MASC 35th Anniversary Gala

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Thank You for Celebrating 35 Years of MASC!
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, MASC proudly celebrated 35 years of arts and culture with a spectacular Anniversary Gala at the National Arts Centre. The evening, headlined by award-winning artists Kellylee Evans and YAO, featured powerful performances by dancers, musicians, and visual artists—each one showcasing the transformative power of the arts. More than 150 supporters attended to hear heartfelt testimonials from participants, enjoy engaging performances, and celebrate five exceptional individuals who received Recognition Awards for their incredible contributions to MASC.

For 35 years, MASC has connected professional artists with schools and communities, inspiring creativity, cultural understanding, and self-expression in over 160,000 children, youth, and seniors each year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone. Your continued support helps ensure MASC’s vital arts programming reaches communities across Ontario and Western Quebec for years to come.

A Night to Remember

An inspiring evening of music, dance, poetry, and storytelling marked MASC’s 35th anniversary, celebrating decades of meaningful arts programming. Guests experienced the powerful impact of MASC’s work through moving stories from participants and captivating performances by the talented artists who bring culture, creativity, and community to life.

As we look ahead, we invite you to stand with us as a supporter of the arts—helping shape the future of MASC and expand our reach to even more schools and communities.

Silent Auction

Live Art Creation Minimum bid: $250	Bid on one of two original paintings (3’ x 4’) reflecting the power of the arts! Paintings will be created by: Claudia Salguero and Nicole Bélanger.
Jérome Art and Photography Value: $1500	An intimate portrait experience (Children or Family package) with award-winning artist Jérôme Scullino, culminating in a hand-finished 12x12” black-and-white print.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club Value: $260	Enjoy an evening of laughter with 10 friends at this renowned comedy club. 10 tickets.
Murdoch Mysteries Live in Concert – National Arts Centre Value: $220	Experience an electrifying evening as CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries comes to life in concert with the NAC Orchestra, hosted by series star Yannick Bisson and featuring award-winning composer Rob Carli. Two tickets - Includes parking
Ottawa School of Art Value: $250	$250 Gift Certificate for art courses.
Le Coin du livre Value: $125	$125 Book gift basket.

View more photos

Artist Showcase Videos

A young Black girl in a long red dress with tulle and polka dots kicks her foot straight into the air in front of her with her toes pointed, her back tilted backwards, head turned towards the camera, and holding her hands behind her back. / Une jeune fille Noire dans une longue robe rouge en tulle avec des petits pois lève sa jambe en l’air devant elle, le pied pointé, le dos courbé en arrière, la tête tournée vers l’objectif et tenant ses mains dans son dos.

What people are saying

I know the power of the arts because I have lived it. Through MASC Arts Awards, I received a year-long drama scholarship in grade 8. It was a catalyst for opening up a window of opportunities for me. All of a sudden, what wasn’t possible, seemed possible.

— Stefan Keyes MASC Board member, CTV News Anchor

I don’t know where I would have gone in life if it wasn’t for the kind of programming Awesome Arts offered me as a teen. It was my escape route for a lot of the difficulties I was experiencing. I found that it brought me healthier ways to express my frustrations, it gave me a space to laugh and write even if it was once a week. Art is a form of therapy for people like me that didn’t have the opportunity to talk to professionals through rough times. I can honestly say Awesome Arts saved me in a way.

— Akuol Luala (Awesome Arts en folie participant and former MASC Board member)

Jacqui Du Toit has the magic of storytelling. With her infusion of different folktales, legends and South African history, students gain not only beautifully orated stories, but historical facts about Apartheid.

— Shaz Tyndale Ottawa-Carleton Virtual Secondary School

JustJamaal The Poet’s passion, empathy and charisma left an indelible mark on our students’ hearts and minds.

— Michael McPake Kitigan Zibi School

With Louis Mercier, the students made some beautiful discoveries and acquired new knowledge that contributed to strengthening their sense of belonging to Franco-Ontarian culture.

— Sophie Nougaret l’école Notre-Place

“MASC’s multicultural programming has helped break down barriers, making senior residents more accepting and welcoming of their neighbours.

— Lowertown Community Resource Centre