Steve Solski

Toronto is famed for its cosmopolitanism, its passion for the arts, and its mosaic approach to embracing literally hundreds of diverse ethnicities; making it an obvious and exciting host to act as a bridge between Indian and world cultures. Recognizing, however, the strength of the South Asian population to the north-west of their city, Toronto has honored the Rose Theatre and the City of Brampton (along with Mississauga and Markham) with an invite to co-host the pre-awards festivities and world-wide telecast of events.

The Rose and the City are largely active in the IIFA Buzz Fest; hosting events from June 13-21 leading up to the three-day awards extravaganza in downtown Toronto. Our aim is to create a vibrant, inspiring, and anticipation building celebration of South Asian music, cinema, food and culture.

The IIFA Awards are not only a chance for the GTA to celebrate and explore the aesthetics and values of a public geographically distant to our own. They are also a reflection and confirmation of our city’s, our province’s, and our country’s growing ties with the incredible Republic of India. Geographically we are far; in company we are ever closer. Having already garnered the attention, support and enthusiasm of the Premier of Ontario as well as the municipal, cultural, and economic powerhouses of the GTA, I can already assure you this event will be of great significance to our local and global identity.

I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the celebrated industry of Indian cinema to Toronto and onwards to Brampton. I hope you will join me in representing our city as a destination worthy of their motto: “One People. One World.”

Steve Solski is the Manager of Arts Culture & Theatres for the City of Brampton