Curatorial Statement

Hot & Spicy celebrates 15 fiery years – hot, spicy, soulful and smouldering!

The summer's most incendiary event will take you on a trip around the globe as we sample hot and spicy food and artistic expression from some of the most fascinating cultures on our planet.

Redefinition beats at the heart of the festival as we explore junctures between food and culture. Experience pairings of hot and cool in cuisine, delight in the fusing of food and music and witness the breaking down of barriers between chef, artist and audience.

Hot & Spicy will stir your soul as we get back to basics and focus on food as a central element of great celebrations. Ring in 15 spicy years at your home down by the water – share a meal with strangers, enjoy a slice of birthday cake and take in sounds that capture the spirit of the festival. Savour the variety in smoked flavours and witness the smouldering rivalries in our International Iron Chef competition – a culinary showdown that is unparalleled in the city.

While we toast to the legacy of one of Harbourfront Centre's most beloved festivals we will simultaneously cast an eye forward to the next 15 years, as we examine innovations in the local and international culinary scenes.

Liz Stewart, Lead Artistic Associate
Tara Brady, Assistant Artistic Associate, Music