REVITALIZING LESLIE NYMARK THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC ART

Toronto artist and residents collaborating this summer on large-scale community art project

Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Tridel and STEPS Public Art put out a Call to Artists in March 2020, inviting Ontario artists and artist collectives to submit qualifications for a juried review process for the TCHC/Tridel Leslie Nymark community revitalization. Toronto-based graffiti artist Jessey Pacho and his team of artist collaborators, Moises Frank and Alex Popelavskis, have been awarded the commission and selected by a committee of residents and professional public artists. Jessey and his team will create a large public artwork designed collaboratively with Leslie Nymark residents; installation planned fall 2021.  

The Leslie Nymark Public Art Project offers a unique opportunity for residents of the revitalized Villaways community to work directly with a local artist and contribute to the content and design of a new public artwork in their community, drawing on the past and shaping a vision for the future. Embedded within the public art process are numerous skill-building workshops and employment opportunities for residents that will leave a lasting legacy on the community for years to come.

“Toronto Community Housing is thrilled to partner with STEPS to celebrate important stories of the Villaways tenants and provide inspiration for both returning tenants and new community members.” 
– Vincent Tong, TCHC Chief Development Officer

Located in the former Villaways area of Toronto, Leslie Nymark is in its last stages of revitalization, with this public art project offering returning residents new ways of engaging with ideas of community. 

“the project is the perfect way to welcome back long-time Villaways residents, introduce new residents, and create a neighbourhood together.”
– Shelley Caroll, Don Valley North Councillor

With 20 years’ experience in public art, Jessey has dedicated his life to building community, arts education, and mural making. Beginning June 2021, community members have the opportunity to work alongside Jessey and his collaborators Moises Frank and Alex Popelavskis, sharing their stories that reflect the past, present, and future of the neighbourhood. 

“I grew up in TCH housing and what excites me about this project is the chance to create something truly meaningful with a deserving community, in an artform [graffiti] typically overlooked and stigmatized.”

– JESSEY PACHO 

Read the full media release via STEPS Newswire.

Follow @stepspublicart and #STEPSPublicArt for project updates.