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.
The Peacemaker's Canoe by Jay Havens
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.
The Water Guardians by Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins
Upcoming Projects
Indigenous Artwork
In collaboration with an Indigenous Public Art Curator, we’ve commissioned two permanent public art pieces by Indigenous artists in waterfront neighbourhoods. The first piece, by sculptor and artist Ludovic Boney called In Equilibrium, will be sited at Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s Indigenous Hub on Cherry Street in the West Don Lands. The other will be located at the triangular parcel of land at the junction of King Street, Queen Street and River Street.
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. We anticipate construction to begin early 2025. For more information, please read the full announcement.
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.
The Birth of Light, by Jacquie Comrie
Waterfront Artists in Residence
In 2020, we launched the first-ever waterfront artists in residence, in partnership with the Waterfront BIA. The 12-month residency program provides artists the opportunity to engage with current projects led by the BIA and Waterfront Toronto, as well as connect with members of the local community, in order to develop innovative and compelling art projects that are relevant to Toronto’s waterfront.
The aim of this residency is to create meaningful, experiential encounters with the community, to activate underutilized spaces along the lake, and draw new audiences to the waterfront. This opportunity is open to all professional artists or artist teams in the Greater Toronto Area who have experience in art presented in the public realm and community-engaged art.
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
Download the Villiers Island & Keating West Public Art Master Plan
