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Our Story

Founded in 2007, Manifesto works tirelessly to act as a catalyst for culture through a wide range of free or low-cost programming. We create access and opportunities for local artists to gain experience, connect with new audiences, and power a multi-disciplinary talent training incubator for future leaders. Programming includes concerts and performances, art exhibitions, community events, workshops, talks, summits, pop-ups, and the flagship Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture.

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Started and run by young people, Manifesto has helped create countless volunteer, internship and employment opportunities – building careers, fostering community connections, and fuelling civic and individual pride – all while contributing to the vitality of the city we love. Manifesto prioritizes the communities that have originated and propelled the hip-hop genre.

Black voices (intersecting with youth, women and the LGBTQQIP2SAA community) are often underserved in Canada’s arts and culture mainstream when it comes to equity, stakeholding, wage equality and overall resources. To bridge this gap, Manifesto provides performance opportunities, access to networking events and mentorship, and programs for career advancement, artistic growth, and community building.

 

Manifesto has become a champion for hip hop arts and culture in Canada and is at the centre of a united front for hip hop and R&B

in the city.

THE TEAM

TINESHA RICHARDS-MORRIS

Managing Director

JOSHUA DACUCOS

Creative Director

RUSS MARCUS ADADE

Director of Programming 

HIDAYA HAGI

Executive Assistant

MALAIKA LORDE

Festival Manager

SHANICE WILSON

Program Manager

GIULIA MAIA

Social Media Manager

KWAME BOISON

Program Instructor

SARAH KONADU-TRANCE

Programming Instructor Assistant 

INTERNS

CASSADY MORGAN

Graphic Designer

DANIEL OMOREGIE

Social Media Coordinator

NAJMA ISMAIL 

Artist Coordinator

ZAHRA ADEN

Program Coordinator

ABOUT

Like a lot of great stories, Manifesto’s begins with Hip Hop!

THE BOARD

CHE KOTHARI

Co-Founder/Board Chair

RYAN PATERSON

Co-Founder/Board Member

SHAVONNE HASFAL-McINTOSH

Board Secretary

JAMAL LOWE

Board Treasurer

KATRINA LOPES

Board Member

SUPPORT STAFF

APRILLE DEUS

Director of Festival Photography and Videography

JÁNAE KELLY-CLARKE 

Videographer

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