Artistic Director, Producer, Music Supervisor
2009 Luminato – Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity
2009 Luminato – Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity
David Spelman was hired as Guest Curator by this multi-disciplinary, international arts festival to oversee music programing. The Globe and Mail wrote: "to attract top-flight talent, Luminato tapped into the mind and rolodex of David Spelman."
Programing highlights included free outdoor concerts by Goran Bregovic, Taj Majal, Mamadou Diabate, The Derek Trucks Band, Daniel Lanois, Randy Bachman, an all-day Brazilian Guitar Marathon, and a sold-out tribute to Neil Young at Massey Hall, featuring the Cowboy Junkies; Holly Cole; The Bill Frisell Trio; Danny Michel; Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies); Carole Pope; Issa (formerly Jane Siberry); Colin Linden; Stevie Jackson (Belle & Sebastian); Harry Manx; Jason Collett (Broken Social Scene); Sarah Slean and Kevin Breit. The Neil Young tribute attracted front page coverage in local and national newspapers, and the concert was broadcast on CBC Radio.
In addition to music programing, David was responsible for curating Shadow Notes, a group photography exhibition featuring the work of Danny Clinch, Andy Summers and Ralph Gibson. Connected through their passion for music and devotion to their Leica cameras, the exhibition explored themes of urban life through the musician's perspective. The three artists participated in a panel discussion at The Art Gallery of Ontario, moderated by critic and author Robert Enright.
