StreetARToronto brings art
to the streets of Toronto

By: Ashley McCubbin

Edited by: Branka Veselinovic

A trip to Downtown Toronto reveals many alleys covered in graffiti. However, there is graffiti done illegally, artists tagging personal property. Many people appreciate the artistic ability behind the designs, however ‘tags’ (an artists’ signature), sometimes gang related, are seen as offensive to some individuals.

“Well I think graffiti is a way to express your talent,” said Ridgetown, Ontario native Bryan Boyer. “It may be illegal, but I’ve seen some pretty beautiful art graffiti on walls etc. Some graffiti is kind of stupid and pointless, and I can understand why it’s illegal, but not everyone just spray-paints their name or logo on a wall. When it’s art, I think it’s a great way to express your talent.”

“When it’s done right, it’s a good use of otherwise drab space,” said Barrie, Ontario native Brian Love. “Now, tagging is an eyesore!”

“What is graffiti vs. what is art – only the individual person can judge,” said Brampton, Ontario native Debbie Jo Zardo. “No one can decide for the other. I guess the concern is did they have permission to change the look of something that they do not own, just a thought.”

Even though it may be simple to get rid of graffiti, Love says there is a place for it.

“I think that cities should set up areas, say in rundown or older areas, where these ‘artists’ can display their ‘expressions’ for a set period of time,” Love said. “Then it can be white washed over to allow the next person to show their skills. Keeps it fresh, for residents and such.”

In attempting to give graffiti artists a voice, the City of Toronto created a pro-active program titled StreetARToronto, known as StART for short. It aims to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art. The program promotes how street art adds beauty and character to a neighbourhood, while trying to get rid of graffiti vandalism and its harmful effects on communities.

Street art includes traditional graffiti artwork, murals and stencil graffiti. Under this definition, graffiti art, such as decorated alleyways, is an acceptable form of street art as long as it done with the property owner’s permission. It is meant to enhance the surface and general area without being offensive.

Meanwhile, “tagging” is illegal in Toronto. The city defines the act of writing a signature without permission as vandalism. This can include signatures on walls, newspaper boxes, phone booths, etc. These distinctions are defined in the Graffiti Bylaw, which can be read here.

The StART program is meant to provide up to $20,000 in funding to projects across Toronto which meet the following objectives:

• Enhance and promote Toronto’s vibrant street and graffiti art
• Revitalize communities
• Counteract graffiti vandalism
• Engage new and established local artists

Projects can include working with artists to restore artwork, putting up a new piece, or working with community groups to speak about the importance of the art.

Boyer spoke about a woman who painted a row of flowers using metallic spray paint on a wall because the drab surface looked depressing.

“I thought was pretty damn cool,” he added. “She apparently showed up one day and someone left a note on the wall saying she did beautiful art work and it was about time something beautiful came out of the rust dump.”

StART also has a Diversion and Education Program, which is meant to partner with community organizations to assist at-risk youth and young adults arrested for vandalism, graffiti vandalism or mischief. The program is meant to teach the youth about taking responsibility in getting them to help clean up the vandalism and other activities that help repair the harm they have done.

Toronto residents can become involved with the program by checking out the full 2012 guidelines here.

With murals and graffiti art around not only Toronto, but all of Ontario, it’s no surprise it is catching the eyes of people.

“There is a wall done in Oshawa that is amazing,” said Oshawa resident Donovan Price. “It’s down town Oshawa on King Street right by the bus station.”

For more information on StreetARToronto, check out http://www.toronto.ca/streetart/index.htm.