MONTREAL, Jan. 22, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - In celebration of Black History Month, Black Artists' Networks in Dialogue (BAND) and TD present Then & Now, a series of must-see events in Montreal and five other Canadian cities illuminating the significant contributions African Canadians have made to Canada's cultural landscape.

The 2015 Then & Now series spans multiple disciplines: theatre, concerts, exhibitions, live performances and symposiums, with events taking place in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax. In addition to homegrown talent, this year's series has a global perspective with artists representing over 15 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. The series runs primarily through February with events starting as early as January 21^st and ending on March 6th. 

"2015 marks the 10^th anniversary of the parliamentary recognition of Black History Month in Canada," said Karen Carter, Board chair and co-founder, BAND. "Our exciting slate of programming is a vibrant reminder of the many ways in which Canada continues to be nourished and enriched by the contributions of African Canadian artists and those from the African diaspora."

"TD is proud to again celebrate Black History Month with the Then & Now series, which has become one of the most prominent cultural celebrations in Canada," said Marie-Hélène Philippeaux, Group Manager Operations & Triage, TD Canada Trust, and leader of TD's Black Community Working Committee. "In presenting this series, TD's goal is to help established and emerging artists further develop Black arts and culture and to celebrate the many accomplishments of Black Canadians past and present."

The 2015 program in Montreal includes:

• Massimadi Film Festival, featuring recent LGBT-themed films and documentaries starring members of the African and Caribbean communities;
• Oliver Jones: Have Fingers Will Travel, an exhibition combining history and music—complemented by artists paying tribute to the legendary Montreal pianist with original works;
• Festival FRO is a multidisciplinary event that aims to highlight the different aspects of Black history and culture through various media and discussions. The opening of the festival will feature popular singer Corneille;
• Rallye Expos, organized by Vues d'Afrique and presented at various Montreal cultural institutions, featuring works by African and Creole artists who use photography, mapping or painting in their creations.

Visit www.td.com/blackhistorymonth for complete program information about TD Then & Now 2015.

About BAND
Located at 1 Lansdowne Avenue in Toronto, BAND supports, documents and showcases the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists in Canada and abroad. BAND works to encourage dialogue among Black artists, cultural workers and the larger society to inspire, enlighten and educate through the arts. For more information, please visit: www.band-rand.com.

About TD Bank Group
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2014, TD donated over $82 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For more information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

SOURCE TD Bank Group

Image with caption: "Members of the Round Table on Black History Month surrounded by winners and partners, including TD. (CNW Group/Black History Month)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150122_C4580_PHOTO_EN_11427.jpg