WATCH: The private sector has commissioned more than 200 works of public art in Toronto. Each going through its own rigorous process. Mark McAllister reports.
TORONTO – More than two hundred works of pubic art have been commissioned by the private sector over the last couple of decades in Toronto.
The admission from City Hall comes in the midst of the so-called condo boom which has placed more new artwork on the streets than ever before.
“We’ve just launched over 100 works of art,” the public art coordinator for the city Jane Perdue said. “We have another 150 we are doing the background work on because the former City of Toronto started this program in the mid-80’s.”
The former City of Toronto started endorsing policies related to public art in 1986 and now encourages developers to provide pieces as part of its commitment to the city to give back in one form or another.
Each case goes through a formal process based on a public art plan, which includes a rigorous review involving a jury made up of different people within the arts community.
“The commission has been set up to provide oversight and manage the corporate interests,” OCAD University professor Francis LeBouthillier said. “It makes sure the proper players are at the table. That includes artists.”
One example is the work being done to try and create a new streetscape and courtyard along Avenue Road north of Bloor Street West.
Camrost Felcorp is the developer behind the Yorkville plaza buildings and is currently in the process of selecting an artist to provide a piece in front of one of them.
The former curator of contemporary art at the Art Gallery of Ontario is at the helm of the project and says it was important to contribute something for pedestrians in the area.
“Given the history of Yorkville, given the centrality of this site, it was important that each of the artists under consideration had a sense of the history of this neighbourhood,” David Moos said.
The city’s Percent for Public Art Program is often used by developers to commission public art on or adjacent to the property being developed. A contribution can also be made to a reserve fund used by the city in the local ward.
The selection process for the Yorkville project is now down to two artists. The winner is expected to be chosen by June 6.
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