Partners in Art is proud to support five Toronto-based artists taking part in the CreateSpace BIPOC Public Art Residency from March 2021 to December 2021. These five artists-in-residence include Amanda Lederle, Charmaine Lurch, Jieun June Kim, Nuff and Yasmeen Nematt Alla who were selected by a committee of BIPOC-identifying public artists and professionals from across Canada. For more information, read below or visit publicartresidency.ca.

STEPS believes public art has the ability to challenge the systemic inequities that exist in public space, but Canada’s public art collection does not currently reflect its diversity. This is the inspiration that led STEPS to launch the CreateSpace BIPOC Public Art Residency, a national program designed in consultation with advisors from coast to coast, to provide emerging Black, Indigenous and racialized artists with the skills, relationships and practical experience needed to take their public art practice to the next level.

Throughout this nine (9) month program, ten (10) emerging or mid-career public artists will convene, connect and create socially-engaged public artwork across Canada. The mission of this program is multifaceted, and is intended to benefit both artists-in-residence and the greater public. The virtual residency will take place from March to December 31, 2021. For residency updates and programming events for the public, follow @STEPSpublicart and #CreateSpaceResidency on Instagram and Facebook.