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StreetARToronto(StART)

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StreetARToronto or StART is a new, pro-active program that aims to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art and its indispensable role in adding beauty and character to neighbourhoods across Toronto, while counteracting graffiti vandalism and its harmful effect on communities.

Street Art - logo

What is Street Art?

Street art is art, specifically visual art, developed for public spaces. It can be on a wall, pathway, road, trash-bin, streetlamp, etc. The term can include traditional graffiti artwork, murals, sculptures, stencil graffiti, sticker art, wheatpasting and street poster art, video projection, art intervention, guerrilla art, flash mobbing and street installations.


For the purposes of the StART program, "Street Art" can include traditional graffiti artwork, murals and stencil graffiti. Graffiti art is a legal and acceptable form of street art and is differentiated from "tagging" which is generally characterized by writing and an act of vandalism. The City of Toronto defines Graffiti Art as "markings made or affixed to properties that are approved by the property owner or occupant, where the markings aesthetically enhance the surface they cover and the general surroundings, having regard to the community character and standards." Click here to download the by-law (PDF).

StART (formally known as the Graffiti Transformation Program) originated out of the Graffiti Management Plan and is currently administered by the Public Realm Section of the Transportation Services Division at the City of Toronto.

For more information on the City's Graffiti Management Plan, visit toronto.ca/graffiti.

Join us on Twitter and Facebook for news and updates on graffiti and street art from across Toronto and around the world.

StART Partnership Program

StART's mission is to revitalize and engage communities through street and mural art. StART provides up to $30,000 in funding for partnership projects that meet the following objectives:

  • Enhance and promote Toronto's vibrant street and graffiti art
  • Revitalize communities
  • Counteract graffiti vandalism
  • Engage emerging and established local artists

For program guidelines and application information click here.

StART Diversion and Education Program

StART's Diversion and Education program has been created in the belief that by partnering with community organizations, we can assist at-risk youth and young adults arrested for graffiti vandalism, vandalism or mischief. The program is designed as a community alternative for youth to participate in graffiti removal and other community beautification activities with the goal of engaging youth in restoring the community by repairing the harm done as well as serve as a meaningful way for youth to take responsibility for graffiti vandalism and related offences. StART may provide up to $20,000 for initiatives that are designed to meet our objectives. For program guidelines and application information click here.

Special Initiatives

Mural and wall art is an effective means of deterring graffiti from appearing on structures. In collaboration with Councillors and other City departments, StART will serve as a catalyst for a number of site specific initiatives that will provide increased participation from a wide variety of communities across the city. Opportunities for emerging artists will be encouraged.

StreetARToronto Artist Directory

Artist Directory

Created with the purpose of profiling local Toronto artists who are interested in working on graffiti art and street art projects, the StreetARToronto Artist Database serves to foster connections between these artists and individuals or businesses that have a project in mind.

Click here to find an artist.

Interested in being part of the directory? Submit profile here


Mutimedia

Why Street Art?

Jack Layton Ferry Docks

StreetARToronto 2012 Year in review


Social Media