Festival showcases interactive art, live music, performances
TOLEDO – Momentum 2024, a celebration of arts and culture in Toledo, starts Wednesday with the opening of the Momentum | Intersection glass exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion.
The Arts Commission announced that three internationally recognized artists will be creating experimental new works for exhibition as part of the Momentum Festival, thanks to a partnership with NSG Pilkington. The awardees are Gabriel Peña, Matthew Hutchinson and Davin Ebanks. The exhibition is scheduled for Sept. 20 – Oct. 26. The opening reception will be held on Friday, from 5-7 p.m. Both the exhibition and opening reception takes place in the Glass Pavilion and are free and open to the public.
Friday through Sunday, the Momentum artist exhibition will be located in Downtown Toledo, on N. Superior St. between Madison Ave. and Adams St. More than 100 local artists are participating in this year’s festival, a vibrant mix of visual, performing and literary artists in a location that utilizes “Toledo’s fabric and architecture to create a sense of density, focus, and intimacy” according to Chloe Nousias, marketing and communications manager.
The festival will provide venues for INTER/ACTIVE projects—highly interactive, community-driven, collaborative works of art accessible to the public and civic in scope. These will be placed in key locations throughout the event for the public’s enjoyment.
On Friday, the Momentum kick-off with exhibition gallery opening will take place at the Gardner Building at 500 Madison, with DJ Jon Zenz providing entertainment from 6-9 p.m.
Saturday’s activities are from 1-10 p.m., featuring the Glovation Circus, a scavenger hunt, music and dance, including performances by Los Aztecas, The Essentials and Sam Shaba.
Brood X, a film showcase located at 331 N Superior St., has doubled its submissions this year by accepting entries from both Michigan and Ohio, attracting even more talented regional filmmakers to Toledo. The showcase will feature jury selected short films on both Saturday and Sunday, and an exclusive panel discussion with LA-based actress, producer and director Alexandra Barreto, and festival coordinator of Hellʼs Half Mile in Bay City, Mich., producer, director and writer Alan Lafave.
Sunday is Family Day, featuring activities, such as yoga on the plaza, the Bird’s Eye View Circus and several musical performances. The fun starts at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
An artist’s market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with work available for purchase from local sellers. Food and drinks will also be available from a variety of local food trucks and at a pop-up bar location in the Gardner Building.
Since 2017, Momentum has been an annual festival that celebrates Toledo’s vibrant community through arts and culture. Momentum 2024 is made possible by donations from many local businesses and individual donors. Check out the full festival schedule here.
