2017-2018 Season Series

X Avant XII: Resistance

This festival explored what resistance in music sounds like today. How do artists resist oppressive, anti-democratic tactics which compromise their ability to make and distribute art?

Experimental forms of music making, contrary to perceptions of being self-indulgent and elitist, can be deeply relatable as a means to express feelings of protest, participation and collectivity, provided that the power relationships between inspiration, definitions, creators, performers and curators must always be negotiated. Time and time again we’ve seen audiences and artists bond over challenging music. This was the starting point for X Avant XII and why the theme of Resistance didn’t just make sense this year, but every year.

In This Series

Current Season

2024-2025 Season

Know More
A violinist performs in front of projected images
A vocalist wearing colourful clothing performs in front of a fabric backdrop

Become a member

Help creative music and performance thrive in Toronto. Your contribution supports our vibrant community of innovative artists.

  • Respectfulchild. Photo by Claire Harvie

  • Lido Pimienta. Photo by Kevin Jones

  • Jairus Sharif. Photo Credit: Kevin Jones

  • Six Turntables. Photo Credit: Kevin Jones

A person plays electric guitar while sitting on a stool in the background. Another person in the foreground is kneeling while playing saxophone.
Six people are sitting on the ground manipulating direct-drive turntables

Support our work

Your donation is used to create opportunities for artists to push the boundaries of their creative practice.