Event Details

Scheduled to open on September 18th 2014, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage. The Museum will be a vibrant educational institution, encouraging a full spectrum of public engagement with its diverse permanent collection of more than 1,000 objects and its ever-changing roster of exhibitions and innovative programs – including music, performances, culinary traditions, lectures, debates, special events, or film.

This application is for “Game On! Exhibition & Rhythms of Canada Festival 2026” taking place March 28 to September 7, 2026, at their facility in Don Mills. Coinciding with Toronto’s debut as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 26, “Game On” will explore the history and cultural significance of games and sports in the Islamic world. Curated by Bita Pourvash, the exhibition continues the Museum’s mission to foster intercultural understanding through the arts. On July 1 the 2026 “Rhythms of Canada Festival” will celebrate the FIFA World Cup with a dynamic mix of pop-up and main stage performances, a food market, community-led activations, arts and crafts, and game-themed activities taking place at the Aga Khan Park. Programming for the “Game On! Exhibition” will include:

(1) The exhibition will feature historic objects, manuscripts, and artworks from the Aga Khan Museum Collection, the Royal Ontario Museum, and world-renowned international institutions, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the British Museum (London), the Rijksmuseum, (Amsterdam) and others;

(2) Damask Rose: The Museum will also commission Toronto-based Syrian artist Jawa El Khash to create a live 3D simulation that takes audiences on a virtual journey to uncover hidden artefacts within a digitally crafted world inspired by the narrow streets of old Damascus; and

(3) Public programs related to the exhibition will include talks and roundtables, documentary screenings, game nights and workshops. Programming for the July 1, 2026 “Rhythms of Canada Festival” will include:

(1) Performance and Carnival Games Zone (museum's parking lot);

(2) World in a City Bites Zone (north-west greenspace tent);

(3) Game Zone (north-west greenspace tent);

(4) Community Partners Zone (north-east parkette); and

(5) Activations and performances will also take place along the west-side façade of the museum, with pop-up performances and outdoor sports pop-ups.