Hello, I’m Andrew Gavin Hicks and I’ve often been a central point of connection between Toronto’s music and art institutions and the many diverse, multi-cultural, communities in Toronto. The foundation for my work is born from my lived experiences as a self-proclaimed lifer in the music, arts, and nightlife industries. I have often played the role of DJ, historian, educator, exhibition curator, cultural programmer, stage manager, and bartender. Being so heavily involved in the these communities has been beneficial for me, not least in the fact that it's created some brilliant working relationships that have fostered a creative practise at the intersection of event production, design and hospitality. 

Collaborating with like-minded independents on passion projects has produced a wide range of events.  Whether it be large scale festivals, multi-media exhibitions, underground “grottos”,  or late night afters, we bring together both the leading talents of all fields and people from all walks of life to meet, listen, watch, and dance. By committing to diverse programming that is forward thinking, we reflect many of the ways in great cities like Toronto thrive on variation and inclusion. 

Within this setting is where graphic design has played an integral role in world-building for our participating audiences. Great design often holds the power to make or break an event’s attendance. A music poster has to entice audiences and listeners alike, by making the  audible visual while communicating a language that speaks to community. Beyond the physical and digital realms, these documents provide an extended window into the underground movements, dance groups, emerging performers, and long trusted promoters whose extraordinary creative spirit, contributes to the growth and atmosphere of a city. Every object has a story and nothing is created by accident. It’s an expression of how I see the world and the space of the community. 

Featured on the website are some of the defining projects of my career in event and design that also serves as an archive for current and past collaborations. Above all else, what I love to do is make connections and I can’t do anything without the community of people that are part of a highly collaborative process.

CONTACT:

416-333-5413
andrewgavinhicks@gmail.com