Deputy Mayor Ana Bailᾶo (Ward 18 Davenport) will be joined by artists Alexander Bacon and Que Rockford as well as representatives from the community to celebrate a new gateway mural on the underpass on the north side of Dupont Street between Osler Street and Dundas Street West.
The official unveiling will take place on Saturday, October 21 at 11 a.m.
“This powerful mural is a mix of Indigenous, abstract and graffiti art, and marks the first mural jointly created by Indigenous artist, dancer and musician Que Rockford (Anishnawbe) and renowned street artist Alexander Bacon,” said Deputy Mayor Bailᾶo. “This piece is an homage to street art in two visual languages – an Indigenous language and a street art language in balance and harmony, showcasing a forward-looking story for the 21st century where all beings live in balance with the earth and in harmony with one another.”
Bacon mentored Rockford in the art of mural-making while Rockford taught Bacon about sacred Indigenous geometry and the deep and powerful meanings behind his work.
This is the first mural to be executed by the Create Your Path (CYP) street art project in the West Toronto Railpath. CYP was initiated in 2014 by Deputy Mayor Bailᾶo. The City’s StART program was approached to install art projects along selected buildings facing the West Toronto Railpath. This request was rooted in a community desire for change along the trail. The project is managed by StART in collaboration with the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division.
StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. Initiated as an integral part of the City’s Graffiti Management Plan, StART has been successful in reducing graffiti vandalism and replacing it with vibrant, colourful, community-engaged street art. StART programs encourage active transportation such as walking and cycling, make our streets more beautiful and safe, reduce overall infrastructure maintenance costs, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business, artists, arts organizations and City staff. While based on themes relevant to local neighbourhoods, StART art works and artists also reflect the City of Toronto’s motto: Diversity our Strength and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. StART is an initiative of the City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, Public Realm Section.
This news release is also available on the City’s website: http://ow.ly/ZoPV30g1kVW.
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