'Untitled', Susan Schelle and Mark Gomes Prince Arthur Condominiums
The Toronto Official Plan supports public art in all significant private sector
developments across the City. The Percent for Public Art Program recommends that a
minimum of one percent of the gross construction cost of each significant development
be contributed to public art.
'Barca Volante' Francisco Gazitua Concord CityPlace
City Planning (community planners and urban designers) administers this program and
works with the private sector to secure public art contributions through development
review, Official Plan amendments and re-zonings.
The governing principle for the Percent for Public Art Program is that art is a public
benefit to be enjoyed and experienced by residents and visitors throughout the city. The
Program requires that the artwork must be clearly visible at all times from publicly
accessible areas.
(NOTE: You will need to have the latest version of the
FREE
Acrobat Reader to view PDF files linked on this page.)
When making a percent for public art contribution, a developer has three options:
'Between Heaven and Earth' John McEwen Cineplex Odeon Queensway
'On-site' () - the contribution is used by the developer to commission a public
artwork located on or immediately adjacent to the development property. In some cases,
the developer commissions art as part of the design for an open space or a park that will
later become a City-owned amenity.
'Off-site' () - the contribution is collected by the City in a
Public Art Reserve Fund and used with other similar contributions to commission public art for a City-initiative
in the local ward. When public art is commissioned by the City, the process is administered
by Toronto Culture.
'On-site' and 'Off-site' - any combination of the above two options.
When the public art program is 'On-site' a City Council approved Public Art Plan () is
required. With the assistance of City Planning staff and the Toronto Public Art
Commission - a citizen advisory group, the Public Art Plan ensures that the developer
identifies appropriate public art opportunities on the site; a feasible budget and
project schedule; and a fair and professional method for art/artist selection.
'The Jack Pine Remembered', Panya Clark Espinal Amica Mature Lifestyles Residence
) - the contribution is used by the developer to commission a public
artwork located on or immediately adjacent to the development property. In some cases,
the developer commissions art as part of the design for an open space or a park that will
later become a City-owned amenity.
