Here at MuralForm, we like to talk about awesome street artists and cool projects, but we also love showing how street art can improve communities. Street art and murals can help cities develop tourism, document their history, or even celebrate their triumphs. Murals can define a city’s aesthetic or even contribute to a national identity, as many saw in Brazil this year during the World Cup, and there are many organizations both local and international that try to encourage street art for these reasons.
One such organization is Mural Routes, a not-for-profit organization based in Ontario dedicated to “the promotion of wall art as a public art form for the general benefit of communities and artists,” according to their website. The organization works with local and international agencies, volunteers, and artists to bring mural art to Ontario communities, predominantly Toronto, and to helping mural artists and enthusiasts to stay connected and mutually supportive.
The History of Mural Routes
Mural Routes has been around for nearly 25 years, starting in the 1990s as an art project with the Scarborough Arts Council. By 1994, Mural Routes had expanded its scope and incorporated itself apart from the Arts Council while still working closely with them. Much of their artistic work results from collaboration with local businesses and governments. The recently unveiled “Eastern Gateway” mural, for example, is the combined efforts of the City of Toronto and Mural Routes. Located at 277 Old Kingston R. in Scarborough, the mural is a permanent piece designed to welcome people into the town. While designed by local artists, the project came together through the volunteer efforts of Scarborough youth interested in street art and making their town that much brighter.
Mural Routes was also integral to the Warden Avenue Underpass mural. This piece documents the local history of the area while adding some colour to a usually ignored part of a city. Once again a collaboration of the City of Toronto and Mural Routes, the piece was praised by city councilwoman Michelle Berardinetti.
While Mural Routes is interested in getting murals onto walls, their major focus is connecting and educating the public and artists on the benefits and opportunities tied to murals. The organization regularly hosts networking events and professional development workshops, embracing the business end of street art while promoting its benefits to Canadians.
Mural Routes continues to bring mural artists, businesses, and the public together by promoting the many benefits of street art, whether its through community meetings or murals made with community involvement. The program is great for aspiring artists, community members, and business owners together and it is this multifaceted approach that lets Mural Routes stand apart from other muralist organizations. For more information, be sure to visit their website.
