Icebergs floating on the waterfront. A curbside fortune teller. Indigenous animal carvings on the TTC. Creativity and imagination are all around us these days, and it’s all thanks to ArtworxTO, a public art initiative from the City of Toronto.

Kicking off the city’s new 10-Year Public Art Strategy, ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021-2022 is designed to “celebrate Toronto’s exceptional public art collection and the artists behind it.”

This exciting initiative supports artists and both new and existing artwork that reflects Toronto's diversity and creates more opportunities for the public to engage with free public art in their everyday lives, across the entire city.

It’s in perfect alignment with our pillar of Social Sustainability, a commitment to integrating diverse programmatic elements that stimulate conversation and ensure private and public spaces are designed to enrich society as a whole. It’s why so many Collecdev communities include original art, space to create, and locations near rich cultural hubs.

Public art, as a tool for community development, civic engagement, and urban design, is everyone’s responsibility, especially those who play a direct role in shaping city growth. That’s why Collecdev is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of an ArtworxTO installation – the Dupont Street Mural by the prolific street artist Troy Lovegates.

One of the most recent additions is “Generally Speaking,” a brand-new 120-foot mural that can be found in Yorkville, near Cielo Condos. The mural is the first public piece in Canada by NYC-based African American artist Nina Chanel Abney. A self-identified queer woman, Abney’s works often explore themes of race, gender, pop culture, homophobia, and politics, and “Generally Speaking” is no exception.

The piece is full of graphic shapes, text, and icons that define an energetic visual language designed to raise awareness about cultural- and gender-based hate, and that urges the viewer to “‘stop’ for a moment of consideration on how we can embark on a communal process of healing through art and intentional contemplation.”

Plan your own route to discover Toronto’s impressive art scene using the city’s interactive artworks map where you can filter by artist, artwork name, type, neighbourhood or city program and set out to discover them all.

As Toronto continues to carve out a name for itself as a global leader in public art, Collecdev will continue to support the endeavours with commissions like the Dupont Street Mural and communities that put residents within easy reach of inspiring works. Join us for the unveiling and be a part of the legacy!

Learn more about Collecdev Communities by registering today.

For a colourful addition to your Instagram feed, follow the artists @troy_lovegates and @ninachanel.  <br/ >Image courtesy of ArtworxTO.