Etobicoke Centre fosters Afro-Caribbean arts and culture

In west Toronto, a cultural hub is quietly reshaping how Afro-Caribbean Canadians connect, create, and celebrate their heritage. The Afro-Caribbean Culture & Arts Community Centre, or ACCACC, incorporated federally in December 2021, has quickly established itself as a space where art, education, and community intersect.

The not-for-profit centre aims to preserve and promote Afro-Caribbean culture in Canada while fostering opportunities for creative expression and social engagement across generations. “We want our community to see themselves represented and empowered,” said Olufunmilayo Olumade, multi-award winning thespian and one of ACCACC’s founding leaders. “Art is a bridge between people, and it is also a pathway to opportunity.”

ACCACC offers a range of programs for youth, seniors, newcomers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Its hands-on workshops in film, television, and digital media teach skills from cinematography to social media management, opening doors to careers in creative industries where Afro-Caribbean Canadians are often underrepresented. Youth engagement remains a central focus through the Youth Cultural Exchange Program, which encourages networking, skill-building, and cultural celebration. The Monthly Inclusion Manifest showcases community success stories to inspire both newcomers and long-time residents.

The centre also addresses social challenges. Participants can access free tax clinics, anti-racism and hate-awareness webinars, and quarterly Settlement Services designed to support low-income families and immigrants. For older adults, the Arts2Live Program blends creativity with wellness, using artistic activity to promote mental and social health.

ACCACC hosts signature events such as the International Arts, Entertainment and Culture Conference and the Big Afro Cultural Festival, providing platforms for large-scale cultural dialogue and celebration. Located at 3-1 City View Drive in Etobicoke, the centre continues to expand partnerships and programming across the GTA. Akeem Ogunmilade, arts entrepreneur and co-leader, emphasized, “This is about connecting talent, culture, and community. We are creating spaces for creativity to thrive and for heritage to be celebrated.”

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