News

Celebrating Black Artists and Creatives

Throughout Black Futures Month and all year round, join us in celebrating the achievements of Black artists, mentors and creatives we admire and have had the pleasure of working with! Check out the works of talented collaborators (such as the new Leslie Nymark Mural by Phade, No Vacancy storefront mural by Tee Fergus, and last summer’s I Am Lucie, I Am Thornton performance by Charmaine Lurch), events like BlackThen, BlackNow, BlackFutures by Nia Centre for the Arts, and STEPS’ growing list of community resources.

Work at STEPS!

STEPS is hiring! We have multiple positions with virtual and hybrid options to support our growing national programming and the role of artists in fostering inclusive communities and public spaces. Help us spread the word and apply today!

• Cultural Planning Manager (Ddln: Mar 3) 
• Operations Coordinator (Ddln: Mar 31)
• Public Art Assistants (Ddln: Apr 5)
• Engagement Assistant (Ddln: Apr 5)
• Photographer/Videographer (various deadlines)

New Virtual Workshop Spots!

New spots have been added to the last four creative workshops with artist Bareket Kezwer! The Beaches Sandbox Mural Art Workshops are free and open to families living, working or playing in the Toronto Beaches. No experience is necessary and your participation will inspire the creation of a new mural coming to the community this spring!

Launch of National Mural Series

STEPS and BMO Canada are thrilled to announce the BMO National Mural Series, a campaign bringing unique public art installations by 17 local artists to 17 bank branches across 7 provinces! Through the talents of the selected artists, STEPS’ expertise in public art management and BMO’s dedication to supporting communities, this series centers around themes of community, family and diversity.

Events/Opportunities

I HeART Main Street BIA Program (On-going)

Is your Business Improvement Area interested in bringing public art to communities this spring? Apply today for placemaking support and artist fee subsidies!

Public Art Near You!

Countryside Drive-by Brampton Fire Station Mural

Pam Lostracco’s 1,200 sq ft. artwork in collaboration with City of Brampton and STEPS can be found at 211 Brampton Fire Station (10775 The Gore Rd, Brampton, ON).

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.

• Tax Workshop for Emerging Artists, Xpace (Feb 18, 2022) 
• Call for Canadian Artists with Disabilities, AANM (Ddln: Feb 18, 2022)
• Tax Help for Artists Webinar, CARFAC (Feb 23, 2022)
• Call for Submissions, Creatives in Residence Program (Ddln: Feb 23, 2022)
• Indigenous Youth & Community Futures Fund Grant (Ddln: Feb 24, 2022)
• Toronto Nature Walk, Neighbourhood Love Collection (Feb 26, 2022)
• Artist Call, BlackOut Research with Nia Centre (Ddln: Feb 28, 2022)
• Artist Call, Public Artwork, Town of Collingwood (Ddln: Feb 28, 2022)
• Copyright 101 Workshop for Mural Artists (Feb 28, 2022)
• Artist Call, City of Niagara Falls (Ddln: Feb 28, 2022)
• TD Park People Grant (Ddln: Feb 28, 2022)

Building Community During COVID

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, including over  $420,000 in 2021 alone.

Consider making a donation to support this important work!

Featured artists and photographers in this month’s issue:

May Shi, Selina McCallum, Suharu Ogawa, Curtia Wright, Tee Fergus, Phade, Charmaine Lurch, Paddy Leung, Meegan Lim, Wenting Li, Justine Wong, Hour Studio Space, Pam Lostracco, Shalak Attack, Fatspatrol 

Thanks to our funders and supporters