Art Lives in Gerrard India Bazaar
Art influences, instilling values, and translating experiences across space and time, allowing people from different cultures and even different lifetimes to connect through images, sounds and stories. Art is often a vehicle for social change and something we can all enjoy.
The Gerrard India Bazaar is best known throughout Toronto as the home of the Festival of South Asia, and a hub for South Asian goods. Over the years Gerrard East has also become a hot spot for vibrant murals and engaging art activations.
Our team is working to bring walking tours to the BIA in the near future. Due to the recent health and safety concerns associated with COVID19 our plans have been placed on hold. In the meantime join us on your own time and walk the neighbourhood using our helpful guide found below. ⬇️
📣 ISO local volunteers to help bring more art to the area, lead art tours, and make this online guide more accessible – Get in touch
Location: Dubai Meats
Address: 1330 Gerrard Street East
Artists: Adrian Hayles and mosaic artist Anna Camelleri, Red Dress Productions
Activation Date: 2012
Status: In great shape
Details:
Location: Hamsa Heaven
Address: 1600 Gerrard Street East
Artists: Al Runt
Activation Date:
Status: In great shape
Details: This artist is known for the iconic artwork displayed on the facade of the popular Toronto music venue Lee’s Palace.
Location: Victoria Whole Foods
Address: 1450 Gerrard Street East
Artists: Andrea Manica + Janessa Brunet
Activation Date:
Status: In great shape
Details:
More info:
2015, artist – Tim Schjins;
Location: Graffiti Alley East
Address: 471 Craven Road Located in the alleyways on the south side of Gerrard Street East between Craven Road and Rhodes Avenue
Artists: Monica Wickeler, Nicolas Sinclair, Tim Skynz & Eskape Reality Collective, Kerry O’Meara, Angel Carrillo and Minha Maconha.
Activation Date: 2015
Status: In great shape
Details: This project was modeled on the Graffiti Alley West at Rush Lane.
More Info:
Location: King’s Karahi
Address: 1330 Gerrard Street East
Artists:
Activation Date:
Status: In great shape
Details:
Location: Udupi Palace
Address: 1460 Gerrard Street East
Artists:
Activation Date:
Status: In great shape
Details:
Location: Flying Pony
Address: 1481 Gerrard Street East
Artists:
Activation Date:
Status: In great shape. New owners to take over shop soon.
Location: Toto Sushi formerly Thai Boys
Address: 1455 Gerrard Street East
Artists:
Activation Date:
Status: Unfortunately this mural has been badly damaged over the years by both wear and defacing. A new art activation is in currently the works.
Location: Formerly Mausam Boutique Inc
Address: 1447 Gerrard Street East
Artists: Rosena Fung
Activation Date: August 2020
Status: Displays are being made available for vacant shop windows, at the request of any property owners.
Details: Our creative concept started with the idea of a ‘Discovery Walk’, presented through a psychogeographic style map, which could highlight the many landmarks, mainstays, and attractions on Gerrard East. We have commissioned Rosena Fung to create the beautiful illustration featured on our discovery walk posters, which will be on display at vacant shops along the street. This activation will breathe life back into spaces that are temporarily empty, and ultimately help to promote the unique cultural experience of Little India Toronto. The artwork is playful, vibrant and community-focused.
Location: Over 100 sidewalk decals have been installed throughout the entire Bazaar
Address: Gerrard Street East
Artists: Roshni Wijayasinha
Activation Date: August 2020
Status: Seasonal placement for 2020 Summer/Fall
Details: We have embraced the necessity for social distancing decals throughout the BIA, in consideration of community health and wellness. Our decals feature vibrant original artwork by Roshni Wijayasinha. Traditionally the mandala – an important spiritual symbol in South Asian culture – represents wholeness and a model for the organizational structure of life itself. The mandala’s purpose is to enlighten the mind and to assist with healing, making it the perfect fit for this activation design.
Location: Gerrard and Ashdale @ Kohinoor Kitchen, Kohinoor Foods, and Eulalie’s
Address: Gerrard Street East
Artists: Jim Bravo
Activation Date: August 2020
Status: Work in progress
Details:
Check out the progress being made on our newest community mural at Gerrard and Ashdale. We are really feeling this brilliant sky blue! ☁️ ☀️#yyz #placemaking #publicart pic.twitter.com/khRfna24y4
— Gerrard India Bazaar (@GerrardIndiaBaz) August 27, 2020
Thanks to our community partners:
. 
. 
. 
