Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and Tridel worked with STEPS to facilitate a public art project in the Villaways / Leslie Nymark community. In March 2020, STEPS invited Ontario-based artists and artist collectives to submit proposals for an exterior public art installation to be completed within the revitalized Leslie Nymark community. Selected by a committee of residents and professional public artists, Toronto-based graffiti artist Jessey Pacho was awarded the exciting commission to create a new, large-scale public artwork designed collaboratively with Leslie Nymark residents beginning June 2021.
Project Type: Permanent Exhibit
Lead Artist: Jessey (Phade) Pacho
Collaborating Artists: Moises Frank and Alex Popelavski
Artist Statement: Strong and vibrant communities are built through collective pride, storytelling, and a shared goal of fostering a strong future. The Leslie Nymark Public Art Project offers a unique opportunity for residents of the revitalized Villaways community to work directly with a local artist and contribute to the content and design of new public artwork in their community, drawing on the past and shaping a vision for the future. Embedded within the public art process are numerous skill-building workshops and employment opportunities for residents that will leave a lasting legacy on the community for years to come.
The Leslie Nymark, Public Art Project, is produced in partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and Tridel.