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Main Street Art Challenge Winners

A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Chinatown bia

Innovative Award Winner
A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Riverside BIA

Community-Engaged Award Winner
A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Port Credit BIA

Transformative Award Winner

Presented with RBC Royal Bank, The STEPS Initiative is pleased to announce the winners of the I heART Main Street Art Challenge!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, STEPS supported GTA 11 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to develop 41 art installations in collaboration with 20 local artists. Ranging from sidewalk decals to storefront exhibits, installations fostered a sense of community during local economic recovery. A heartfelt thank you to all our Award Committee members who generously donated their time, expertise, and knowledge to select the I heART Main Street Art Challenge winners! 

“Our one-of-a-kind table coverings in parklets, captured the vitality and unique qualities of the Chinatown community, producing an inviting space for visitors to safely enjoy their meals, supporting our local businesses.” 

 – Lucia Huang, Operations Manager of Chinatown BIA
BIAs competed for a chance to win prizes to help them bring more art to their districts. The winners include: the Chinatown BIA, the Riverside BIA, and the Port Credit BIA, who each won prizes in three respective award categories, Innovative, Community-Engaged, and Transformative. Winners receive financial and other support for future placemaking in their districts, including artist fee subsidies.

“RBC has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts. Our deep congratulations to all the artists and BIAs who participated in bringing vibrancy and creativity to the GTA. Your work has allowed for engagement with our streetscapes in new and innovative ways.” 

 – Corrie Jackson, RBC Royal Bank Senior Curator and Award Committee member

“[The challenge provided] the opportunity to creatively respond during these challenging economic times while recognizing some of the amazing local artists and leaders we have in our community.” 

 – Rosie Little Jeffares, Riverside BIA Co-Chair

See how Riverside BIA is utilizing their prize money to create new placemaking opportunities in the community!

A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Erin McCluskey

A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Lauren Pirie

A person standing next to a window decal with an illustrated type and portrait that says Foodie.

Marco Bertuzzo

“The challenge allowed us to undertake a project that we had been envisioning for some time, transforming our streetscape and unifying our BIA catchment through art. We are so excited to continue the momentum ignited by this public art initiative.” 

 – Nastasha MacKinnon, Port Credit BIA
The Main Street Art Challenge is just one of the COVID-response programs STEPS launched to support communities impacted by the pandemic. Reach out to see how we can help support your post- pandemic recovery!
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