Public Art: Turning Public Spaces into the Heart of the Community

Public art is an important staple for any community. Public art is art of any form, size or medium (e.g. sculpture, mural, art installations) that is in a public space for all to enjoy and experience. Using art, design and creativity to foster inclusive communities, helps encourage placemaking – making public spaces the heart of every community.

RAW Design, Fossil Record, 2017. City of Mississauga Permanent Public Art Collection. Photo by Tori Lambermont.

Public art plays an important role within a community. It can include, but is not limited to, community art, mural art, installations, digital art, construction hoarding art, sculptures, and street art that help liven up public spaces. It can add to a neighbourhood’s identity, create a sense of belonging, encourage local tourism, and increase civic pride. It can also add a lot of value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community.

Polymetis, 3 Arches, 2022. City of Mississauga Permanent Public Art Collection. Photo by Tori Lambermont.

In many communities and cities worldwide, public art is now an integrated aspect of urban design. In Mississauga, public art is an integral component of public works, new developments, facilities and outdoor public spaces.

Ferruccio Sardella, Contemplating Child, 2014. City of Mississauga Permanent Public Art Collection. Photo by Light Monkey Photography.

A lot of the public art found in Mississauga draws on the city’s natural and living heritage, culture and environment. It is important that public art in a city is reflective of the community, so the City is working to make the public art collection more inclusive, more accessible, and more representative, including commissioning emerging, local artists for many projects.

Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY, 2017, Pine Sanctuary, 2017. City of Mississauga Permanent Public Art Collection. Photo by Light Monkey Photography.

If you haven’t already, there’s a lot of public art to explore in Mississauga.

• Ebb and Flow by Ray Vidal – In the skate park next to City Hall
• Poetry Lane by Hiba Abdallah and Paul Edward Costa – Found along the Burnhamthorpe multi-use trail
• Cooksville murals by Andre Kahn and Jieun Kim – At Jaguar Valley Drive and Dundas Street East
• Neighbours by Jon Sasaki and Orchard by Diane Borsato – Two pieces in the City’s permanent collection that are lesser known. Neighbours is located at Mavis Road Bridge, above Fletcher’s Creek (north of Courtneypark Drive). Orchard can be found at the Small Arms Inspection Building

The City’s public art program contributes to the unique identity of Mississauga. As part of the Public Art Master Plan, this program helps create vibrant public spaces and streetscapes.

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• Arts and Culture