MASC 35th Anniversary Gala

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

MASC celebrates 35 years of arts and culture with an Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:30pm at the National Arts Centre. Headlined by award-winning artists Kellylee Evans and YAO, this spectacular evening will feature performances by dancers, musicians and storytellers that showcase the transformative power of the arts!

For 35 years, MASC has brought professional artists into schools and communities, stimulating creativity, cultural awareness and self-expression in over 160,000 children, young people and seniors every year.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we invite you to join us in ensuring that MASC's impact continues for years to come. Your support will not only help make this gala a success, but will also directly support arts programming for disadvantaged communities in Ontario and Western Quebec.

Gala Evening!

Join us for an inspiring evening of music, dance, poetry, and more! Discover the transformative impact of MASC’s programs through the inspiring stories of those whose lives have been changed, and the talented artists who bring their culture, artistic passion, and creativity to life. Join us as a MASC Champion and help celebrate 35 years of meaningful arts programming, while supporting an exciting new chapter in our journey toward the future!

Become a Sponsor!

Videos of artists who will be performing

A young Black girl in a long red dress with tulle and polka dots kicks her foot straight into the air in front of her with her toes pointed, her back tilted backwards, head turned towards the camera, and holding her hands behind her back. / Une jeune fille Noire dans une longue robe rouge en tulle avec des petits pois lève sa jambe en l’air devant elle, le pied pointé, le dos courbé en arrière, la tête tournée vers l’objectif et tenant ses mains dans son dos.

What people are saying

I know the power of the arts because I have lived it. Through MASC Arts Awards, I received a year-long drama scholarship in grade 8. It was a catalyst for opening up a window of opportunities for me. All of a sudden, what wasn’t possible, seemed possible.

— Stefan Keyes MASC Board member, CTV News Anchor

I don’t know where I would have gone in life if it wasn’t for the kind of programming Awesome Arts offered me as a teen. It was my escape route for a lot of the difficulties I was experiencing. I found that it brought me healthier ways to express my frustrations, it gave me a space to laugh and write even if it was once a week. Art is a form of therapy for people like me that didn’t have the opportunity to talk to professionals through rough times. I can honestly say Awesome Arts saved me in a way.

— Akuol Luala (Awesome Arts en folie participant and former MASC Board member)

Jacqui Du Toit has the magic of storytelling. With her infusion of different folktales, legends and South African history, students gain not only beautifully orated stories, but historical facts about Apartheid.

— Shaz Tyndale Ottawa-Carleton Virtual Secondary School

JustJamaal The Poet’s passion, empathy and charisma left an indelible mark on our students’ hearts and minds.

— Michael McPake Kitigan Zibi School

With Louis Mercier, the students made some beautiful discoveries and acquired new knowledge that contributed to strengthening their sense of belonging to Franco-Ontarian culture.

— Sophie Nougaret l’école Notre-Place

“MASC’s multicultural programming has helped break down barriers, making senior residents more accepting and welcoming of their neighbours.

— Lowertown Community Resource Centre