WORKSIGHT: Art on Hoarding Initiative Coming to Toronto
By Lucas on Feb 24, 2014
On Feb. 26, a new public art initiative will transform the Toronto City Hall rotunda with a stunning installation.
Cleverly dubbed “WorkSight,” the event will draw attention to the great deal of construction hoarding lining the streets of downtown Toronto, and how these surfaces are basically just unused canvases.
While art on hoarding isn’t exactly a new idea, we definitely don’t see it happening enough. Last year, Lifetime Developments hired local artist Mike Parsons to design a mural for the hoarding at the Bond Condos at Adelaide and John. And Camrost-Felcorp hired artists Daniel Borins and Jennifer Marman to design a mural on the hoarding for Yorkville Plaza.
We think the main issue here is that condo developers don’t know how to go about accomplishing something like this. Maybe they think it will cost too much, maybe they’re concerned about too much advertising space being covered up. There are a number of reasons why developers aren’t doing all they can to support local artists, but are they all legitimate? You’ll have to attend WorkSight to find out!
WorkSight runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 at 100 Queen Street West - Toronto City Hall. Toronto’s most prominent developers will be in attendance, as well as many councillors. Mingle with your home building peers, network with councillors and other City staff, and enjoy some art! Who knows, you might be the next developer to support a local artist and get a wave of publicity for your new condo.
WorkSight is brought to Toronto by STEPS (Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space) and Wysp Social Marketing. Both organizations have separate hoarding art initiatives, but have teamed up to raise awareness about the potential of beautifying Toronto's streetscapes.For more information, contact andrew@wysp.ca or alexis@stepsinitiative.com.
