Recently, central parts of Toronto are witnessing new works of public art displays, especially around condos. Are you curious why is this happening?

Toronto's development approvals allocate a part of their budget towards a Public Art Program where The City Planning Division runs it. Private builders join hands with the city's Urban Design Section to provide support and opportunities for public art displays. Specifically, rezoning, and development projects help facilitate this.

This Public Art Program believes that art should be experienced and enjoyed by all. It encourages private construction companies to reserve some amount of the cost of their business and use it to create and install public art projects. On their part, the city administration rewards such builders by granting them additional development rights. It also gives them density allowances.

The official website of the City of Toronto describes this art program as the Toronto Official Plan that encourages public art to be included in all the important private sector developments across the entire city. Authorities responsible for city planning join hands with private stakeholders and obtain contributions for the purpose of public art. Official Plan amendments, rezoning activities, and development reviews help toward achieving this.
 

Apart from adding aesthetic value, public art helps stir up emotions. It makes people stop to think and reflect upon the art. Sometimes, it induces a thirst for knowledge among the masses. An example of this is the fountain in front of the Four Seasons Hotel. This has been created by Claude Cormier and Associates, who are based in Montreal. This fountain piques the curiosity of various people who pass it by. It evokes a sense of mystery and allure. But this fountain is not the only public artwork on display in the condo hubs of Toronto. Other examples are 'Between the Eyes' located on Queens Quay, 'Rising,' a huge sculpture of a dragon which is as important as Shangri-La behind it, 'The Audience,' which seems to arise out of the blue from the Rogers Centre, and 'Still Dancing' located bang in the middle of the Distillery District. The Percent for Public Art Program's web page enlists all existing and soon-to-be-created public artworks.

Let's talk about the most recent work of art in the city. This public artwork is located in front of Imperial Plaza at the junction of Avenue Road and St. Clair Avenue. Developed by Camrost Felcorp, this definitely is a piece of art people won't forget in a long time. It's sure to induce emotion.

German artist Stephan Balkenhol is the creator. It is a sculpture made of bronze and stainless steel, at about 25 feet tall. This work of art shows a male dressed in office wear – a formal shirt and trousers. He is holding a rather very tall condominium consisting of numerous storeys. There are 2 art installations intended for the future in Imperial City, a community with a master plan, and this one is one of them.

Does this artwork try to communicate that more density in development projects is possible? Maybe; maybe not. But it is a great piece, nevertheless. Folks are sure to talk about it for quite some time.

Love learning about public art pieces across downtown? Discover our article on Toronto – The City of Embellished Art Gallery