The foundation organizes and sponsors a biennial festival, and has a year-round programme which showcases the work of contemporary artists from Canada and around the world, with a particular focus on music.
Ashkenaz has sponsored fusion and cross-cultural exchange with artists from outside Jewish cultural traditions through commissioned works and special projects.
Ashkenaz promotes local and emerging talent, and takes part in education and community outreach.
[1] Each edition showcases approximately 50-75 acts from Canada and around the world, and includes music, theatre, dance, film, literature, craft, and visual arts.
The Festival draws an audience of about 60,000 people and has grown to be the largest Jewish cultural event in Canada.