Toronto might be known for finance and technology, but it’s also a creative hub with thriving industries in film and television, art, music, fashion and more.

 

Toronto Skyline

Toronto’s Orange Economy continues to thrive, with the arts and culture sector contributing $11.3 billion to Ontario’s GDP, according to the Toronto Arts Foundation. And not only is the city Moviemaker’s “Best City to Live and Work as a Moviemaker,” it’s Canada’s first UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts (and only one of 26 in the entire world). Here are six businesses fuelling Toronto’s Orange Economy.

Nia Centre for the Arts
Nia Centre for the Arts

1. Nia Centre for the Arts

The Nia Centre—Canada’s first professional Black arts centre—is a purpose-built space dedicated to Black artists and young creatives from across the African diaspora. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Oakwood-Vaughan Village, steps from Little Jamaica, the centre is building on a legacy of Black creativity and entrepreneurship in this historically Caribbean neighbourhood.

The newly opened multi-purpose centre has a performance theatre, exhibition hall, digital media lab and event space. “In the city there hasn’t been this kind of facility [before],” says Alica Hall, Executive Director of the Nia Centre. “Places like this help pull people out of the core to these neighbourhoods and experience deeper parts of the city’s history.”

2. OverActive Media

Toronto is home to Canada’s growing esports community. OverActive Media, the nation’s largest esports ownership group, is headquartered in Toronto with offices in Madrid and Berlin, is building a global esports company for gaming generations to come. “When I look at our audience, I see it’s the future. We want to build a fandom and affinity and passion and excitement around our teams so … we can create that generational impact of fans,” says Neil Duffy, OverActive Media’s CCO for the Americas.

OverActive Media is also building a 7,000-seat performance venue, which will provide a home for the city’s two professional esports teams—Toronto Ultra of the Call of Duty League and Toronto Defiant of the Overwatch League—while creating additional space for corporate events, product launches and conventions.

3. Platform Media & Management

The creator landscape in Toronto is booming, but Platform Media & Management has been there from the start. Back in 2016, co-founders Sara Koonar and Daniel Ocean saw how the media landscape was evolving and decided to start an agency that would advocate for the rights, fair treatment and equitable pay of content creators, while facilitating partnerships with brands. Today, the agency is a pioneer in the realm of influencer marketing, representing some of the country’s top influencers.

“We’re very, very committed to diversity and inclusion, making sure that our creators feel that their voices are represented in Canada—because our roster is fully Canadian,” says Sarah Francis, VP of Partnerships with Platform Media. “We’re constantly advocating for our creators, whether that’s making sure the campaigns are super authentic or [getting] fair pay.”

4. The Well

The latest addition to Toronto’s urban core is The Well, a mix of retail, commercial and residential space across seven buildings, connected by a three-level retail walk with interlaced bridges. The Well isn’t just another mall; it was designed as a cultural hub with ongoing programming that reflects Toronto’s diversity and creativity, including events, performances, art installations and immersive technology.

It’s also home to a versatile 5,000-square-foot event venue ideal for anything from culinary experiences to special events, workshops and meetings. The state-of-the-art space, which can accommodate up to 200 guests, was designed with a built-in presentation platform and audio system, projection screens and sit/stand workshop tables, with in-house catering services at the ready.

5. BIPOC TV & Film

Founded in 2012, BIPOC TV & Film started out as a grassroots community network for those feeling marginalized in an industry that often lacks diverse representation. “I don’t feel tokenized in this program,” said Kadon Douglas, Executive Director of BIPOC TV & Film. “And for me, that is liberation. And that’s one of the key values of BIPOC TV & Film. We really want to support people in realizing their liberated selves.”

In 2023, BIPOC TV & Film joined forces with Hillman Grad and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to launch Rising Voices Canada, a career accelerator for emerging Canadian Black, Indigenous and Persons of Colour (BIPOC) filmmakers. Up-and-coming filmmakers accepted into the program take part in film development sessions and workshops, with the opportunity to pitch their ideas to industry professionals.

6. Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television

As the largest non-profit professional arts organization in Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television advocates for and celebrates Canadian talent in film, television and digital media—from emerging artists to industry icons. Along with professional development programs, the Canadian Academy produces Canadian Screen Week—an annual celebration of the country’s top talent.