Art Toronto, Canada's oldest and largest international fair for modern and contemporary art, opens to the public on Friday with a strong focus on Indigenous artists. Over half of the fair's 100-plus booths feature works by Indigenous makers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America. The fair includes a mix of Canadian, European, Latin American, and US galleries, with a dedicated 'Arte Sur' section highlighting Mexican and Central and South American art. Notable exhibitors include Ceremonial Art, Fazakas, Feheley Fine Arts, and N. Smith Gallery, showcasing works by artists such as Ningiukulu Teevee, Shuvinai Ashoona, Gerardo Ramírez, and Manuel Mathieu.
This year's emphasis on Indigenous art matters because it reflects a growing global recognition of Indigenous voices in the contemporary art world, while also addressing current geopolitical tensions between the US and Canada over tariffs. By positioning itself as a vital North American hub for international exchange, Art Toronto underscores the role of art fairs in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and soft power. The fair's commitment to Indigenous representation, alongside its continued focus on Canadian art, signals a shift toward more inclusive and globally engaged art market practices.