Join the GTA’s Italian Canadian community at Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre on Wednesday, February 21 at 5:00pm as we honour Toronto businessman and philanthropist Toni Varone, in commemoration of his recent appointment to the Senate of Canada. Enjoy this cocktail reception with a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to the CIBPA Scholarship Fund, the ICCO Canada Scholarship Fund and the Villa Charities Scholarship Program. Co-hosted by CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities Inc. Learn more about the event and reserve your free tickets now.

VCI President & CEO Marco DeVuono talked to Lenny Lombardi about the event on CHIN TV’s “Festival Italiano di Johnny Lombardi.” Watch the interview here.

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Don’t miss your chance to view “The Heart of the Matter,” a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the things we hold in our hearts, both positive and negative. This exhibition features artists working with a range of media, each bringing their own unique perspective to this deeply personal and universal theme. Presented in partnership with Friends in Art. Exhibition closes February 25, 2024. Supporting Canadian artists and Villa Charities.

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Register for our next online book club on Wednesday, February 21, where we’ll be discussing “Resto qui”/ “I’m Staying Here” by Marco Balzano. In this sweeping historical novel, a mother recounts her life story to her long-lost daughter about a community torn between Italian fascism and German Nazism. Our online book club is an opportunity to explore and discuss notable contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. 

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This interactive book presentation and mindfulness workshop on Tuesday, February 27 is an opportunity to reflect on our collective experience of growth and resilience throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants will be engaged in story sharing, while authors Dr. Julia Manini and Anne-Joyelle Occhicone connect a reading from “The Great Pause: Perseverance Through the Pandemic” with the experiences of those attending the workshop. A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event. Presented in partnership with Ladybug & Firefly Books.

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Villa Charities is excited to present the second edition of “Youth, Truth and Imagination”, a collective exhibition that promises to weave a captivating narrative inspired by the lives of fourteen artists. Don’t miss this vibrant exhibit of pure imagination, where stories of everyday life, diaspora, feminism, queer and racial identities transcend into abstract fictitious masterpieces. Join us for the Opening Night Reception on Thursday, February 29, 7:00pm. Presented in partnership with IC Contemporary.

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Commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day with a presentation that honours and reflects on the stories of three remarkable Italian Canadian women, who share their personal and professional journeys of perseverance, stamina, courage and determination. This inspirational evening on Thursday, March 7 features Project Curator & Director Laura Libralato, City of Toronto Ward 5 Councillor and City Councillor Speaker Frances Nunziata, and journalist, reporter and host for OMNI TV Daniela Sanzone, followed by a Q & A. Presented in partnership with Vibrant Women’s Voices.

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Experience this newly created avant-garde trio performance by New Phoenix Ensemble, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, on Friday, March 8 at 7:30pm. “Donne!” is exclusively dedicated to female composers who during their lifetime have been in the shadow of male artists of their time and to composers who were not only extraordinary artists, but who also had an impact on 19th and 20th century society. Clarinetist Letizia Elsa Maulà, cellist Jean-Baptiste Schwebel and violinist Ian De Jong will captivate concertgoers with an unforgettable musical performance. Presented in partnership with Istituto Italiano di Cultura.

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Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, March 8. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

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Don’t miss out on your chance to register FREE for the 17^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Veneto Centre! Our Early Bird offer ends on February 25 so sign up now and we’ll waive your registration fee (regular $100). Whether you’re an avid cyclist, or just want to join for fun and to support a great cause, there are routes available for all levels and abilities.

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DanzArts Toronto at the Columbus Centre provides professional-level training to students of all ages and skill levels. Registration is still open for our 2023/2024 dance season. Please visit our website to view our full Recreational schedule or contact dance@danzartstoronto.com if you have any questions. Don't miss your chance to dance with us this season! 

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Integrating both landscape and abstract, our Less Defined Landscape workshop will inspire students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes, while encouraging creativity and imagination. This 4-week painting workshop runs from March 6 to 27 and is suitable for intermediate to advanced students with prior experience.

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What began for Liam Cushing as an exploration of Italian life during this idyllic annual period quickly changed in 2020 as Italy was plunged into the Covid pandemic and Italians found themselves at the epicenter of a spiraling crisis. As the world became reluctant to visit Italy, Cushing travelled across the country. What he discovered was an unexpected summer respite where Italians were determined to enjoy life. A country known for tourism was suddenly without tourists as Italians were able to experience Italy anew. Cushing has captured on film, both the resilience and spirit of the Italian people.

Opening Reception: Sat. February 17



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TLN Media Group brings you the best, never-before-seen Italian cinematic films (with English subtitles) direct from Italy – in Cineplex Theatres across Canada!

This March 17 & 18, catch “The Predators (I Predatori)”, winner of the Horizons Award for Best Screenplay at the Venice International Film Festival. Starring Massimo Popolizio, Anita Caprioli, and Pietro Castellitto, this light-hearted comedy is about two polar opposites families - one bourgeois and intellectual, and the other proletarian and fascist, who are brought together by a trivial accident that sets them on a collision course that unravels the complexities of their intersecting lives.

Click here for more details and to secure your tickets for this limited screening!