Sun Jul 13 20:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Coldplay Plays Toronto, TikTok Pulls Arts Sponsorships, Arts & Crafts Goes Country**
**Toronto, ON** – Coldplay recently performed two shows at Toronto’s brand new Rogers Stadium. The band’s frontman, Chris Martin, cheekily dubbed the venue a “weird stadium in the middle of nowhere,” despite its construction being partly motivated by the band’s popularity. The concerts, part of the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour, were noted for their impressive production and unifying atmosphere. Martin emphasized inclusivity, welcoming fans from various nations and backgrounds. The band’s performance marks the 203rd show on its record-breaking tour.
In other news, TikTok Canada is halting its arts sponsorships, including its support for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Juno Awards, as it prepares for a potential exit from the country. This follows a federal order citing national security concerns. Steve de Eyre, TikTok Canada’s director of public policy and government affairs, expressed regret, stating the company can no longer commit to renewing Canadian partnerships. The move will impact several arts programs, including the Juno Fan Choice Award, MusiCounts music education charity, TIFF’s Short Cuts and Special Presentations programs and the National Screen Institute’s TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.
On a brighter note for the Canadian music scene, independent music label Arts & Crafts, known for its work with acts like Broken Social Scene and Feist, has launched a new “Arts & Crafts Country” imprint. Their first signing is the Juno-winning country group The Washboard Union. President Kieran Roy emphasized the label’s commitment to creativity and community across genres. The Washboard Union, a trio from British Columbia, has earned nine CCMA Awards and one Juno Award. They are currently recording new music for a fall release and will be touring Australia in October.
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