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Revitalizing 220 Oak Street: Revealing the New Community Murals
By: Brook Lahey
Brook is a cooperative student at Focus Media Arts Centre
MABELLEarts, an Etobicoke-based community arts organization, joined forces with the tenants of 220 Oak Street to harness the creative energy within the community. The goal was to generate art that would breathe life into the mural project. As the vision took shape, professional muralists were enlisted to bring the community's artistic expressions to life. These murals, unveiled on that October day, stand as a testament to the power of community collaboration.
The murals, while visually captivating, are just one facet of the larger 220 Oak Street renewal plan, which has been in motion since 2019. Remarkably, the project endured the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the community continuing its work over virtual platforms.
In a pivotal town hall meeting on November 24, 2020, residents gathered to review and contribute to the unfolding developments in their community. Led by facilitator Adam Pelissero, the meeting revisited the journey that began with a tenant kick-off meeting in June 2019. From digging deep at tenant workshops to reflecting on what was heard at community events, the process unfolded through a master plan, detailed design, permit and construction documents, and finally, construction.
The Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) played a crucial role in this transformation. As a social housing provider, the TCHC aimed to enhance Community Empowerment, Positive Social Interaction, and Civic Engagement through the introduction of these vibrant murals.
The aspiration is that these murals will instill a sense of pride and connection among the residents of 220 Oak Street, fostering a strong sense of community identity. Collaborative mural projects have the power to break down social barriers, encouraging positive social interactions and unity. By involving residents in this transformative project, there is a hope that it will catalyze increased engagement in community activities, further enriching the fabric of 220 Oak Street.
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FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1990 to counter negative media stereotypes of low income communities and provide relevant information to residents living in the Regent Park area and surrounding communities.
We seek to empower marginalized individuals and under represented communities to have a voice, through the use of professional training, mentorships and participatory based media practices that enable the sharing of stories, experiences and perspectives on relevant matters and issues. In brief our mandate is to empower marginalized individuals and under-serviced communities to have a voice and tell their own stories.
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