Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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The City of Toronto's Public Art Programs The City of Toronto's Official Plan recognizes the value of public art in contributing to the cmity's identity and character, and celebrating the cultural diversity and creativity of our communities. Its policies call for public art initiatives to enhance City-owned spaces, and the inclusion of public art in all significant private sector developments across Toronto. Supported by the vision of the Official Plan,the City currently delivers three major public art programs that make a significant contribution to animating public spaces in Toronto—including the City of Toronto Public Art and Monuments Collection;the Percent for Public Art Program; and StreetARToronto. An overview of each is included below. Together,these programs have created more than 1,500 works of public art located across each of Toronto's wards, and implement the policy directions contained in the City's Official Plan, and other Council-approved strategies such as the Graffiti Management Plan. The Toronto Public Art Strategy seeks to build on the strong foundation and successes of these programs by establishing a shared vision to enhance their collective public impact, and strengthen collaboration between them. These core City-led programs are just one of the ways to experience public art in Toronto. Independent public art projects led by arts institutions, community organizations, Business Improvement Areas, and others are fundamental to shaping our everyday experience of the city. For one night each year, Toronto comes alive with a celebration of ephemeral public art during Nuit Blanche. In addition, City agencies lead acclaimed public art programs that enliven spaces and infrastructure across the city.Waterfront Toronto is building a contemporary collection of public art across the city's waterfront,funded by pooling developer contributions and informed by public art strategies and master plans, which upon completion become part of the City's Public Art and Monuments Collection.And,the Toronto Transit Commission has enriched transit facilities city-wide with innovative works of public art, guided by its Art in Public Transit Facilities Policy. Looking ahead, greater synergies between the City, its agencies, independent projects and special events will strengthen Toronto's position as a public art capital. Toronto Public Art Strategy 2020/2030 17