Goal

Founded to celebrate Black History Month, the Roots en Route Arts Festival has evolved to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural arts and identities within Hamilton. It recognizes the various histories that shape different community, arts, and cultural groups. By 2025, the festival aims to achieve a composition of 75% Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) artists and participants.

The 2025 Festival

By integrating our signature BIPOC Queer Cabaret and the Roots Exchange Network, we are committed to building strong partnerships with local and international arts organizations. Together, we will present an annual festival that emphasizes professional development and curates both indoor and outdoor celebrations of cultural diversity, while creating pathways to new markets and collaborations.

The Roots en Route Festival is vital for Hamilton, where large community and immigrant groups lack spaces that unite BIPOC arts and cultures. The festival aims to showcase innovative contemporary work by BIPOC artists, while offering workshops and networking opportunities with global presenters interested in promoting BIPOC talent on an international scale.

IBPOC - Queer Cabaret

BIPOC Queer Cabaret @ Roots en Route Arts Festival

Goal: By incorporating the BIPOC Queer Cabaret into our festival, we celebrate the lives and art of LGBTQ2S+ people of colour. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of queer artists and provide professional opportunities for showcasing their work to industry presenters.

Context: Launched in June 2013, the Queer Cabaret is an annual celebration of LGBTQ2S+ people of colour. It emerged from the need to address the marginalization of these individuals within both LGBTQ and cultural spaces. To our knowledge, it was the first event of its kind in Hamilton, setting a precedent for more diverse programming in the LGBTQ2S+ community. The Cabaret will continue to serve as a gathering point for the LGBTQ2S+ of colour community.

The Network

BIPOC Creative Industries Conference @ Roots Arts Festival

Goal: The conference aims to foster cultural exchange between Canada and selected regions, introducing Canadian artists to new audiences and markets. It will connect presenters and artists from these areas, allowing them to choose Canadian artists for tours and participate in artistic residencies.

Context: By developing a robust exchange program, we aim to enhance skills and opportunities within the creative industry, encouraging collaborations between professionals from Canada and the Global South. The Roots Exchange Network’s 2025-2028 plan will create opportunities for Canadian artists to engage with audiences in Southern Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia. This initiative not only opens new avenues for Canadian artists but also invites international artists to showcase their work in Canada, enriching our festivals and seasons.