Toronto Public Art Commission

The Toronto Public Art Commission (TPAC) is a City of Toronto advisory body. TPAC provides recommendations to City Planning to assist in the review of public art projects, activities and policies. TPAC also provides valuable independent feedback to staff about public art plans brought forward by private developers as part of the Percent for Public Art Program. Projects may include large-scale development, district public art plans, secondary plans, master plans, multi-phased or individual developments, as well as contributions for private property and/or off-site locations.

TPAC's role

Working collaboratively with City Planning, Urban Design and Community Planning staff, the Toronto Public Art Commission's mandate includes the following:

  • Promote awareness and understanding of the importance of high quality public art.
  • Provide guidance and advice to City Planning staff, developers and sponsors at the earliest stages of public art projects.
  • Review, with City Planning staff, public art opportunities and art selection methods brought forward by the private sector. Note: TPAC does not select the final artwork and are not members of the selection jury.
  • Assist in ensuring that the selected location for the public art maximizes public accessibility and visibility.
  • TPAC is also committed to promoting equity and diversity in public art, such as improving the visibility of Indigenous people, history and culture in Toronto.

Composition & Meetings

The Toronto Public Art Commission is made up of citizen volunteers with diverse backgrounds. The term of the appointment for members is generally four years. Members may be invited by the City to serve longer terms.

The Commission meets every six weeks as required. The meetings normally begin at 5:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, all TPAC meetings will be virtual (via Webex) until it is safe to resume in-person meetings at Toronto City Hall. TPAC meetings, including virtual meetings, are open to the public.

Who should apply

  • Artists
  • Art Educators
  • Urban Designers
  • Architects
  • Landscape Architects
  • Public Institution Representatives
  • Art Historians
  • Art Critics
  • Cultural Planners
  • Developers, lawyers and other representatives from the corporate community
  • Individuals from the community at large who have experience in public art
  • Indigenous designers, artists, historians and traditional knowledge keepers
  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) designers and artists
  • Artists and designers from equity-seeking groups

All applicants must either reside or work in the City of Toronto.

Remuneration

No remuneration is offered for this volunteer position.

How to Apply

The current deadline to apply is Friday February 19, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.

Please provide the following information:

  • Name, mailing address, email address and phone number
  • Profession (attach CV or provide an overview)
  • Special qualifications in public art
  • Your personal views on public art in Toronto
  • Your experience in community involvement
  • Please include the statement that you have read the background on the Toronto Public Art Commission, its composition, attendance requirements and that you are willing to serve on it.

Send the above information by email to:

Lara Tarlo, Senior Urban Designer, at lara.tarlo@toronto.ca.

For More Information

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lara Tarlo at 416-338-1132 or lara.tarlo@toronto.ca.

Membership

The current and historical Appointments for this body.