a lucky discovery & beautiful INSPIRaTION
Back in 2018, I stumbled upon a laneway that was completely taken over by bright and bold murals. It was such an exciting discovery that I remember carefully exploring every single unique wall and garage door and fence that were transformed into fabulous art pieces.
Erin McCluskey (left) and Andrea Manica & Caitlin Taguibao (right)
After serendipitously bumping into the project’s Founder Bareket Kezwer, I learned that this magical laneway was part of Women Paint, an initiative in Toronto that supports and builds a community of female identified, non-binary, and gender non-conforming artists. Because of the lack of opportunities for these artists in the public art world, Bareket started organizing this event in 2017 and together with the support of local sponsors, she continues to produce these laneway jams every year. I had missed the call for artists that year, but could apply next year!
To say I was inspired would be an understatement. I was beyond ecstatic to bring my own voice to the streets of Toronto and share my unique art on a different kind of canvas.
Curtia Wright (left) and Gosia Komorski (right)
After the discovery of this special laneway, just north of Dundas and west of McCaul, I continued to see more and more public murals everywhere I went, as well as blank walls that seemed to be calling to me to paint them (this still happens today). There is so much mural potential in Toronto, it’s overwhelming) But this reality is a great thing for a Muralist because that means there are endless opportunities.
At first, I had no idea where to start. I reached out to Bareket with a list of questions, I started googling public art in Toronto, I started looking at artists’ signatures and following them on Instagram. This experience was exciting for me, but also super time consuming and so I would love to save you some of your precious time and effort by sharing with you what I have learned about getting started in the mural world, specifically in the public and outdoor realm.
Jacquie Comrie (left) The E.W.O.C. Project (right)
arts organizations to follow
Street ARToronto @start_streetartoronto
As a part of the city of Toronto’s transportation department, this organization “aims to beautify communities across the city through street art and murals.” This small yet mighty team does a lot to improve our streetscapes by collaborating with artists to paint utility boxes, underpasses, large scale walls, laneway transformations, and unique community art projects in a variety of neighbourhoods.
Bell Box Murals Project @bellboxmurals
Michael Cavanaugh, a community arts veteran, runs this program funded by Bell Canada that transforms these brown obtrusive structures into works of art.
STEPS Public Art @stepspublicart
A cultural organization that “creates public art plans, installations, and engagement strategies that meet your public art and placemaking needs, transform your space into a cultural destination, foster stronger relationships with your community, showcase the talent of diverse Canadian artists.”
The Patch Project @patchproject
A program run by STEPS that “transforms construction sites into curated exhibits in collaboration with Canadian artists.”
A not-for-profit arts service organization that is “dedicated to the creation, promotion, education and advancement of public wall art.”
They are all about connecting communities through art. “As a registered charitable not for profit community arts organization, we are dedicated to engaging all peoples using multidisciplinary art forms as a way of enriching lives and strengthening Toronto’s communities.”
A not-for-profit charitable organization that offers diverse “programming in a variety of mediums for all ages and levels of interest, from professional to emerging artists, hobbyists to community seekers.” An inclusive and creative community hub, Arts Etobicoke is a place “where everyone can freely express their art and culture through our programs, exhibitions, workshops, events, classes, and professional development.”
Located in the East end of Toronto, this is a local arts service organization with a vision to “unite, inspire & enhance our communities with the transformative power of the arts.”
This garage I painted in Sept. 2019 was part of a laneway jam called KJ BIT, funded by Street ARToronto
These are only a few of the arts organizations I know of, I am finding more and more all the time, but I didn’t want to make this too overwhelming. Once you start following the ones above, especially on social media, sign up for their newsletters, as they share artist calls all the time, especially Mural Routes. There are a lot of opportunities for artists out there, you just need to put in the effort.
ARTist CALLS/LISTINGS
Akimbo Art is Canada's online source for visual art news, reviews, exhibitions, jobs, calls etc. I find a lot of mural jobs on their website and I make sure to check it regularly for all kinds of opportunities.
bonus tip
Be sure to find out about your local BIA here, this is your business improvement area that supports local businesses and improves the development of the neighbourhood. They often put out individual calls for artists which is a great place to get started and connect with community builders near you.
Find out more about this mural here.
my first piece of public art
My first piece of public art was created in the summer of 2019. This was for the Outside the Box program, funded by the city of Toronto and facilitated by Street ARToronto. This is a great place to start if you are new to the public art world as they welcome emerging artists every spring.
Next time you are waiting at at intersection with traffic lights, look around for an ugly grey vertical box about 7’ tall OR if you are lucky, there will be a painted box that is sure to add some colour to the streetscape.
*The call for artists usually goes out in early Spring so make sure you don’t miss it.
A FEW CLOSING WORDS OF ADVICE
Just start. Get out there. Find your courage and forget your doubts. Connect with like-minded artists. Reach out to experienced mural artists. You might be surprised by their willingness to share with you. Ask to be a painting assistant on their next project. Volunteer to help out during a public art or community art project in the city. Discover what’s happening in your own neighbourhood and get involved. If you have any questions let me know, I am also here to help you on your mural making journey.
August 2016 - Painting my FIRST mural ever on my own porch for fun
August 2020 - Getting paid to paint a Bell box outside the Toronto Public Library (Runnymede)