Team

Anahita Azrahimi is the Executive & Creative Director of the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF) — Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor art fair. An artistic producer, strategist, and ecosystem builder, she has transformed TOAF into a national platform for artist representation and discovery.

Since joining TOAF in 2016, Anahita has led a major revitalization of the 64-year-old organization — strengthening its governance, modernizing operations, expanding public programs, access, and artist services, and commissioning new public art and dance projects. In response to the pandemic, she spearheaded the launch of TOAF’s Digital Fair and e-commerce platform — an agile, accessible space that continues to connect artists and audiences across Canada.

Mobilizing communities through meaningful partnerships and trust-based collaboration, Anahita has cultivated a vibrant network of artists, organizations, and supporters that continues to grow TOAF’s reach and impact. She brings two decades of experience across contemporary dance, theatre, and visual arts, having worked with Creative Trust, Theatre Direct, Dancemakers, and numerous independent artists. Her background as a visual artist shapes her deep understanding of the needs of independent artists and the communities she serves.

Anahita currently serves on the Board of Koffler Arts and has held advisory and board roles with Centennial College’s Arts Management Program, WeeFestival of Arts and Culture, and Modern Times Stage Company, as well as numerous juries including the Dora Mavor Moore Dance Awards, Ontario Arts Council, Craft Ontario, and DesignTO.

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Ania is an event operations and nonprofit professional with more than nine years of experience delivering large-scale public events and managing arts-based programs.

Specializing in complex urban environments, she works at the intersection of logistics, public space, and community engagement. As Operations Manager at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, she oversees operations, event logistics, artist relations, partnerships, and grants.

Ania holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies and Art History from the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College, and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from Centennial College. She is currently completing the Municipal Event Management Workshop Series through Toronto Metropolitan University in partnership with the Creative City Network of Canada.

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With 15 years of experience in the execution and production of events and art exhibitions, Calder has found a niche as an expert at executing polished final products based on ambitious artistic visions.

Calder has worked as head stage manager and production designer for Fashion Art Toronto for 12 years. He works with 50 designers and performers a season, weaving their individual visions into a cohesive show.

Calder has designed stages and lighting plots for many events in Toronto. Most notably—Promise Indoor Events/Cherry Beach Sundays (since 2018), Fashion Art Toronto (Since 2012), DOCD (Summer 2023), and Summer Camp (2022). He is excited to bring his production expertise to TOAF, Canada’s largest and longest-running annual contemporary art fair.

Yi Tung (Lavender) Cheng holds a Post-Graduate Certificate of Arts Management and a degree in Archaeology. She considers herself motivated by passion, hard work, and creativity. As a museum practitioner, she has a longstanding interest in widening access to art by engaging visitors with diverse curatorial perspectives. This year will be her seventh show with TOAF!

With a background in English Literature and Theatre Studies, Sophie brings a strong understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and the vital role the arts play in building community. She’s especially drawn to the energy of live events and the meaningful connections that happen when artists and audiences share space—one of the many reasons she finds TOAF such a compelling platform.

In her role as Artist Relations Coordinator, Sophie is a dedicated point of support for participating artists. She focuses on building strong relationships, advocating for artists’ needs, and helping create an environment where they can thrive.

Lili Faier is a visual artist and cultural worker based in Toronto. She recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing, with a minor in Art History, from Concordia University.

Lili believes in the power of art to heal and connect—and most importantly, that it should be accessible to all. This is her third year working with TOAF, a role she values deeply as an emerging artist herself. She has witnessed firsthand the magic and impact TOAF has on Canadian artists and is grateful to contribute to such a meaningful cultural event.

Ellen is a festival and event worker based in Canada & the UK. She’s worked for festivals such as Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Hot Docs, Gimli International Film Festival, Whistler Film Festival, DOXA, Edmonton Fringe Festival, Sled Island Music Festival, NXNE, Images Festival, and many more. She has completed 70 festivals, primarily in volunteer management, front of house, and box office.

Ellen has a diploma in Arts & Cultural Management from MacEwan University, as well as a BA in Media Production from Toronto Metropolitan University.