Crisalida (in English chrysalis; middle point between the caterpillar and butterfly) is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to build vibrant, healthy, civically engaged communities through innovative community-based arts practice among the diverse communities of the GTA.

Crisalida is a space for personal and community development. People from different ages and walks of life converge in an artistic experience that allows them to be truly heard and acknowledged, reconnect with their roots, explore hidden talents, extend their social networks, and develop a positive sense of pride and ownership of the community where they live.

Crisalida’s philosophy is that art is a vital ingredient of community development. By allowing us to explore our inner world, the arts allow us to discover our talents, virtues, strengths, as well as our weaknesses. This gives us a better idea of how to fit meaningfully and productively in our community. Through art then, we fight alienation and apathy towards community life, and find instead self-realization and meaning in our own existence.
An individual with a strong sense of belonging will pursue a continuous cultivation of his or her own potential (to be able to contribute to the collective), and will actively engage in activities that benefit the collective of which he or she is a proud member.
The arts teach us to think outside our own boundaries, they create hope in us by teaching us to use creativity to overcome our obstacles, whatever they are (fears, doubts, poverty, disease, racism, physical disability, etc).