Indigenous partners remind us of that every day: build with care for the land, and with respect for the people. The work is a connection of listening, showing respect, and making space for culture to be seen. That’s why we are proud to stand with TO Live as a Corporate Champion for TO Live and a sponsor of the UpFRONT Festival of Indigenous Arts, Music & Culture (held August 15–17, Toronto).
Building Where People Gather
UpFRONT Festival is an open celebration for all, an outdoor event which turned Scott Street and Berczy Park into a vibrant stage for Indigenous creativity. The lineup reflected the depth and diversity of Indigenous arts today:
- An immersive art walk curated by Sierra da Silva‑Canadien
- Artist-led workshops for families and youth
- Live performances spanning music, theatre, and children’s programming
- A Water Walk led by Grandmother Kim Wheatley
- An expanded Indigenous marketplace showcasing local makers
- And our favourite: the Graffiti Wall, an interactive, artist-led mural experience we’re proud to sponsor.
Each element of the festival is rooted in the same purpose that drives our work: connection, access, and belonging.
Bringing Stories into Our Workspace
We’re currently delivering construction work at Meridian Hall and closely collaborating with TO Live’s teams. Supporting their community programming while we improve their cultural infrastructure is precisely the kind of joined-up impact we care about – building for the community and building with the community. This partnership enables us to view our work in a new light, not just as builders but as contributors to experiences that shape people’s lives.
Earlier this summer, members of our team were invited to the tewaká:wes Indigenous Art Exhibition at the Meridian Arts Centre. We listened, learned, and connected with artists whose work carries deep meaning. Several pieces resonated so strongly – a daily reminder of the stories and traditions that inspire the communities we serve. Our staff were excited to attend the festival, meet the artists, and even leave their own mark on the Graffiti Wall. Watching families and visitors paint side by side, sharing space, expression, and creativity, is the kind of community moment that reminds us why our work matters.
Earlier this summer, members of our team were invited to the tewaká:wes Indigenous Art Exhibition at the Meridian Arts Centre. We listened, learned, and connected with artists whose work carries deep meaning. Several pieces resonated so strongly – a daily reminder of the stories and traditions that inspire the communities we serve.
Our staff were excited to attend the festival, meet the artists, and even leave their own mark on the Graffiti Wall. Watching families and visitors paint side by side, sharing space, expression, and creativity, is the kind of community moment that reminds us why our work matters.
Our Job: Build, Communicate, and Empower
Being transparent about what we do and who we do it with is part of our job. As we work on TO Live venues, we will continue to share updates on the community events we support, the art and culture initiatives we help bring to life, and the practical ways our projects aim to improve accessibility, safety, and the visitor experience. The work is better when the public understands the purpose, and the outcomes are stronger when the builder is present, accountable, and engaged.
TO Live – Event Details Page – UpFRONT 2025
About Renokrew
Renokrew is a COR™, Gold Seal-certified and Great Place to Work-certified general contractor based in Toronto with projects across Ontario. We deliver municipal, public, private, and community builds with a focus on safety, accessibility, and long-term community benefit. Our teams know the constraints of operating in busy downtown corridors, the care required in occupied facilities, and the planning needed to keep venues operating while construction progresses in the background.
🗯️ Follow Renokrew for construction progress, accessibility improvements, and future culture partnerships that keep public places active and welcoming.