5 Artists 1 Love Celebrates 20 Years of Black Artistry, Community, and Cultural Impact
This weekend, Edmonton’s vibrant arts community will come together to celebrate a remarkable milestone as 5 Artists 1 Love marks 20 years of inspiring creativity, building community, and championing Black artistic excellence.
Founded in 2006 by Darren Jordan, 5 Artists 1 Love has spent two decades creating opportunities for Black artists to connect, grow, and share their talents through music, visual art, dance, poetry, and storytelling. Over the years, the organization has become one of Western Canada’s longest-standing Black arts organizations, helping shape Edmonton’s cultural landscape while fostering mentorship, collaboration, and artistic innovation.
To commemorate this milestone anniversary, 5 Artists 1 Love is hosting two special celebrations that honour its legacy and look ahead to the future.
The Inside/Out Party
The anniversary weekend begins with **The Inside/Out Party**, an intimate gathering that brings together artists, alumni, supporters, partners, and community members for an evening of connection and celebration.
Hosted at the CKUA Building, the event will feature music, refreshments, storytelling, and opportunities to reconnect with the people who have helped shape the organization’s journey over the past twenty years.
**Date:** Friday, June 12, 2026
**Time:** 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
**Location:** CKUA Building
The Greatest Hits: 20 Years of Fierce Art and Soul
The celebrations continue on Sunday with The Greatest Hits: 20 Years of Fierce Art and Soul, a landmark production at the iconic Winspear Centre.
Featuring more than 75 performers, the show is a powerful tribute to the artists, stories, and unforgettable moments that have defined 5 Artists 1 Love over the past two decades. Inspired by memories shared by alumni, supporters, and community members, the production serves as a heartfelt love letter to Edmonton and the community that has supported the organization since its founding.
Audiences can expect an evening filled with music, storytelling, artistic expression, and celebration as performers from across generations come together to honour a legacy built on creativity, resilience, and community.
**Date:** Sunday, June 14, 2026
**Time:** 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
**Location:** Winspear Centre
A Legacy of Impact
For twenty years, 5 Artists 1 Love has created meaningful spaces where Black artists can thrive, develop their craft, build professional networks, and share their work with wider audiences. Through countless performances, exhibitions, mentorship opportunities, and community initiatives, the organization has played a significant role in elevating Black voices and celebrating cultural excellence in Edmonton and beyond.
In recognition of its ongoing impact, 5 Artists 1 Love was recently selected as a recipient of the Foundation for Black Communities’ Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G.) 3.0, supporting the organization’s continued work in mentorship, professional development, paid artistic opportunities, and sustainable career pathways for Black creatives.
As it celebrates this historic anniversary, 5 Artists 1 Love remains committed to nurturing the next generation of artists while continuing to create spaces where creativity, culture, and community can flourish.
Join us this weekend as we celebrate 20 years of fierce art, powerful stories, and the enduring spirit of community.
For more information, follow 5 Artists 1 Love on social media or contact the organization directly.
