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.

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.