STEPS Public Art

Come join Park People / Ami·es des parcs for an engaging talk about urban parks and placemaking 🌱

Discover the transformative power of urban parks and placemaking in shaping greener, more connected communities!

Join Park People, alongside the Centre d'écologie urbaine, STEPS Public Art, and the Environmental Youth Alliance, as we engage in an open dialogue to share our experiences with the benefits and barriers to activating urban parks.

Register now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C-WPEghNSoOUNentXU6n-A #/registration

Canadian Urban Institute

Building a city is NOT just about *the buildings* 🏢

City building is also about building:

🌟 Community
🌟 Opportunity
🌟 Innovation

How can we do this? This newly completed mural, FLOAT, by artist Jacquie Comrie and various artist mentees shows one way – through arts and culture 💗

Along with our previous mini golf installation with Northcrest Developments, this mural animates an original hangar door as part of the revitalization of the Downsview Airport Lands. We can’t wait to see the upcoming cultural experiences and artist opportunities for this space in transition.

Explore how STEPS sees art as a tool to create a thriving city: https://stepspublicart.org/services/public-art-management/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

📸 Ayesha Khan

It’s time to get your art on! Let your creativity shine with the summer sun and attend our free community art workshops led by STEPS and talented Indigenous artists ☀️

Happening at Toronto’s Rowntree Mills Park, these sessions are part of From Weeds We Grow, a public art program exploring the connection between community and land through nature, art, and wellness:

July 20, 2024: Chalk Jam and Tabletop Mural Workshop with Star Nahwegahbo
August 17, 2024: Spoken Word and Poetry Workshop with Jennifer Alicia Murrin
Fall programming: Stay tuned for announcements

Save your spot on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/from-weeds-we-grow-series-2681559

–
From Weeds We Grow 2024 is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, Arts in the Parks by the Toronto Arts Foundation and Toronto Arts Council funded by the City of Toronto, Park People, Scotiabank, and the Indigenous Arts and Culture Partnerships Fund from the City of Toronto.

We're grateful for our community partner Rexdale Community Hub, and acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.

Come paint with us! Join STEPS and artist Kanisha Dabreo for a series of free community artmaking workshops throughout July at York Woods Library 🎨

These sessions are part of Through the Generations, a public art project taking place in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood:

July 13, 2024: Canvas Painting

July 20, 2024: Plexiglass Painting

July 27, 2024: Community Co-created Banner

Register your spot on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/cc/through-the-generations-community-arts-3477419

—
Through the Generations is a City of Toronto Cultural Hotspot Signature Project (City of Toronto Culture). It is also produced with the support of the City of Toronto through Toronto Arts Council and funding support from the Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario and the Ontario Government.

Through the , we highlight meaningful co-creation between artists and communities. Take a look at this year’s STEPS artists and partners around the Greater Toronto Area 🏙️

In Brampton, City of Brampton is partnering with Nigerian artist A.Y. Johnson. Engaging with themes of afro-centric social issues and black feminist dialogue, her artwork creates conversation about race, spirituality, and tradition.

In Richmond Hill, City of Richmond Hill is in collaboration with Jamaican-Canadian artist Jasmine Vanstone. Her artistry inspires, empowers, and amplifies marginalized voices through community engagement and arts education.

In Oakville, Town of Oakville is working with Chinese-Canadian artist MonkYi. Richly diverse and anthropological, her work explores different concepts, connections, and perspectives.

Who else is excited to see what they create? We can’t wait! 😁

In the meantime, explore the possibilities for your own public art project by booking a call with STEPS today: https://stepspublicart.org/book-a-call/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

—
The CreateSpace Residency is supported by Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.

Book a Call | STEPS Public Art Need public art support? Book a free discovery call with STEPS Public Art to work together and achieve your public art goals.

🌿 Call for Indigenous Artist Mentees!

We’re seeking artist mentees based in Toronto/Tkaronto (or with ties to the Great Mississauga Nations) to support community workshops and a new mural production this summer.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience in public art with lead artists, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe, Star Nahwegahbo, and Shawn Howe.

💚 Apply by August 1, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/project/from-weeds-we-grow/

–
From Weeds We Grow 2024 is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, Arts in the Parks by the Toronto Arts Foundation and Toronto Arts Council funded by the City of Toronto, Park People / Ami·es des parcs, Scotiabank, and the Indigenous Arts and Culture Partnerships Fund from the City of Toronto.

We're grateful for our community partner Rexdale Community Hub, and acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario and the Government of Ontario.

Submit your feedback by this Sunday July 7!

📣 Artist call for the Pipeline Trail!

The City of Hamilton and STEPS are looking for local, regional, and national artists to submit expressions of interest for this two-stage public art competition. The final public artwork will be functional in nature (seating, shade, wayfinding) and respond to the community-identified themes of water innovation and infrastructure.

Project Award: $170,000

Join us for the virtual artist information session in the new year and apply by January 22: https://stepspublicart.org/hamilton-pipeline-trail/

📣 Job opportunity! We’re hiring an Operations Manager to make a positive impact on organizational processes.

If you’re skilled in project management, problem solving, and business development, we can’t wait to hear from you!

This is a full-time hybrid position (2 days minimum in our Downtown Toronto office).

🗓️ Apply by July 17, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/operations-manager/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

📸 Jae Yang
🎨 Kseniya Tsoy

Great news! The deadline to apply has been extended to JULY 7! We invite artists from Peel Region (Town of Caledon, City of Brampton – Your Local Government, City of Mississauga - Municipal Government) to apply for this Muskoka Chair Animation!

[DEADLINE EXTENDED: JULY 7] 🌈 STEPS and the Town of Caledon are looking for Indigenous artists to celebrate Indigenous stories and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through art!

Apply to this paid opportunity to animate muskoka chairs (each artist will receive a pair of chairs to paint).

Apply by July 7, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/project/caledon-muskoka-chairs/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

Artist credit: RallyRally
Photo credit: Selina McCallum

Remember the artist call we released late last year with City of Hamilton? Artists have been shortlisted and now we need YOUR community feedback. Head on over to the City’s Engage Platform to view the proposals and share your thoughts:
https://engage.hamilton.ca/pipelinetrailpublicart

For more information about the City of Hamilton Pipeline Trail Public Art Competition: https://stepspublicart.org/hamilton-pipeline-trail/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

📣 Artist call for the Pipeline Trail!

The City of Hamilton and STEPS are looking for local, regional, and national artists to submit expressions of interest for this two-stage public art competition. The final public artwork will be functional in nature (seating, shade, wayfinding) and respond to the community-identified themes of water innovation and infrastructure.

Project Award: $170,000

Join us for the virtual artist information session in the new year and apply by January 22: https://stepspublicart.org/hamilton-pipeline-trail/

If you pass through Front/Sherbourne in Toronto, see if you can spot the new public art hoarding exhibit led by artist Jahmal Nugent (featuring photography from local youth) 💛

How Community And Creativity Reimagined The Whitfield's Hoarding Through a collaboration with STEPS Public Art and local artist Jahmal Nugent, Menkes has transformed The Whitfield’s hoarding into a vibrant and community-driven art installation.

The is fueled by our passion for artist capacity building. Now in its 4th run, let’s head west for a closer look at this year’s STEPS partners and artists 🧭

In Alberta, Galt Museum & Archives is partnered with Blackfoot artist Sikapinakii Low Horn from Siksika First Nation. Their work aims to share the stories of their people and engage others with Blackfoot history and culture.

In Saskatchewan, City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government and Persephone Theatre are collaborating with Indigenous artist Josh Wāpiskisiw from James Cree Nation. Through his work, Josh seeks to inspire youth to lead a fulfilling and healthy art-filled life.

We can’t wait to see how they transform their local public spaces with art. ⭐

Have a public art project coming up? Learn how STEPS can help you bring your vision to life: https://stepspublicart.org/services/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

—
The CreateSpace Residency is supported by Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.

Services | STEPS Public Art STEPS Public Art offers services across public art management, cultural planning, hoarding exhibits, and artist capacity building.

2 more days to apply!

🔈 Indigenous artists from Wetaskiwin and Edmonton, Alberta - we’re looking for you!

City of Wetaskiwin and STEPS are looking for an Indigenous artist to create a mural at the Wetaskiwin Mall as a tribute to the community and the city’s vibrancy ☀️

Apply by June 12, 2024 and reshare this post to spread the word:
https://stepspublicart.org/project/wetaskiwin-indigenous-mural/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

Photo credit: City of Wetaskiwin

There's still time to apply!

[DEADLINE EXTENDED: JULY 7] 🌈 STEPS and the Town of Caledon are looking for Indigenous artists to celebrate Indigenous stories and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through art!

Apply to this paid opportunity to animate muskoka chairs (each artist will receive a pair of chairs to paint).

Apply by July 7, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/project/caledon-muskoka-chairs/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

Artist credit: RallyRally
Photo credit: Selina McCallum

🔈 Indigenous artists from Wetaskiwin and Edmonton, Alberta - we’re looking for you!

City of Wetaskiwin and STEPS are looking for an Indigenous artist to create a mural at the Wetaskiwin Mall as a tribute to the community and the city’s vibrancy ☀️

Apply by June 12, 2024 and reshare this post to spread the word:
https://stepspublicart.org/project/wetaskiwin-indigenous-mural/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

Photo credit: City of Wetaskiwin

[DEADLINE EXTENDED: JULY 7] 🌈 STEPS and the Town of Caledon are looking for Indigenous artists to celebrate Indigenous stories and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through art!

Apply to this paid opportunity to animate muskoka chairs (each artist will receive a pair of chairs to paint).

Apply by July 7, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/project/caledon-muskoka-chairs/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

Artist credit: RallyRally
Photo credit: Selina McCallum

If you’re a Business Improvement Area (BIA) or community group that plans public art and cultural initiatives for your community, we have a free toolkit for you.

The Accessible Art and Placemaking Toolkit includes research, funding sources, and tips on how to plan public art projects that ensure accessibility is top of mind at every stage of the process.

Accessibility should be the standard, not the exception. We hope this toolkit inspires you to use public art to make spaces *more* accessible and inclusive.

Access the toolkit: https://stepspublicart.org/project/accessible-art/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=thoughtleadership

We extend our gratitude to the artists, community leaders, practitioners, advisory members, research partners, and pilot project participants for their participation in this research project.

–
The Accessible Art and Placemaking Project is mainly funded through the City of Toronto Main Street Innovation Fund as part of Government of Canada support through FedDev Ontario.

This project is also part of I HeART Main Street in partnership with RBC through RBC Emerging Artists, and generously supported by Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada and Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario.

🎉 We’re thrilled to announce this year’s artists-in-residence in the CreateSpace Public Art Residency!

Aaron Jones, A.Y. Johnson, Jasmine Vanstone, Josh Wāpiskisiw, MonkYi (Julia YH), Raechel Wastesicoot, and Sikapinakii Low Horn will take part in mentorship opportunities and skill-building workshops, ultimately developing their own community-engaged public art.

We’re happy to collaborate with new and returning partners who are matched with each artist to provide sites for their projects.

🩵 Thanks to the City of Brampton – Your Local Government, City of Richmond Hill, City of Saskatoon - Your Local Government, Critical Mass Art: Port Hope, Galt Museum & Archives, and the Town of Oakville for being involved in the 4th year of the residency.

Learn how CreateSpace supports the artistic growth of equity-deserving artists: https://stepspublicart.org/createspace-public-art-residency/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

—
The CreateSpace Residency is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD Canada through the TD Ready Commitment.

All smiles to celebrate the vibrant entrance to the Snelgrove Community Centre!

Sweeping the Clouds by LeuWebb warms up the previously grey roof of the active centre.

It’s always a pleasure to work with LeuWebb, the City of Brampton – Your Local Government, and the local residents on public art installations like this one that greets you with fun and creativity.

📸 Herman Custodio

🔍 What could a mural at L’Îlot des Palais look like?

This was one of the artistic prompts presented to this year’s CreateSpace Public Art Forum participants to practice creating public art proposals.

Your active participation made this program possible! Thank you for asking questions, engaging with program materials, and translating your ideas into meaningful designs. See the full online gallery: https://stepspublicart.org/createspace-public-art-forum/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

🎨 Jon Cruz’s public art proposal for L’Îlot des Palais in
Quebec City

–
CreateSpace Public Art Forum has been made possible in part by Canadian Heritage and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada.

Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada et Canada Council for the Arts.

Time is running out! The National Call for Artists for the Williams Lake Regional Airport closes this Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.

Make sure you apply on time or share it with someone you know!

📣 Calling artists working in 3D or sculptural art!

Xatśūll First Nation and Williams Lake First Nation have partnered with STEPS and the City of Williams Lake to facilitate this new public art opportunity to create permanent artwork within the Williams Lake Regional Airport in British Columbia.

➡️ Local, regional, and national artists are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2024: https://stepspublicart.org/project/williams-lake/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=opps

📸 Williams Lake First Nation and City of Williams Lake

o·tsísteˀ / ishkode is a new community-inspired mural on the side of Brampton Fire Station 207.

Led by artist Mo Thunder with the support of artist assistants (Jennifer Messen and Saphera Peters ), the design was inspired by a community walk led by Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours Founder Alan Colley.

Students from Nibi Emosaawdang Public School and Gordon Graydon Sr. Public School, as well as Brampton Fire and Emergency Services staff, explored medicinal plants, fire teaching, and Indigenous stories that are detailed throughout the mural design 🔥

Learn more about this project in partnership with the City of Brampton – Your Local Government : https://stepspublicart.org/project/brampton-fire-station-207/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=leads

📸 Joel Din

📣 Are you an emerging Canadian artist interested in community-engaged public art?

Apply to the CreateSpace Public Art Residency, a national public art program for emerging Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) and racialized artists to:

⚡Build community-engaged public art skills
⚡Receive mentorship and support from peers, artistic advisors, and mentors
⚡Create public artwork in your community

Apply by Jan 31: https://bit.ly/3vkg2gx
—
The CreateSpace Residency is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Fdn / Fondation canadienne des relations raciales with funding provided by the Government of Canada and TD through the TD Ready Commitment.

______

📣 Êtes-vous un artiste Canadien émergent intéressé par l'art public engagé dans la communauté ?

Déposez votre candidature pour la 2024 CreateSpace Résidence d’art public, un programme national d’art public pour les artistes noirs, autochtones (Premières nations, Inuits et Métis) et racialisés émergents. Cette résidence artistique vous permettra :

⚡d’ établir les liens et les expériences pratiques nécessaires pour construire et faire progresser les pratiques d’art public engagées dans la communauté
⚡de bénéficier du soutien personnalisé du personnel et des conseillers artistiques de STEPS
⚡de créer une œuvre d’art public engagée dans la communauté

Postulez avant le 31 janvier 2024: https://bit.ly/41MYo19
—
La résidence CreateSpace est soutenue par la Fondation canadienne et bénéficie d’un financement du gouvernement du Canada des relations raciales et TD Bank Group dans le cadre de la promesse TD Prêts à agir.

🎊 Happy holidays from the STEPS family!

This year was a special one, from growing as a national team and expanding our services to celebrating our 10-year anniversary. Thank you for being with us on our journey and trusting us with your vision, public art goals, and support!

This year, we achieved:

☀️ 189 public art projects across Canada
☀️ 6,972 community members engaged
☀️ Over $850,000 in fees to artists and designers

Our holiday wind-down period starts tomorrow until January 1st. If you have a cool public art idea, be sure to reach out in the new year! Happy holidays and we can’t wait to hear from you 💙

☃️ Special thanks to Peru143 for this custom card!

There's still time to apply for this call! Deadline extended to Jan 21, 2024

📣 Call for Indigenous Artists with relationships to the local communities of the Great Mississauga Nations

The Town of Whitby - Local Government and STEPS is seeking to commission a professional Indigenous artist or artist team to submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a landmark public artwork at the forthcoming Whitby Sports Complex. This project builds upon the Town of Whitby’s commitment to creating awareness of Indigenous cultures, peoples, and heritages.

*Deadline Extended*
View the full call and apply by Jan 21: https://stepspublicart.org/indigenous-artist-call-whitby/

—
This project is commissioned by the Town of Whitby - Local Government.