Celebrating Diversity Through Art: Brampton’s New Public Art Plan
The City of Brampton proudly announces the launch of its inaugural public art strategy and framework, “Brampton: An Artful Future.” This five-year plan aims to establish a cohesive and intentional approach to developing and managing Brampton’s Public Art Program, aiming to make public spaces inviting and inclusive while honoring Brampton’s unique character.
Public art is a vital tool for building a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive city, as recognized by the City of Brampton. With a public art collection comprising over 50 murals, permanent and temporary installations, and civic memorials and monuments, Brampton continues to showcase talented local artists from diverse backgrounds. Over the next five years, the City plans to expand this collection, having already collaborated with local artists last year to deliver 34 new public artworks. One such piece is ‘Oo·tsísteˀ / ishkode’ by artist Mo Thunder. Furthermore, the City provided training and mentorship to 12 artists through these projects, enhancing their skills and opportunities in the art community.
Developed with input from over 1,000 Brampton artists, residents, and City staff, this strategy reflects the diverse values and needs of the community. Contributions from key local arts organizations, such as the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) and Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA), were integral to its development. The research process included exploring public art strategies from across Canada to incorporate best practices into Brampton’s new strategy.
About Brampton: An Artful Future
Public art in Brampton tells the stories of the city’s unique identity and diverse communities. By transforming community spaces, public art invites residents and visitors to experience artistic excellence throughout the city.
Through initiatives such as the My Neighbourhood Art Project, Brampton BOXED Art Program, Public Art Along the Paths and Trails Program, and Professional Development Programming, this new strategy aims to support the professional growth of Brampton’s creative community through residencies, mentorships, training programs, and other opportunities.
Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Public art has the power to transform our community, promoting a sense of belonging among residents and attracting visitors to experience Brampton’s artistic excellence. Our inaugural ‘Brampton: An Artful Future’ marks a significant milestone in our journey to build Brampton’s vibrant arts and culture sector, inspiring and uniting us all. We look forward to watching residents and visitors experience the creativity that lives here.”
Adding to this sentiment, Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5 and Chair of Community Services, shared, “As Chair of Community Services, I have been proud to champion the development of our first public art strategy. Our ongoing investments in public art not only beautify local neighborhoods but also provide invaluable opportunities for local artists to share their work. In 2023 alone, we added 34 new public artworks across Brampton, reflecting our unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and cultural vibrancy in our community. I am excited to see how these artistic expressions will continue to inspire and unite us all.”
“Public art tells the story of our city’s unique identity and diverse communities. ‘Brampton: An Artful Future’ is a milestone for our city, being our first-ever public art strategy and framework. This comprehensive framework adds excitement to our public spaces and supports our local artists by providing platforms for artists to share their creations. This new strategy is a guiding document for public art and creativity for the next five years and beyond, and we are excited to see this vision come to life.” — Kelly Stahl, Director, Cultural Services, City of Brampton