Few people understand the importance of the arts and culture sector as well as Cameron Bailey. He is CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - the world's largest public film festival and one of Canada's premier cultural brands. Under his strategic direction, the festival continues to grow in size and significance each year.
Bailey began his career as a film critic. He also curated films for Cinematheque Ontario, The National Gallery of Canada, The National Film Board of Canada, and Australia’s Sydney International Film Festival before joining TIFF in 1990. He began as a programmer selecting Canadian films before moving on to African and South Asian cinema. He’s responsible for TIFF’s highly successful subscription series, Reel Talk, and also headed TIFF’s Perspective Canada series and founded its Planet Africa section.
Bailey has taught film curation at the University of Toronto and holds an honorary doctorate from Western University. He is a Chevalier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, and for 12 consecutive years been named one of “Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People” by Toronto Life.
Cameron Bailey
Sylvine, better known as The Artiiist, of Central African origin, was born in France and has now been living in Canada for 12 years. From an early age, art has always played a central role in her life: singing, dancing and then painting. This passion has gradually turned into a real career: she is the founder of Smard Art.
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Sylvine launched her artistic enterprise: Smard Art. Her talent and vision quickly attracted attention, propelling her work onto the international scene. This dazzling success has enabled her to make a living from her art and develop her business internationally, although she still harbors even greater ambitions.
Through her work, she celebrates the identity, culture and beauty of black people, themes that are close to her heart. Combining traditional and digital art, she draws her inspiration from realism, which she considers a form of expression of great intensity, while exploring mixed media techniques and abstraction.
Despite this recognition, she remains driven by the desire to push her own boundaries and reach an even wider audience.
Kevin Gohou, aka Jr Maddripp is considered one of the mentors and innovators of the Krump movement in Europe.
Now living in Montreal, he teaches, competes in battles and has been a judge at some of the most prestigious events in France and around the world.
In 2014, he was named “Junior Maddripp” in the Tight Eyez Family, alongside the pioneer and creator of Krump dance.
He collaborates with a wide range of artists, including Maud Le Pladec for the show Silent Legacy, as well as Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 Fingers.
You could also see him in revolution season 2 zhere he was in quarter final and in France got talent 2023 with the little adeline kerry cruz where they made to semi final.
He was also a guest dancer/choreographer and collaborator at The Olympics Opening Ceremony in paris 2024.
Tracy Paulotte is a cultural strategist and producer dedicated to transforming Quebec’s creative industries by promoting access, representation, and opportunities.
With nearly eight years of experience, she designs and leads programs, panels, and events that offer tailored training, mentorship, and increased visibility within the industry. Her background spans commercial, web, and television production, with key roles in projects such as La Nuit où Laurier Gaudreault s’est réveillé by Xavier Dolan, Le Beau Chaos on Télé-Québec, and Les Rendez-Vous de Nolie on Natyf TV.
Certified in production management (INIS), independent production (Main Film), and human resources management (UQAM), Tracy combines creative vision and strategic leadership to deliver high-impact projects. She also leads workshops for audiences aged 8 to 50, raising awareness about the importance of accessibility and representation in behind-the-camera roles.
As the head of programs at the Dynastie Foundation, Tracy designs and implements initiatives that highlight Black talent in the arts, media, and culture, creating sustainable professional opportunities — from creative roles to leadership positions — one project at a time.
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