Public Art
Enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the waterfront is at the heart of Waterfront Toronto’s mission. We have a record of commissioning art that quickly becomes quintessential to the community.
We also commission temporary art projects, creating dynamic cultural experiences by the lake and animating public spaces in transition. This work draws visitors from across the region to the waterfront all year round.
IT COMES IN WAVES by Ben Johnston
On view until early October at Harbour Square Basin, 25 Queens Quay West.
Temporary Public Art
Waterfront Toronto’s temporary art program activates public spaces along the water’s edge and brings people to the shoreline time and again. The rapidly changing landscape of our waterfront creates a backdrop of contrast, transition, and growth for art projects to foster healthy public dialogue on timely issues.
Water Wonders, artist rendering by Melissa Mathieson
On view from September 27 – October 5 at Spadina Pier, 415 Queens Quay West. Learn more about Water Wonders and the artist.
Passage & Play by Dan Bergeron and Gabriel Specter
On view at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay West. Learn more about Passage & Play and the artists.
Permanent Public Art
We are committed to making public art a part of everyday life in our new neighbourhoods. Over the next few years, we will be adding to the waterfront collection, commissioning more public art to keep the waterfront lively in all seasons for residents and visitors to enjoy. We also work with partners and philanthropists to bring more art and programming to the water’s edge.
In Equilibrium by Ludovic Boney
Now installed within the walkway of Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s new purpose-built health centre on Cherry Street. Learn more about In Equilibrium and the artist here.
Upcoming Projects
Indigenous Artwork
In January 2021, Waterfront Toronto announced the appointment of Ryan Rice as Indigenous Public Art Curator, following an open call to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit curators with strong connections to the Greater Toronto Area. Ryan Rice brings extensive experience in the museum and gallery sector.
As part of his curatorial role, Ryan Rice was invited to support the commissioning of two major, site-specific permanent public art installations by Indigenous artists in the West Don Lands. The first commission, by sculptor and artist Ludovic Boney called In Equilibrium, is now installed, see above. The other will be located at the triangular parcel of land where King Street, Queen Street, and River Street intersect.
To continue fostering thoughtful and culturally sensitive Indigenous initiatives, Waterfront Toronto has invited Ryan Rice to remain in an advisory capacity as Indigenous Public Art Curator, supporting current and future public art activations.
Sherbourne Common Water’s Edge Installation
Following an international call for proposals Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has been selected to install a new permanent artwork called Unfinished Arch. The participatory artwork will be a 9-meter-tall incomplete arch that will extend over the southern lawn of Sherbourne Common with one end of the arch left suspended in the air. Visitors to the site will be enticed to complete the arch by interacting with its floating edge. Once contact is made, the arch will illuminate until the participant removes their hands from the piece. Construction begins on September 30, 2025. For more information, please read the full announcement for Unfinished Arch artist’s selection from last year. You can read and also download the first construction notice for Unfinished Arch.
Public Art Master Plans
During the beginning of the precinct planning process, we create a public art strategy and select locations for permanent public artwork in each waterfront district. Once complete, each artwork becomes part of the City of Toronto’s Public Art and Monuments Collection.
Download the West Don Lands Public Art Strategy
Download the East Bayfront Public Art Master Plan
