I HeART Main Street 2023
For its fourth year, I HeART Main Street is presented in partnership with RBC Royal Bank to promote main street recovery through public art projects and community engagement events.
Providing pro-bono creative placemaking support for Canadian Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and paid opportunities for local artists, STEPS continues to strengthen business-community relationships and foster vibrant public spaces.
Program at a glance
Location: Various locations across Canada: Toronto (ON), Stratford (ON), Paris (ON), New Westminster (BC), Barrie (ON), Vancouver (BC), Halifax (NS), Hamilton (ON), Mississauga (ON), and more!
BIAs: Rosedale, Riverside, Downtown Stratford, Pape Village, Streetsville, Downtown New West, Eglinton Hill, Downtown Barrie, Downtown Port Colborne, Halifax North End Business Association, Trinity Bellwoods, Yonge North York, Mimico Village, South Granville, Downtown Paris, Clarkson Village, Streetsville, Ottawa Street, Bloor Annex BIA and more!
Artist(s): Asli Alin, Ailsa Craigen, Enna Kim, Kseniya Tsoy, Yen Linh Thai, Talie Shalmon, Jenn Mezei, Adrian Forrow, Nyle Miigizi Johnston, Mikayla Seaton, Komal Saxena, Anushay Sheikh, Alanah Astehtsi Otsistohkwa Jewell, Sarain Fox, Moises Frank, Ballinran Entertainment, Kawama Kasutu, Hour Studio Space, Megan Bennett, Jieun Kim, Jasmine Vanstone, Gosia Komorski, Kayla Buium, WKNDRS, Taryn Henry, Kaya Joan, Que Rock, Julia Prajza, Marcus Jamieson, Ella Mazur, Erin McCluskey, Sherill Tucker and more!
Year: 2023
Project Photographer/Videographers: Anushay Sheikh, Kyle Jarencio, Matt Brickman, Sara Bradford (Downtown Stratford BIA), Thomas Jose, May Shi, Basha Photography, Shanthan Reddy, Chris de Laat, Alicia Reid, David Geary, Dean Ellis, Adam Ibrahim, Astrid Mohr, James Lai
Services: Main Street Recovery
52
BIAs enrolled to date
130+
artists commissioned since 2020
17+
cities represented across Canada
About I HeART Main Street
I HeART Main Street began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support communities and equity-seeking artists through challenging times. Through unique public art activations (such as murals, street furniture revitalization, storefront wraps, sidewalk decals, light installations, and more) and community engagement workshops, this program works with Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to realize creative placemaking projects that foster vibrant public spaces and community connections.
Check out the latest public art projects happening across the country that are also eligible for awards and prizes to support future placemaking initiatives! If you are a BIA or community group in Northern or rural Canadian communities, learn more about the I HeART Main Street Program and how to apply for the next round.
I HeART Main Street Participating BIAs and Artists
Eglinton Hill “Sharing Stories of Migration” Mural
As part of the Inspired Art Impact Toolkit pilot project, Eglinton Hill BIA worked with Moises Frank to produce a mural that depicts West African drummer, educator and cultural keeper Saikou Saho and a student surrounded by symbols of migration.
Tapilila Mural
As part of the CreateSpace Public Art Residency and I HeART Main Street, artist Kawama Kasutu worked with the North End Business Association in Halifax to install her Tapilila mural at Agricola Brasserie.
Port Colborne Window Murals
These playful window murals by artist Megan Bennett were inspired by the local businesses they animate: Walters and Neptune and The Belmont at the heart of the Downtown Port Colborne BIA.
Bloor Annex Audio Stories
The Band of Storytellers is a mural in Toronto’s Bloor Annex that honours the musical history of the heritage building and the neighbourhood. Audio stories (via YouTube) by lead artist Komi Olaf and Norman Richmond (with audio editing by Saroja Ponnambalam) animate the mural for a unique auditory experience.
I HeART Main Street Partners and Funders
I HeART Main Street is presented in partnership with RBC Royal Bank and generously supported by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and funding provided by the Government of Ontario.