Toronto Mayor John Tory: Street art can enhance beautification

John Tory. Image credit: Facebook page

​#JohnTory, #JustusRoe, #STEPS, #GordPerks, #StreetARToronto

Toronto, July 12 (Canadian-Media): the City of Toronto (Toronto and its adjoining cities) and the City of Chicago, US are participating in a cultural exchange to commemorate Canada's 150th birthday and the "Year of Public Art" being celebrated in Chicago, that will result in creating a piece of street art in both cities, media reports said.

"This venture is an exciting project for both cities. It will promote and increase awareness of street art and its role in enhancing the vitality of our streets capes.  Street art that is seen on a daily basis can trigger beautification, social transformation and economic benefits," said Toronto Mayor John Tory in a News release.

Justus Roe, Chicago-based abstract artist will arrive in Toronto, in collaboration with the STEPS Initiative,  and transform Roncesvalles Foot Bridge that connects west-end communities of Toronto to the waterfront -- the popular pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare -- with his work of art.

STEPS, based on three core values of culture, community engagement and city-building is an award-winning, Toronto-based public arts organization that will provide -- through a series of community painting days -- opportunities for local artists and Parkdale youth .

"Public art transforms a place from being a mere place, to a place of joy," said Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park). "I am thrilled that our neighbourhood gateway to the lake is becoming an important piece of public art."

On his arrival to Toronto on 13th July, Roe will get required assistance in the completion of the mural before the end of this month.

Toronto artist who will reportedly travel to Chicago will soon be announced.

Toronto city's StART program would co-ordinate with this Toronto project will receive support by the Economic Development and Culture Division.

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StreetARToronto. Image credit: Facebook page

StreetARToronto, or StART, an innovative pro-active program of Transportation Services' Public Realm Section, was launched in 2012, with the aim to increase awareness beauty to neighbourhoods across Toronto added  by street art  to counteract the harmful effects on communities due to graffiti vandalism.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)