Item - 2017.LS19.2

The Licensing and Standards Committee recommends that:  

1.  City Council approve the list of grant applications for the 2017 StART Partnership program as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report (April 11, 2017) from the General Manager, Transportation Services, as set out below:

2.  City Council extend the StreetARToronto Road Murals Pilot Project for up to four mid-block street murals on low volume, local streets during street event which include permitted road closures in 2017, and such material costs and artist honorarium to be covered through the StreetART program.

StreetARToronto (StART) is a partnership program launched in 2012 as a central feature of the City's Graffiti Management Plan. It is a proactive approach to eliminating graffiti vandalism, adding character and visual interest to city streets, showcasing professional artists, mentoring emerging artists and reinforcing Toronto's reputation as a centre of creativity and talent. Initiated as part of the Community Partnership and Investment Program (CPIP), StART is administered by the Transportation Services, Public Realm Section, which is also responsible for coordinating and implementing all non-enforcement related components of the Graffiti Management Plan.

Over the past six years, StART has developed a suite of programs to respond appropriately to the needs and local conditions of the many diverse communities within the city. In delivering these programs, StART engages and links residents, business owner/operators, community groups, artists and arts organizations with each other, as well as with City staff and Councillors. To ensure broad geographical reach of street art projects across the city, Public Realm staff conducted Information Sessions in all four districts. At the Information Sessions, and in response to enquiries, StART staff encouraged potential applicants to develop projects for locations in all wards.

This report recommends funding for 14 mural projects to be delivered by community-based organizations under the 2017 StART Partnership Program, including installations in one ward which currently does not have a StART Partnership Program mural.