Press Release: Experience the Magic of South Asian Culture at Toronto’s First Ice Sculpture Festival in Gerrard India Bazaar
For Immediate Release
Press Release: Experience the Magic of South Asian Culture at Toronto’s First Ice Sculpture Festival in Gerrard India Bazaar
February 6, 2023, Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Get ready to experience the fusion of art, culture, and technology at the “The Frozen Heritage”, the first South Asian themed ice sculpture festival brought to Toronto by Gerrard India Bazaar. From February 10th to 12th, visitors will have the opportunity to view 22 stunning ice sculptures, all created using 33,000 lbs of ice through 88 hours of dedicated work by skilled artists. And the best part? It’s completely free for all to enjoy!
The complex design process combined cutting-edge technology, including CNC technology and Adobe Illustrator, with traditional manual artistic skills, including the use of chain saws, grinders, cone bits, V and other shaping bits and chisels. This unique blend of modern and traditional techniques ensures that each sculpture is a true work of art. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to see the beauty and precision of South Asian culture frozen in time, created by a team of talented artists. This unique event promises to bring an exciting new dimension to the already rich cultural scene in Toronto.
“We are thrilled to be home to Toronto’s first ever South Asian themed Ice Sculpture Festival. From music to art to history, each sculpture will pay tribute to South Asian heritage. The Frozen Heritage is a true celebration of cultural diversity; it showcases the intricate beauty of South Asian culture, but also highlights the power of public placemaking to bring communities together and support our local businesses, the backbone of the Canadian economy. As ‘Toronto’s Little India’, we are the bridge between Toronto and India. Visitors get the opportunity to experience India without leaving Toronto and for many of our visitors, this is their home away from home.” – Tasneem Bandukwala, Executive Director, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA
Gerrard India Bazaar is known as Toronto’s Little India. It is the largest South Asian marketplace in North America with over 135 small businesses that call the area home. The bazaar is known for having the best South Asian dining, shopping, and art with plenty of culture to explore.
“At the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA, we strive to cultivate a sense of unity and embrace diversity through a variety of events throughout the year. Open to all, our events are designed to bring people together and offer a unique fusion of Canadian and South Asian culture. We are thrilled to present a festival that not only allows visitors to experience the Bazaar in a new light, but also supports our local businesses. Join us in celebrating the richness of our community!” – Chand Kapoor, Chair, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA.
Embark on this unique and exciting journey of discovery at the Frozen Heritage Festival, a four-day celebration that invites visitors to traverse Gerrard India Bazaar in search of all 22 ice sculptures located along Gerrard St. E between Coxwell Ave. and Glenside Ave. To enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card, simply complete the ice tour and share a photo of your favorite sculpture on Instagram, tagging #frozenheritage and @gerrardindiabaz. For an extra opportunity to win, visit www.gerrardindiabazaar.com/frozenheritage and cast your vote for your preferred sculpture, then fill out the contest entry form. This festival is open to all and entirely free, offering a chance to experience the beauty of South Asian culture.
This event is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and by the City of Toronto.
Gerrard India Bazaar invites the public to come and experience this free spectacular display of art and culture. The festival will be open from February 9 to 12, 2023.
For more information, please visit www.gerrardindiabazaar.com. Interviews are available upon request.
About Gerrard India Bazaar BIA:
One of Toronto’s oldest BIAs, formed in 1981, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA is the largest main street marketplace of South Asian goods and services in North America. Traditional hospitality abounds here, along with a wealth of exotic delights. Colourful saris, exquisite fabrics, mouth-watering regional delicacies and delightful dining, dazzling jewellery, traditional musical instruments, audio and video entertainment, an artisanal cheese boutique, pet and toy stores, music and dance studios, cafés, pubs and numerous art galleries – all await you at the Gerrard India Bazaar. Gerrard India Bazaar is known for its vibrant nightlife and many festivals, including the annual summer Festival of South Asia, as well as celebrating many cultural holidays throughout the year – Baisakhi, Eid, Diwali, and Christmas.
Business improvement area (BIA) is a geographic area in a municipality. A BIA board of management is an organization set up to provide certain business promotion and improvement functions within that area.
