Art for all, and for always.
You’ve heard the urban legend. “Toronto couple trades in one-bedroom condo for sprawling farmhouse and pandemic solitude.” And if you’ve heard the legend, you may have even considered making it your own reality. Don't worry, we get it!
In times like these when it seems that everything we love about our cities, like that cozy corner in our neighbourhood wine bar or those hours spent roaming galleries, is locked away, we can often wonder, “If I can’t enjoy city life, why live in the city at all?”. We go through a cycle of “what ifs” and “if onlys” and ponder the greener pastures that might possibly await outside this so-called concrete jungle.
AND THEN WE STEP OUTSIDE.
Mirage by Paul Raff, Underpass Park. Photo Source: @jxsminef on Instagram
We breathe in the city air that reminds us that we’re mere minutes away from Lake Ontario. Depending on the time of day, we might smell the croissants rising in the oven at the cafe down the street, or maybe we smell the aroma of the dinner that’s cooking in the house next door. We hear birds chirping, kids laughing, heels clicking, and TTC buses moving along - because that’s exactly what’s happening: our city is still moving, still living - doing exactly what it was designed to do.
As adventurers-at-heart, we asked ourselves, “How can we still enjoy the diversity, culture and life of our city even while its doors are closed?” And then it came to us: the City of Toronto’s Public Art Strategy. Boasting more than 1,500 works of public art all scattered throughout the city, it can feel like there are beautiful surprises hiding around every corner. Maybe you’ve spotted the toy soldiers at Lakeshore & Bathurst, or the murals painted on buildings like Flatiron? Or perhaps you’ve seen the bright red canoe perched on the hill at City Place? Each piece of art is part of this strategy.
ART FOR ALL
Committed to vibrancy in even the darkest of times, the City of Toronto has found ways to engage residents and tourists (remember those?) with this strategy. Public art captures our attention and imagination. The Public Art Strategy also strives to create awareness, and to restore visibility to Toronto’s Indigenous communities, providing a chance for discussion, collaboration and a shared path forward.
FOR ALWAYS
Aesthetics aside, the beauty of public art is that it doesn’t disappear when the rest of the city seems to be tucked away. It’s free, accessible and available 24/7. It adds character to your morning jog, your trip to the market, or your daily dog walk. It can even become a landmark in itself, enhancing the neighbourhood and community where it calls home.
Keep your eyes peeled within your own communities for these installations. Taking a minute to notice and understand these pieces can transport you to another place - something we’re all looking forward to, especially during this time when we’re all feeling a little confined.
LET’S START WALKING AND TALKING.
Elevated Wetlands Sculptures by Noel Harding, Don Valley Parkway. Photo Source: Unknown
Below are just a couple of ways that you can explore the existing projects within the strategy. We recommend breaking them up into mini adventures, so you can fill up this sometimes-bleak season with brightness and excitement instead.
Follow @booth_wilkinson_homes for our top three walking tours through the month of February. If you want to get a head start, check out these walks below:
TIP: Share your experiences and learnings on social media. Tag @booth_wilkinson_homes to show us some of your favs!
WALK 1:
Explore the Percent for Public Art Walking Tour
WALK 2:
Explore the Public Art & Monument Program
WALK 3:
Explore StreetARToronto (START)
Remember: yes, the grass could be greener elsewhere, but you always have the power to paint a brighter picture from wherever you are - and if you’re lucky enough to call Toronto home, it looks like that picture’s already been painted for you.
