StreetARToronto (StART) will keep the city vibrant and colourful by delivering new and enhanced street art programs in 2019. Highlighting this year’s work is an online map, developed in collaboration with Civic Hall Toronto, to better help residents and visitors explore street art located throughout the city.
“Through StART programming, we are investing in local artists and showcasing their meaningful work for all to see,” said Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 6 York Centre), Chair of the Infrastructure & Environment Committee. “The new online map created through an innovative and collaborative partnership with Civic Hall Toronto is a tremendous example of how we are rallying the community to support our world-class street art scene.”
Civic Hall Toronto, in partnership with the City of Toronto, launched in May 2018. Community innovators alongside stART program staff developed concepts for the new StreetARToronto – The Map! and for a new online funding application portal. The portal makes it faster and easier for local artists to apply for stART funding, while the map shares virtual tours of street artwork in Toronto and provides people with an opportunity to learn about the artistic inspiration behind each work.
In addition to the map and funding portal, 2019 will see the StART team expand its photo exhibitions and publicly debut an award-winning short film by celebrated Toronto filmmaker Karl Man.
New or enhanced for 2019:
StreetARToronto – The Map!
A new web-based map helps residents and visitors explore street art located throughout the city. The current map provides a sampling of murals created as part of the StART suite of programs from 2012 to 2018. View the map at https://streetart.to
StART Partnership Program Online Application Portal
The new online portal is now accepting funding applications for the StART 2019 Partnership Program. This portal represents another exciting feature as a result of the collaboration between StART and Civic Hall Toronto. The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2019. Apply now at http://bit.ly/2RPad5n
StART Touring Photo Exhibit
A touring photo exhibit of StART artwork, curated by Carlos Rodriguez and Tanzina Amin, runs from January 28 to February 24. The exhibit’s first stop will be the Artusiasm Art Gallery located at 1684 St. Clair Ave. W. Learn more http://bit.ly/2QTVxxs
Public debut of award-winning short documentary
Making its public debut, Pushing Start is a film by local filmmaker Karl Man about the making of the StART mural on the Dupont Street Underpass at Dundas Street West. The film was recognized with an Award of Distinction at the 2018 Canada Shorts Festival. Watch it now https://youtu.be/AFaS5CbJ1NU
About StreetARToronto (StART)
StreetARToronto (StART) is an innovative city building initiative specifically designed for streets and public spaces. 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 (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’s motto “Diversity our Strength” and foster a greater sense of belonging among all.
Check out StreetARToronto – The Map! at https://streetart.to/ and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/StART_Toronto, Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/start_streetartoronto , Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/StreetARToronto.
About Civic Hall Toronto
Civic Hall Toronto is a program that connects government innovators, entrepreneurs, technologists and residents, and empowers them to collaboratively address civic challenges. The program offers training, events, space and project support to individuals and teams using technology and design for the common good. More information about Civic Hall Toronto is available at https://civichallto.ca/
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.