TORONTO, ON Oct 5, 2017
Beginning October 1st, commuters along the Gardiner and pedestrians of the South Liberty Trail in Liberty Village will be able to watch the transformation of now-defunct industrial silos as canvases for large-scale works of art by four prominent mural artists. During the month of October, street artists will be at work on the four 30 to 40-foot-tall silos, creating monumental and highly-visible murals along the South Liberty Trail.
The South Liberty Trail Silos Mural Project is a public art initiative that will repurpose four silos and two hoppers along the South Liberty Trail in Liberty Village, from the south end of Dufferin Street to the Exhibition GO station at the south end of Atlantic Ave. The four professional mural artists selected will bring bold, colourful and inspiring designs rooted in the local characters, stories and history.
The project, managed by Mural Routes, is part of the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto Partnership Program, and is made possible with support from York Heritage Properties and Adgar Canada. The participating artists are: Alexander Bacon, birdO, Emmanuel Jarus and Troy Lovegates.
The artists were chosen from an open call and whose design have been fine-tuned in consultation with representatives from local BIA, Mural Routes, architects and designers who work locally, and local sponsors.
The silos were left behind in the Canada Bread facility at 2 Fraser Ave., a property that has now been transformed into office space by by York Heritage and Adgar. “We are excited to see the re-purposing of the South Liberty Trail Silos into a gallery of public art pieces visible from the Gardiner. This is the first silo mural project in Toronto and we hope it inspires more.” said Karin Eaton, Executive and Artistic Director of Mural Routes.
“The silo murals will be iconic artworks that are innovative and edgy, adding to the enjoyment of the people living and working in Liberty Village by assisting with wayfinding and creating a unique sense of place. Following the theme of “new ideas in old buildings” the murals on the silos interpret the history of the location as well as the ambition of the neighbourhood.” explained Robert Eisenberg of York Heritage Properties.
Those who catch a glimpse of the artists at work from now through the end of October are encouraged to share photos, and can also follow along with Mural Routes on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #SLTMurals.
An unveiling and celebration event open to the public will be announced closer to the completion of the project.
Mural Routes is the only member-based not-for-profit arts service organization in Canada dedicated to the creation, development and promotion of public wall art. Our vision is to inspire the creation of extraordinary public wall art that serves as a catalyst for community building.
StreetARToronto (StART) is an initiative of the Transportation Services Division. Launched in 2012, StART is an innovative, public-private partnership designed to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art and its ability to beautify the city’s visual landscape and decrease graffiti vandalism. Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/StART_Toronto, or on Instagram start_streetartoronto or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StreetARToronto.
York Heritage Properties acquires, renovates, retrofits and manages architecturally interesting older buildings in Toronto to provide a dignified, sophisticated alternative to costly, conventional office space. Led by Michael Cruikshank, Vicki Rodgers and Robert Eisenberg, York Heritage Properties is very much a reflection of its principals’ long-time enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the preservation of Toronto’s rich architectural heritage. Michael and Robert have founded two Business Improvement Areas: the St. Lawrence BIA and the Liberty Village BIA.
Adgar Canada, led by CEO, Chris Tambakis specializes in the long-term ownership of well-located, high quality office properties. They own a portfolio of well-located, high-quality office properties in the GTA.
Adgar’s ownership and management philosophy is hands on, thoughtful with a strategic long-term investment approach. Adgar is fortunate to have a shared vision and successful partnership with York Heritage who exemplify a commitment to restoring and retrofitting designated historical structures within Liberty Village while respecting the history of the area. The South Liberty Trail is an extraordinary complement of their combined philosophy and strategy.
Mural Project Management Contact: Karin Eaton, Mural Routes, info@muralroutes.ca, 416-698-7995 South Liberty Trail Management Contact: Robert Eisenberg,York Heritage Properties, bob@yorkheritage.com, 416-484-1250
