Mayworks Festival of Working People & the Arts

Celebrate Mayworks 40th Anniversary Labour Arts Awards Gala! Nov 22, 6–9:30pm | Steelworkers Hall, Toronto Hosted by Itah Sadu, with live music, dinner, a silent auction and more. Tickets: $40–$70 | Table: $500 shorturl.at/pdZ6O

We are now accepting submissions for the second edition of the Condé Beveridge Labour Arts Residency, in memory of Carol Condé. Head to our website for more info and apply by April 19: mayworks.ca/conde-beveridg…

Mayworks Festival is hiring! We are seeking a Program Coordinator-Festival and a Program Coordinator-Communications. Visit mayworks.ca/get-involved/ to learn more and apply (posted under 'announcements')

NEWSLETTER CORRECTION 🏆 Bid at our Silent Auction! - mailchi.mp/0afef4edb20c/u…

🏆 Bid at our Silent Auction! - mailchi.mp/c173fc3c463d/u…

TONIGHT!

Join us on Wednesday October 29, 7PM for the launch of "The Art of Solidarity: Labour Arts & Heritage in Canada" with Stephanie Ross, Rob Kristofferson, and other book contributors 📖 📍 Workers Action Centre (WAC), 720 Spadina Ave. Suite 223 No registration required!

The Traditional Labour Arts Award goes to Emmy Tran, for her bold artwork of solidarity, equity, human rights and worker dignity, nominated by Dev Banfield.

🎉 Congrats to the recipients of the 2025 Mayworks Labour Arts Awards:

The Min Sook Lee Award for Outstanding Contribution to Labour Arts goes to Maureen Hynes, for her contributions as a writer, educator, & tour guide. The award also goes to Mike Constable, for his work as a political cartoonist, puppeteer, radical publisher & cultural provocateur.

The Labour Organization Award goes to OPSEU/SEFPO Indigenous Circle with Laura O’Brien, for their Reconciliation Story illustration—reflecting key milestones on the union’s 35-year journey toward reconciliation, nominated by Krista Maracle

The Labour Creative Maverick Award goes to Martha Davis, for her 3D dioramas challenging issues of climate, housing and food insecurity, nominated by Tina Faibish.

The Activist Award for Excellence in Contribution to Labour Arts goes to Charlie Angus, for his activism in support of workers with the group Grievous Angels, his numerous books and his current substack “The Resistance”, nominated by Gini Dickie.

The Artist Award for Excellence in Contribution to the Labour Movement goes to Rob Kristofferson and Stephanie Ross for their book Art and Solidarity, nominated by Between the Lines

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 18! If you would like to celebrate the achievements of an artist or activist in your union or community, please nominate them for a Labour Arts Award. Explore award categories and learn more: mayworks.ca/labour-arts-aw… (link in bio)

On July 26, 2025 @ 1pm, celebrate the @WAHC's 30th birthday and Mayworks Festival’s 40th with a tour of Parallel Histories: An Anniversary Exhibition and a zine making workshop! Register now: wahc-museum.ca/event/tour-zin…

On Saturday May 24, join Mayworks and @readBTLbooks for a book talk + screening🗓️ "Banging on the Walls of the Tank" is a collection of reflections and analysis written over eighteen years in Gaza by Palestinian academic + activist, Haidar Eid. Register: eventbrite.com/e/mayworks-fes…

Radical Thought in Time of Crisis w/ prominent scholars @Jodi7768 & @drcbs_ co-editors of the acclaimed book #OrganizeFightWin Registration: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… Thanks to our sponsors @springmagca, @VersoBooks, @AminahSheikh @NoLore @PalestineLabour @MayworksToronto

ACTRA Toronto is a proud sponsor of this year’s @MayworksToronto, where artists and working people come together to inspire action and solidarity. The recent screening of Tall El-Zataar (1977) was a powerful reminder of how art carries the stories of resistance across generations and borders. A powerful work of documentary filmmaking achieved despite extraordinary circumstances. The festival runs until May 31 — and admission is FREE! Reserve tickets for films, exhibits, and community events at: mayworks.ca A few highlights you won’t want to miss: 📍 Derailing Dignity – A sculptural exhibit on migrant gig workers' realities. Whippersnapper Gallery, until May 28 📍 Sudan, Remember Us – A documentary capturing youth-led revolution. Innis Town Hall, May 28, 7-9:30pm 📍 The Strike – A film on the fight to end solitary confinement in California. Innis Town Hall, May 30, 7-10pm Join us in showing up, listening, and standing in solidarity with working people everywhere. #Mayworks2025 #ArtAndLabour #BringingTheArtsToLife #UnionStrong