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New public art pilot projects coming to Downtown Brampton

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BRAMPTON, ON
(October 27, 2021) – Downtown Brampton is coming alive this fall with two public art pilot projects led by the award-winning arts organization, STEPS (Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space) Public Art. These unique installations will make art more accessible and contribute to a more vibrant public space for the community to enjoy.

Traffic Control Box Wraps
Five traffic control boxes along Queen Street east will be wrapped with art from Brampton-based artists featured in Arts, Culture and Creative Industry Development Agency’s (ACCIDA) Postcard Project – Your Artist Story. Artwork will be printed and installed with a high-quality vinyl material that is ultraviolet (UV) and graffiti resistant. The featured artists include Aditi Kashyap, Amye St John, Annamarie Claudette, Malachi Watson-Narcisse and Michel Nwoye-Vincent.

Downtown Storefront Murals
Brampton-based artist, Meegan Lim, will transform six storefronts along Main Street North with food-themed murals. Inspired by Brampton’s diverse food culture, these murals will help strengthen Brampton’s Food Tourism sector while beautifying the downtown. Murals will be located on empty storefronts bringing life to vacant spaces.

Meegan Lim is an illustrator and emerging arts facilitator based in Brampton who is known for her detailed illustrations focusing on food and cultural identity, and the vast stories that exist in those intersections.

Installation for the public art pilot projects will be complete by early November.

In addition to these public art initiatives, ACCIDA is collaborating with STEPS to offer two “Public Art 101” workshops to support local artists in developing their skills in professional public art opportunities. ACCIDA will also be collaborating with the Downtown Brampton BIA and local businesses on free community programming including a public art for businesses workshop, art talks and walks, and more. Learn more about these and other events at accida.ca

STEPS is an award-winning cultural organization transforming public art in Canada. They have received numerous awards for their high-impact programs, including the inaugural national Culture Days Innovative Event Award, the NXT City Prize, and Imagination Catalyst Best Social Enterprise Award from OCAD University. Learn more at stepspublicart.org


Quotes
“Brampton is a Mosaic and one that continues to come to life thanks to the contributions of our creative community. These public art pilot projects will bring vibrancy to our downtown and create opportunities for local artists, support the downtown redevelopment and Brampton’s growing culinary scene, while making art more accessible to all members of the community!”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“We are so excited to be working with STEPS to bring their energy and expertise to Brampton, complementing that of our local arts community. Public art helps bring life to cities and this pilot project will allow us to both beautify areas of our downtown and showcase the talent of Brampton’s artists.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Vice-Chair, Corporate Services, City of Brampton; Council Panel Member, Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency

“Brampton is a Mosaic and this collaborative project perfectly illustrates that. These murals help contribute to Downtown Brampton’s ongoing transformation and the reinvention of public spaces to meet local needs, support economic recovery, and build a vibrant community.”
David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

"This partnership has provided an exciting opportunity to set a precedent for future City-led public art programming; showcasing local talent, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities, and positioning the City of Brampton as a thriving cultural destination."
-  Erin Glover, Interim Program Director, STEPS Public Art





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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca




MEDIA CONTACT
Jacqueline Fulton
Senior Advisor, Media Relations, City of Brampton
416.806.7448 | Jacqueline.fulton@brampton.ca