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April 2022 Newsletter

April 2022 Newsletter

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STEPS Blog: Public Art in Pandemic Recovery

A rectangular gif graphic that features imagery of different works of public art from street decals to posters decorating bus stops and street poles. The Steps logo is in the top left hand corner with text below that reads “Thought Leadership. STEPS Blog Series. Platforms for Public Art in Pandemic Recovery.”

In times of change, public art can address the question “How do we move forwards to build a better, more equitable future?” In our latest article, we share inspiring public art projects that are making a social impact and continue to strengthen communities and public spaces.

Continue Reading

This is part of the new STEPS Blog Series where we explore tactics and trends in the Canadian public art scene.

Mural Painting Youth Workshops

A rectangular image graphic that features a mural painted on a brick wall combining typography with bright colours set against a dark background. The bottom half of the graphic features the Beaches Sandbox logo and text that reads “Beaches Sandbox Mural with Bareket Kezwer. Mural Painting Workshop. Learn the fundamentals of mural painting including aerosol painting, wall priming and colourful blocking during two in-person workshops on Saturday May7, 2022 for youth ages 12-20. Decline to Register: April 29th, 2022 at 11:59 PM ET.”

Do you live, work or play in the Toronto Beaches neighbourhood? Join artist Bareket Kezwer to learn the basics of mural painting and be part of the creative process of the mural production for Beaches Sandbox, a new community hub coming to 2181 Queen St E, Toronto. Workshops are open to youth ages 12-20, no experience necessary!

Save Your Spot By April 29!

Save the Date: Safe Flight Home Art Crawl

A rectangular graphic that features a glimpse of bird window vinyl murals in the top right corner. In the centre is a yellow wavy shape with the STEPS and funder logos and text that reads “STEPS Public Art presents: Safe Flight Home TTC Art Crawl.” In the bottom left corner is a teal shape with white text the reads “Join us on May 29, 2022 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM. York University TTC station.”

Registration coming soon! Join internationally-recognized artist Fatspatrol, FLAP Canada and STEPS in an art crawl on Sunday, May 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM ET to celebrate Safe Flight Home, a community-based public art project exhibiting at three Toronto subway stations and featuring large-scale and bird-safe vinyl murals by 50+ participants.

Learn About Safe Flight Home

Events/Opportunities

Photograph of artist Farida Zaman painting in her studio on a canvas, surrounded by paints and books. The painting features imagery of fruits and vegetables.

I HeART Main Street BIA Program (On-going)

Connect with artists to bring public art to your main streets this summer! Register your BIA to receive artist fee subsidies and placemaking support (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis).

Public Art Near You!

Two photographs merged together, the first one features three people installing an art work surrounded by nature. The second features a close-up view of the artwork, which is a tall pillar with a brass sculpture at the top.

Cedar Cone Rain Catcher (Squamish, BC)

Visit Rose Park to experience the musical rain chimes of 2021 artist-in-residence Laara Cerman’s cedar cone brass sculpture. Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2022 CreateSpace artists bringing public art installations to communities across provinces!

A rectangular graphic that features different views of cellphones and swirling patterns in blue, teal and yellow. The cellphone on the left is set against a map background and has images of different public art projects on the screen. The cellphone on the right has a map on the screen. The graphic has the text “Discover New Public Art Activations! Find public art near you!”

STEPS Public Art App

Warmer weather means more outdoor activities! Check out the STEPS app, a free interactive platform to find installations and walking tours near you. Also available via App Store and Google Play.

Resources For You

Supporting artists and arts workers, especially those who face barriers in accessing public art opportunities, is at the core of STEPS’ mandate. Below are resources and current opportunities on our radar. You can also visit Community Resources for additional learning opportunities.

 

More Public Art Opportunities

Building Community During COVID

Photograph of a group of people standing in front of a large-scale mural painted across the entrance of a TTC station. The mural features imagery of bird eyes surround by brightly coloured rays surrounding it.

Thanks to contributions from community members like you, STEPS has supported over 150 public art initiatives and made over $510,000 in direct payments to Canadian artists and designers since the start of the pandemic.

Consider making a donation to support this important work!

Donate Today

Featured artists and photographers in this month’s issue:

Danielle Hyde, Selina McCallum, Yaara Eshet, Svava Tergesen, Fatspatrol, May Shi, Bareket Kezwer, Farida Zaman, Laara Cerman, Mila Bright, Shalak Attack, Edan Maxam, Kseniya Tsoy

Thanks to our funders and supporters

Three rows of logos including Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Government of Canada, Ontario Government, City of Toronto, Ontario Trillium Foundation, RBC, TD, CIBC, TFVA, Partners in Art, Bulmash-Siegel Foundation
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