The 2025 theme for Black History Month in Canada is: “February and Beyond: Honoring Black Legacy Today and Tomorrow,” which emphasizes the enduring impact and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians to the nation.
As we near the end of the month, the narratives of Black Canadians – and specifically, Black artists – continue to resonate powerfully. Over the past year, Black visual artists in Canada have made significant strides, gaining recognition for their innovative work and contributions to the arts. To name but a few notable achievements:
- Sandra Brewster – Brewster, a Toronto-based artist known for her explorations of identity, memory, and community, (and in fact, one of the very first artists on Partial back in 2016!), was featured in a major solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Her work, which often incorporates mixed media and portraiture, continues to challenge and expand the narratives around Black Canadian experiences.
- Brendan Fernandes – A multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of dance and visual art, Fernandes launched a groundbreaking installation at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. His work often examines themes of migration, labor, and queer identity.
- Esmaa Mohamoud – Mohamoud, also known as “E”, a Toronto-based artist, gained international attention for her powerful sculptures and installations that explore themes of race, gender, and sports. Her work was recently featured in a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto.
- Zun Lee – Lee’s intimate and poignant photographs earn critical acclaim for their depth and authenticity about the everyday lives of Black families in Canada, and have been exhibited in galleries across the country.
How can I invest in, and collect art, by Black artists in Canada?
For art lovers and new collectors, discover dozens of emerging Black artists on Partial, with art spanning a range of mediums, styles, and histories. From the captivating abstracts of Jamie Pasquale, to the dream-like images by photographer Leilah Dhoré, to the surreal landscapes of Mahir Siraj, explore the collection now.
“The history of Black communities in Canada is an integral part of Canadian history. This year’s theme is about reflecting and celebrating the contributions of Black Canadians in shaping our country while paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice; for far too long Black communities in Canada have been faced with anti-Black and systemic racism. Our government has remained committed to combatting these systemic barriers, and that is why we recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and welcomed the recently announced second decade. Through efforts like the Canada Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, our government is tackling anti-Black racism and combatting hate in all its forms. Black History Month offers us all a valuable opportunity to learn more about the diversity of Black communities across the country, and to listen to and be open with one another on what we can do to build a better, more inclusive Canada.”
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Government of Canada
Significant strides are being made to address the historical omission of Black Canadian stories in educational curricula, ensuring these vital histories are finally integrated into the mainstream consciousness. In Toronto, the Nia Centre for the Arts (Canada’s first professional Black arts centre and a Toronto-based charitable organization) celebrated a year of being open to the public in their new space in Toronto’s Little Jamaica. Keep tabs on all the events going on at the Centre, as well as the opportunities available to artists.
The list of dynamic contributions of Black visual artists in Canada is long, underscoring their vital role in shaping the cultural landscape and fostering a deeper understanding of Black experiences. These milestones underscore the importance of celebrating Black history not just in February, but every day, as we continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future.