thank you to Wilma Cayonne who nominated Pan Fantasy Steelband for this award;

Thank you to Al Foster, the band’s awesome arranger; and 

Thank you to my number one (1) team Pan Fantasy Steelband, members past and present.

The first steelband to be a finalist and then receive a Toronto Arts Foundation Arts for Youth Award. It is a true honour. We are proud of the recognition as we continue to engage youth and support our youth members as they learn leadership skills through the performing arts. 

For over 38 years Pan Fantasy Steelband has grown from an intimate group of players to an impressive collective of vibrant musicians. Our focus continues to be the youth in our communities.

Hundreds of young people have had the opportunity to be involved in our program. Our goal is to continue to support our youth, our communities, and preserve the culture. As mentors, we thank our mature members who play an important role in this process. Many of our mentors joined the NYICYG as youth participants and are still part of the Pan Fantasy team…Thank you!

The 2024 Toronto Arts Foundation Arts for Youth Award Assessment panel was surprised that Pan Fantasy Steelband has not received more accolades in the past given that “the work is truly transformative.” The “passion, the fire in every performer and performance is inspiring.” 

What is Toronto Arts Foundation

Toronto Arts Foundation envision a vibrant and creative Toronto where every neighbourhood is enriched by the transformative benefits of the arts. Toronto Arts Foundation is focused on bringing the arts to communities throughout the city. 

They do this, not only because every individual deserves to enjoy the many benefits of the arts, but because engaged and inclusive communities build strong cities. 

Toronto Arts Foundation is a charitable organization that cultivates a rich engagement between artists and audiences and encourages private sector support. Members of Pan Fantasy Steelband asks that you please support this initiative… https://torontoartsfoundation.org/home

What is Toronto Arts Foundation Arts for Youth Award

Toronto Arts Foundation Arts for Youth Award celebrates an individual, collective or organization that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to engaging Toronto’s youth through the arts. 

Established in 2007, the award is generously supported by Martha Burns, Jim Fleck, and Sandra and Jim Pitblado. 

Pan Fantasy Steelband thanks the supporters of this very important initiative.

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