Joy Of Innocence, Emmanuel Akolo, 2023, Acrylic on canvas.
EVERY KID
NEEDS A TEAM
Curated by Lay-Up
Dear Friend of TOAF,
EVERY KID NEEDS A TEAM is the first collection in our new Neighborly Love Series, where TOAF invites our 401 Richmond neighbours—awesome cultural organizations working across the building, many outside the visual arts—to select TOAF artworks through their own unique “curatorial lens.”
This collection is curated by Lay-Up, a charity providing cost-free programs centred on the culture of basketball. The Lay-Up team is also our 401 Richmond work “crush”—always strutting past our office in stylish sportswear and bringing the best energy.
Hear what inspired their collection:
“At Lay-Up, we believe every kid needs a team—and that means bringing the whole person into the sport experience. Curated through the individual favourites of our leadership team, this collection brings together works as distinct as the people who selected them, reflecting our belief that our unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of being make the collective stronger. We use sport to create teams where young people belong, discover their strengths, develop their voice, and feel empowered to show up fully as themselves.”
Keep reading to discover why the Lay-Up team chose the joyful pieces they did.
With love
Lay-Up & the TOAF Team
Brey’s Faves
“This art really speaks to me for a couple of reasons. First, I love the name. Second, I love the idea that we are all made in the image of God, yet this child is creating their own image and, in a sense, playing God”
“I find that this piece is representative of myself. He is an acquired taste just like myself. He is adaptable because in the painting he has all flavours of ice cream not just a single flavour. Also, I love ice cream :)”
Prince’s Faves
“This brings me back to my Childhood in Jane and Finch, on a nice, shining, beautiful Wednesday morning, taking the bus to school with my mom and sister. Remembering moments like this brings me peace and makes me be grateful to see how far I’ve come in life! The title gives me the urge to sing I can see clearly now by Johnny Nash as well.”
“This reminds me of a time long ago where my mom brought my sisters and I to Ghana on vacation! We shared many moments and experiences that we still talk about today.”
Hanna’s Faves
“This piece jumped out at me because some of my favourite spaces to find myself in are liminal spaces – the spaces in between. Where we are on our way somewhere, but haven’t yet arrived. This is where deep reflection, and often the deepest connection and awareness, live for me!”
“I loved this piece for two reasons: one being simply that cows are one of my favourite animals, and two because of the playful and fun approach to such a meaningful message – we can go our own way. A message that I think brings so much beauty into daily life. Sure, we can do things the way they have always been done – that’s easy. But how special is it to unlock some creativity and think differently? To NOT do things just because they have been done that way before, and instead carve a path for ourselves!”
Marion’s Faves
“Could never go wrong with sunrise and water – feels like my sacred hour. This art reminds me of how the stillness of the morning can truly set the tone of your day.”
“Immediately reminded me of home – the jeepney Lol. The hot sun, the breeze, the slightly dirty rides, the street art with “Thank you, Lord God ” brings back that simple, familiar feeling in the Philippines”
“This piece reminds me that while I value being alone, life is better with friends and community who help move you forward. The shadow feels like a reminder of how far you’ve come you can look back while still moving forward.”
Faith’s Faves
“This piece caught my eye given its irony and complex levels of beauty. The irony of seeing an intentionally composed photo displaying levels of decomposing nature is very intriguing. But also the level of beauty, intricate formation, and ordered chaos of things breaking down that used to be alive captures the elegance in gracefully accepting transitions, even if something has to die in the process.”
“The choice of colour for this piece is perfect. The deep red really reflects the weighty feeling of an exodus; walking away from familiarity into a sea of unknown. The colour choice and large size difference between the sky and the people echoes vast feelings of uncertainty and heaviness. But, the soft illuminating glow in the red displays the hopeful potential of better
opportunities lying ahead because of the exit.”
Rohma’s Faves
“This artwork speaks to me because the colours are so beautiful and vibrant. The people in the center look like shadows and reflections. This makes me think about people and experiences that stay with us as we move through different seasons of our lives.”
“This piece speaks to me because Toronto has been an important part of my life and will continue to be. The artwork feels almost like a memory of the city. I think it is insanely cool that the artist used pieces of maps and atlases to represent places in the city. The fragmented pieces remind me of how different experiences and places can come together to shape a person. I can also connect with the contrast between the dark background and bright city lights because it makes the city feel hopeful and alive.”
Lily’s Faves
“I love how simple it is just blue and white yet it’s still so beautiful and unique. I feel like in today’s world, people often overlook the beauty in simplicity. I’m also learning to appreciate the simple things about myself.”
“It makes me feel weird, but in an understanding way.”
Mica’s Faves
“Aliens feel deeply human, but fall outside of humanity. I can relate to their outsider feeling, their curiosity, their observant positioning and outside perspective. And their confidence and comfort of not blending in.”
“Each of these characters expresses the fullness of themselves, which is unique, different and beautiful. As a collective, they are art – and that, in many ways, is what our team represents to me.”
