We have engaged STEPS – a Toronto-based charitable organization that specializes in transforming public spaces into vibrant places in a strategic way – to assist us in outlining opportunities that ensure the benefits of public art are felt properly in downtown Stratford. We plan to harness the potential of public art to advance broader municipal priorities, such as equity and inclusion, environmental resilience, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and placemaking, among others.
We have so far completed a stakeholder walkabout to the different locations for possible art installations and a community engagement day with four hands-on activities. Also, a number of our members and community engagers participated in a workshop on Monday, September 19th facilitated by STEPS at Gallery Stratford. The goal of this in-person event was to identify strategic goals and actions for public art in downtown Stratford.
We’ll continue to share our progress on this project. If you have any questions, or would like to know how to get involved, please contact [email protected].