News Release
October 7, 2022

Yesterday evening a community celebration of pluralism, connection and cross-cultural understanding was held to signal that all are welcome on the recently renamed Aga Khan Boulevard. New community art features and their meanings by Toronto artist Javid Jah were also revealed.

The celebration, curated by Elder Whabagoon and Cat Curran, featured Indigenous, Ismaili and Japanese Artists. A mural that explains the vision behind Jah’s new local art installations along Aga Khan Boulevard, between Don Mills Road and the east side of the Don Valley Parkway overpass, was projected onto the outer wall of the Aga Khan Museum.

The temporary projected mural will also be visible on October 7 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Aga Khan Park, 77 Wynford Dr.

The new local art installations were selected by a committee and the public following a competitive process managed by the City’s StreetARToronto initiative. The final integrated design concept, submitted by Jah, will be used on banners, crosswalks, traffic signal boxes, and the temporary mural projection. These artistic enhancements will transform the roadway into a celebrated community feature.

The community celebration and art installations along Aga Khan Boulevard collaborate with the City of Toronto; Aga Khan Foundation; Ismaili Centre, Toronto; Aga Khan Park and the Aga Khan Museum.

More information about the community celebration event, curators, and artist is available on the Aga Khan Museum’s webpage.

About the Aga Khan Park
The Aga Khan Park was designed by the Lebanon-based landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic. It covers 6.8-hectares of land and connects two majestic buildings through a pathway of green spaces, gardens and water features. A central feature of the Park is the Persian and Mughal inspired garden, known as chahar bagh (four-part garden). It creates a tranquil environment that is equally suited for reflection and dynamic programming. Together with the Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre, Toronto, the Park is where nature, art and spirit culminate as one.

About the Ismaili Centre, Toronto
The Ismaili Centre, Toronto is situated, together with the Aga Khan Museum, within the 6.8-hectare landscaped Aga Khan Park, a space for the public that showcases the work of three renowned architects. Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The Park, which features a formal garden, was designed by architect Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon. The Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima are the architects for the entire project and responsible for integrating all aspects of the project. Through programs ranging from lectures, seminars and exhibitions, to cultural and social events, the Centre creates an understanding of the values, ethics, culture and heritage of Ismaili Muslims, and of the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. The buildings and Park represent His Highness the Aga Khan’s longstanding relationship with Canada and his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity.

About the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has been established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The Museum’s mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage while often reflecting, through both its permanent and temporary exhibitions, how cultures connect with one another. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto’s Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations
Media Relations
Aga Khan Museum