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Symposium explores “Public Art of Tomorrow”

The side of a house in Toronto painted with a colourful mural of a Black woman and a man holding building blocks

Photo: Elicser, Sight, Mediah, StART Support Program, photo by Elicser

Public Art of Tomorrow Symposium
ArtworxTO: Toronto's Year of Public Art 2021-2022 

The City of Toronto and the Government of Québec are hosting a three-day virtual symposium, which focuses on the future of public art in cities. The symposium, Public Art of Tomorrow, will run from November 22 to 24, as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021–2022

OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano and President Emerita Dr. Sara Diamond are among the industry leaders who will present at the event, addressing the essential role of the cultural and creative sectors in the revitalization of urban areas following the pandemic.  

OCAD U students, recent graduates and faculty have contributed artworks, leadership and curatorial vision to ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art, which was announced in 2019 at the University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD). Dr. Diamond co-chaired the Mayor’s External Advisory Committee for the year-long initiative and was key to its realization.   

“Public art continues to play a critical role in the vitality of cities...I’m delighted that the City of Toronto and the Government of Québec are partnering through this symposium to discuss the essential role of the cultural and creative sectors within urban areas and to celebrate Toronto’s impressive public art collection,” says Mayor John Tory.  

The symposium marks the culmination of a year chock-full of public art activities in Toronto and will include panel discussions and art displays throughout the city that the public may view in-person.  

Registration for the ArtworxTO symposium is now open and is free to attend.  

Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021-2022 is just the beginning of the city’s renewed commitment to showcasing creativity in urban centres. Read the city’s 10-Year of Public Art Strategy to find out more about what's to come!