This content was created by Xtra’s branded content team alongside City of Toronto, StreetARToronto, separate from Xtra’s editorial staff.
Colour, unity, diversity and art. Pride Toronto weekend was a full-out celebration drawing millions of 2SLGBTQ+ friends and allies from across the YYZ and around the world. It was also a milestone moment for nine Toronto-based artists painting with StreetARToronto (StART) for its launch of Paint with Pride!—spreading colour, art and love on the streets all Pride weekend.
Brushing vibrant strokes and vivacious energy in an open-air studio on Church Street, the talented nine were the panel-selected artists for the opening of Paint with Pride! The brand-new program of StART is a partnership with The 519 and Pride Toronto. The artists include Danielle Hyde, Radha Joshi Raul, Morgan Kagesheongai, Yeram Kwak, Caylen Monroe, Hyunsun Park, Laneigh Ramirez, Amiel Sandland and Wolfaz.
Radha Joshi Raul was among the nine Toronto-based artists. “For me, Paint with Pride! gave space for our 2SLGBTQ+ community to express ourselves without judgment, prejudice and hate,” said Joshi Raul, a Toronto-based illustrator and muralist. “I painted playfully, I let loose and felt free to engage with everyone in real time—surrounded by love!”
Paint with Pride! was designed to engage with self-identified 2SLGBTQ+ artists living and working in Toronto. They and their artwork were honoured as talent and treasures benefiting programs at The 519. The paintings are available for sale with 50% of proceeds donated to The 519 and the other 50% held by the artist. The donations will support The 519’s Youth Action and Arts Space (YAAS)—a free drop-in program for youth aged 10 to 14. Donations can also be made at: https://www.the519.org/support-the-519/2024-paint-with-pride/.
“Safe spaces like Paint with Pride!—as with all StART programs—create opportunities to inform younger generations that people are who they are and we embrace them as they are. I’m honoured and grateful to have participated. I’ll always remember the effervescence and magic of that moment,” said Joshi Raul.
“It was a truly beautiful experience for everyone,” said Julián Carvajal, who co-created the vision and canvas of the event with peer Co-Curator Monica Wickeler. “We were deeply intentional in creating Paint with Pride! to honour and celebrate the amazing talent of the 2SLGBTQ+ artist community in Toronto with community partners who share our values. We’re so proud of our vastly collective team effort engaging the nine gifted artists, curators and creatives, volunteers, City collaborators and our partner organizations The 519 and Pride Toronto.”
Since 2012, StART has been working with artists, curators, creatives and local communities to create art that fosters a greater sense of belonging and affinity among all. Over 2,500 StART murals make for outdoor art galleries in every corner and ward of the city.
Housed in the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services, StART and its programs are rooted in values that demonstrate powerful impacts of reconciliation, diversity, equity, inclusion and mentorship. They foster community engagement and civic pride. As a result, streets and communities have become more inclusive and safe, while showcasing the talents of local artists, muralists and curators. A foundational StART value is inclusion of creatives from diverse communities, including artists of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“The feedback we received was lovely, moving and inspiring!” said Carvajal. “We’re still in such a happy glow from our community’s success in strutting out proudly Toronto’s global leadership in street art and honouring artists. As with all StART programs, Paint with Pride! reflects StART values and our city’s creative communities.”
All Toronto artists and muralists are welcome to apply to StreetARToronto programs.
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