Simple Reflections for Artists
Simple Reflections for Artists is a collective of diverse artists and art enthusiasts. Our mandate is the fusion of culture and community through visual and performing arts. With the designation of London as Canada's first UNESCO City of Music, it is time to recognize and celebrate the incredible talent that has come from all over the world to make this community their home.
As a visual and performing artist who immigrated to London from El Salvador, Dario Novoa founded Simple Reflections to celebrate diverse cultural expressions and give local up-and-coming artists an opportunity to showcase their talents. Over the past four years, Dario has organized more than a dozen cultural celebrations, with representation by 100+ artists from more than 20 cultures. In 2022, Dario acted as Executive Producer of the Latin Roots of London album, with the goal of providing local Latino artists with the opportunity to be nominated for the new Latin Pop category of the Forest City London Music Awards.
Event Spotlight
The Simple Reflections for Artists Festival is a showcase of the incredible diversity and quality of local talent in our community. From 2-10 pm on July 23, visit Covent Garden Market to experience cultural expressions by 15+ musical and dance acts, such as salsa, reggae, rock, folk, belly dancing and more. Visual artists will be painting live and displaying their art. This is an opportunity to discover and build connections with neighbours who have deep cultural roots and have come from all over the world to make London their home. 2022 is the 4th year of the festival, and this year we are thrilled to welcome the London Fire Fighters Pipe Band to kick off the celebration and honour their 100th year.
On July 22nd, join the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective at Simple Reflections for Youth, a showcase of local artists who are beginning their journey of self-expression. Young people in our community are being mentored by talented musicians, dancers and visual artists from all over the world. By welcoming these youth into community spaces and celebrating their achievements, we plant seeds of belonging and pride that will nurture our collective cultural landscape for years to come.
The Simple Reflections for Artists Gala unites artists and the community in a celebration of diverse artists and artistic mediums, such as Belly Dancing, Latin Jazz, Mariachi, live painting, sculpture and much more. In February 2022, 20 musical and dance performances and the works of 34 visual artists were showcased at Museum London. More than 20 cultures were represented. We look forward to celebrating with the community again in 2023.
London is home to talented musicians from all over the world. We are also fortunate to have premier music venues such as the Eastside Bar & Grill that provide opportunities for Londoners to get their start in the local music scene. Join Simple Reflections for Artists at on Sept 10th at 5 pm for a showcase of local musicians, artists and dancers. Stay for Latin Power Band, winners of the World Music category at the Forest City London Music Awards, at 9 pm. Come be a part of London’s Concert Culture - it doesn’t get more local than this.
Let the good times roll!
Music transports us to our best moments. Holding hands at midnight, hitting the dance floor with friends, and sharing a meal with people we love. On November 26th, celebrate the golden days with top hits from the past in English and Spanish. Dress to impress, enjoy live music and a 3-course meal, and request your favourite tune from the DJ. This family-friendly, multi-generational event may transport you to the best of times… or it may be that the best times are those shared here and now. One thing is certain - on November 26th, we’ll let the good times roll.
The Forest City London Music Awards has introduced a Latin Pop
category for 2023. There is a requirement to release new music to be nominated for the award. As members of the Simple Reflections for Artists Collective, local Latino musicians have committed to collectively releasing an album to showcase Latin Roots of London in advance of the awards. This project is supported by the Digital Creative Arts Centre, Half & Half Agency, the London Music Awards and Quiet Earth.
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Latin Roots of London was released on December 10, 2022, featuring local Latino artists:
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Louis Engel | Simple Reflections for Artists Collective
Arts & Culture Showcase
Live painting, belly dancing, Mexican boleros, a saxophone duet and a 64-square-foot collective mosaic inspired by the Blackfriar Bridge were some artistic expressions available for the public to enjoy free of charge on February 18th, 2023, at Museum London. Digital art by Diego Tamayo of Colombia, mixed media by Amsa Yaro of Nigeria, Latin beats by Latin Power Band of Cuba, Mexico and Colombia and piano by Brent Jones of Middlesex County were among the many artistic expressions featured. Thank you to the more than 500 community members who attended the showcase!
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