2021: The Year of Public Art

To kick-off the new 10-Year Public Art Strategy, the City of Toronto proclaimed 2021 as the Year of Public Art. This strategy, presented in partnership with local artists and art institutions, will focus on improving public accessibility and engagement with art across the city, particularly outside of the downtown core where neighbourhoods are commonly underserved by public art installations. Councillor Robinson is working with senior Economic Development and Culture staff to include neighbourhoods in Ward 15.

Before she was elected to represent Don Valley West, Councillor Robinson spent over twenty years with the City as a Director in the Economic Development and Culture division. As an arts enthusiast, she successfully developed programming that merged both culture and community-building initiatives with economic development strategies. During her tenure in Economic Development, Councillor Robinson pioneered a number of the City's most beloved annual events, including Nuit Blanche, Moose in the City, Summerlicious, and Winterlicious.

Councillor Robinson at the North Toronto Group of Artists 'Fall Fine Arts Show,' October 2018

Today, the Councillor continues to be involved in Toronto's cultural sector as an active member of the Art Gallery of Ontario Board of Directors, the Canadian Film Centre Board of Directors, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. Councillor Robinson knows how important it is to continue supporting the arts, especially projects that highlight our City's vibrancy and diversity.

Councillor Robinson judging a children's art contest, June 2019

In partnership with Toronto’s key arts institutions, such as the Ontario College of Art and Design and the Toronto Arts Council, the Public Art Strategy will deliver major public art projects to spaces outside of the downtown core.
 
This year, Nuit Blanche will be extended to North York as a part of the Public Art Strategy. The City is aiming to include Scarborough and Etobicoke in the celebrations by 2021. Nuit Blanche is an event specifically near and dear to Councillor Robinson, as she first brought the all-night art festival to Toronto in 2006.  She is thrilled to see the scope of the event grow to include neighbourhoods outside of the downtown core.

"Youth of Thorncliffe Park," 80 Thorncliffe Park Drive

If you are interested in discovering public art throughout the City, please check out the Public Art Map and the StreetARToronto Map.