AZIZA MOHAMMED OF SALON WEST

Many South Asian professionals provide creative flare with their ventures in the community. Meet Aziza Mohammed, the Director of Salon West, a registered non-profit organization that brings together arts, politics, and community leaders to discuss Toronto’s blossoming art scene. The idea stemmed from the Director noticing that people like her were not reflected in the leadership of the city’s culture sector.

The motivation behind Salon West is tackling this unmet need by empowering a broader, younger, and more diverse group of individuals across Toronto. Aziza explained that the city needs a forum that allows this group to interact with senior arts and political leadership to re-imagine the city. This social space has significant potential for a more cultural and artistic Toronto.

Aziza may be the Director of the salon, but she does not consider herself a one person show. Aziza has developed relationships with a broad network of advisers who embrace the Salon West project both within Canada and abroad. Some prominent groups she partnered with are:

• The Canadian Opera Company
• Opera Atelier
• Tafelmusik
• Canada’s National Ballet School
• Mural Routes

In addition to her robust networks, Aziza also teamed up with trusted friends to really make Salon West a great phenomenon. Salon West is on the verge of making a significant impact with their planned series of compelling events. Such topical sessions we should look forward to see are:

• A panel of local graffiti artists discussing art in public spaces.
• Professors Linda and Michael Hutcheon discussing the link between opera and medicine.
• Tafelmusik sharing innovations in audience experiences.
• Aziza Mohammed, herself a former political panelist on CBC and former political staffer, discussing arts and foreign policy.

Salon West will be featuring their official launch event on Sunday August 17th, 2014 at 23 Prince Arthur Avenue. Salon West is going to collaborate with their honorable partners to uncover what type of city Toronto needs to be for the culture sector to thrive. More prominent guests that will be in attendance include John Tory, David Soknacki, Karen Stintz, and Mayor Rob Ford.

To learn more about Salon West’s exciting initiatives, you can visit salonwest.strikingly.com