There are moments in a festival's journey that feel bigger than programming.
Today is one of them.
As DESIFEST enters its 20th year, we are proud to announce a renewed three year partnership with TD Bank, extending their continued support of our platform and the South Asian creative community across Canada.
For two decades, DESIFEST has been built on belief. Belief that South Asian artists deserve major stages. Belief that families deserve spaces where heritage and identity are celebrated openly. Belief that culture is not a niche audience. It is infrastructure.
Partnerships like this do not happen overnight. They are earned over time through consistency, credibility, and community trust.
TD has been part of our journey not just as a logo on a stage, but as a partner who understands that culture drives connection, belonging, and long term brand equity.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Arts and culture platforms often operate in a delicate ecosystem. Government funding looks for private sector validation. Corporate sponsors look for measurable impact. Meanwhile, communities look for places to gather and see themselves reflected.
A multi year commitment sends a different message.
It says culture is not a one year experiment.
It says community building requires continuity.
It says long term investment creates long term impact.
Over the next three years, this partnership will support:
- Canadian South Asian artists performing on a national stage
- Multi generational programming in the heart of downtown Toronto
- Opportunities for students, newcomers, and families to connect through music
- Experiential engagement that reflects the diversity of our city
TD's continued support reinforces that DESIFEST is not just an event. It is part of Toronto's cultural fabric.
TWENTY YEARS STRONG
In 2026, DESIFEST celebrates 20 years at Sankofa Square. From our earliest stages to welcoming over 100,000 attendees annually, we have grown alongside the community we serve.
The South Asian population in Canada continues to expand in influence, entrepreneurship, education, and cultural leadership. Platforms like DESIFEST create the spaces where that identity is expressed publicly and proudly.
To have a partner like TD stand with us for another three years affirms the value of that work.
GRATITUDE AND RESPONSIBILITY
We are grateful for the trust.
And we take it seriously.
This renewed partnership allows us to think bigger, plan further ahead, and deepen the experiences we create for artists, families, and audiences.
Culture survives because people show up.
Culture thrives because partners invest.
To TD Bank, thank you for believing in the stage, the artists, and the community.
We look forward to building the next chapter together.
