Thrive & Shine: A Look Back at an Exhibition That Inspired Toronto

The City Hall Rotunda in Toronto recently witnessed a vibrant celebration of youth creativity through the Thrive & Shine exhibition. Through an innovative collaboration between the City of Toronto's Arts & Culture Services and Thrive Youth, the exhibition ran from November 19th to 23rd, captivating visitors with its powerful display of artworks created by children of all abilities from several of Toronto’s priority communities.

As the exhibit concludes its inspiring run, we reflect on the impact it had—not just on the young artists but also on the community that came together to celebrate their talent and resilience.

A Platform for Expression

Thrive & Shine was more than an art exhibition—it was a testament to the strength and creativity of young voices. The pieces on display, from bold abstracts to heartfelt depictions of everyday life, told stories of growth, hope, and transformation.

The artworks were created by children participating in Thrive Youth’s Toronto programs, including the Learn Create Explore and Build to Change program streams. These programs provide opportunities for young people to discover their talents, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging.

“Seeing the smiles and pride on the children’s faces as they showed their work on such an elevated platform was unforgettable,” shared Pari Rajagopalan, Thrive Youth’s President & CEO. “It reinforced our belief in the power of art to empower, inspire, and uplift.”

Building Connections Through Art

Throughout the exhibition, hundreds of visitors engaged with the pieces and the stories behind them. A special reception was held on November 20th, with opening remarks from Aderonke Akande, the City of Toronto’s Director of Arts and Culture Services, Renee Laforet of Thrive Youth’s Board of Directors, and participating young artist Carter.

Teachers, families, and local leaders alike praised the exhibition for providing a space where children could shine and for reminding the community of the importance of supporting youth voices.

Here’s a quick look into the projects our young artists engaged with to create the breathtaking pieces that were on display:

I SPY Me: Young artists explored self-expression and identity through watercolour landscapes, supported by artist-educator Cortney Stephenson, reflecting on their inner selves and how they fit into the larger community.

Me and Food Lino Printing: Young artists explored their cultural identities and connections to Toronto's diverse culinary landscape through food-themed lino prints.

MeDallions Clay Awards: Young artists created personalized medallions, expressing their unique identities and roles within their communities.  

Picture US: Young artists explored self-expression and sustainability as they created upcycled frames with artist-educator Ilona Valcov of Upmade, reflecting on their roles as young citizens of Toronto.  

Reach for the Stars Mural: Young artists with diverse needs celebrated their big dreams and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive community within Toronto, supported by artist-educator Rachel Babineau.  

Superheroes of Toronto: Young artists envisioned themselves as superheroes, using art to address social issues and contribute to a better future for Toronto, supported by artist-educator Renier Torres Calvo. Delivered in partnership with Art Starts TO.

Unmasking Identity: Young artists designed masks that revealed their unique identities, passions, and dreams, showcasing the diversity of Toronto's youth.  

Welcome to Regent Park: Young artists created zines that celebrated the diversity, inclusion, and kindness of their neighborhood, contributing to a positive image of their community within Toronto.  

Emotional Blobs: Young artists expressed their emotions through abstract art, exploring the range of human experiences within the context of their lives in Toronto.  

I Have Space!: Young artists with diverse needs created personal silhouettes, expressing their emotions and identities through accessible artmaking.

Looking Ahead

While the Thrive & Shine exhibition has ended, its impact will resonate for years to come. The young artists who participated have not only shared their talents with the city but have also gained valuable skills and confidence to carry forward.

Thrive Youth is committed to continuing its mission of empowering children through programs that foster creativity, leadership, and resilience. This exhibition was just one chapter in an ongoing story of transformation.

To everyone who visited Thrive & Shine, thank you for supporting these young artists and their journey. Your encouragement helps them thrive—and shine—even brighter.

What a Night! Our 2024 Anti-Gala Blew Us Away!

We're still buzzing from the incredible energy and support at our 2024 Thrive Youth Anti-Gala! Held at the Steam Whistle Brewery in the heart of Toronto on October 30th, 2024, it was truly a night to remember. From the moment the doors opened the place was filled with laughter, connection, and a shared passion for empowering youth.

We were so honoured to celebrate four incredible young leaders who received this year’s Thrive Youth Leadership Awards: Maya Hatamiaghdam, Gabriel Hodgins, Maya Quiroz-Pham, and Ira Zlomynoha. Hearing their stories of resilience and determination onstage was truly inspiring, and we're so grateful to our sponsors HUB International Canada, Northbridge Insurance, Intact Prestige, and RBC for presenting these awards.

We’re also over the moon to extend a huge congrats to our very first Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Award winner, Nayab Malik – seeing our alumni thrive and make a difference in the world is what it's all about! Nayab shared her story on stage at the event, with the award presented by Silvy Wright, CEO of Northbridge Financial Corporation.

The whole night was a whirlwind of amazing experiences. Guests grooved to the irresistible beats of Soular, sipped on the delicious Zubsky Punch courtesy of Zuber & Company, and explored a ton of interactive activations. We're talking sushi rolling, mandala painting, a drumming circle, upcycled art, improv comedy, graffiti art... even a 360-degree photo booth! It was incredible to see everyone connecting, creating, and having a blast.

But most importantly, thanks to our guests and supporters’ generosity, we raised a phenomenal $535,000 to support Thrive Youth programs! This means we can continue to empower even more young people to discover their potential and build bright futures.

We are deeply grateful to our Signature sponsor HUB International Canada, along with our incredible cohort of VIP, Bold, Courageous, and Brave sponsors who believe in the power of the next generation of young leaders.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who made this night possible. To our amazing sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees – your belief in our mission means the world to us and to the youth we serve.

This is just the beginning! We're fired up and ready to keep building a brighter, more inclusive future for all young people. Stay tuned for what's next – we can't wait to share it with you!

P.S. Want to relive the magic or see what you missed? Check out the full gallery of event photos here. 📸

Celebrating the Inaugural Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Awardee, Nayab Malik!

Thrive Youth is thrilled to announce the inaugural Thrive Northbridge Alumni Changemaker Award! This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional Thrive alumni who has not only achieved remarkable success in their personal and professional life but also embodies the core values of Thrive: resilience, empathy, creativity, and a commitment to community impact. This individual has transformed challenges into opportunities, blazing a trail of inspiration for current Thrive Youth students and the wider community. The award was presented live on-stage at our 2024 Anti-Gala event by Silvy Wright, CEO of Northbridge Financial Corporation, who have supported Thrive Youth’s mission for over two decades. We’re so pleased to announce that the inaugural award recipient is Nayab Malik of Toronto.

Nayab is a 27-year-old graduate student at Boston Architectural College, and is being honoured for her remarkable personal and professional achievements. Growing up in an immigrant family with a single mother, Nayab faced significant challenges, including financial hardship and emotional struggles, but she has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination. Balancing full-time work with her studies, she has supported her family while pursuing a better future for herself and her loved ones.

Nayab’s journey has been shaped by her commitment to education and leadership, influenced by her involvement with Thrive Youth. These programs helped her grow from a shy, reserved individual into a confident leader, empowering her to overcome adversity and pursue her dreams. Today, Nayab uses her leadership skills to tutor and mentor young students, encouraging them to believe in their potential and achieve their goals.

“This moment means so much to me—not just because I’m the first to receive this award, but because I hope it shows others that when you stay true to yourself, when you fight through the hard times, you can change not only your life, but the lives of others, and even future generations.”

With plans to complete her Master’s degree in Architecture by 2025, obtain her OAA license, and become both a teacher and a mentor, Nayab continues to strive for excellence in her professional and personal life. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, making her an inspiration to young people everywhere.