Durham Region unveils new public art at Regional Headquarters

Whitby, Ontario – Staff and visitors can expect a colourful and inspiring welcome as they enter Durham Region’s Headquarters, as a new public art installation was unveiled today.

Durham College Fine Arts students created the art as part of a community collaboration program. The artwork has been installed along the stone wall at the north entrance of 605 Rossland Road East in Whitby. The pieces represent the themes of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

This installation is part of a Regional public art pilot project. It will help inform a program to provide ongoing opportunities for public art. Durham Region supports public art as a way to connect people and places, create beautiful spaces, and support the local creative community.

Durham Region’s Headquarters is the corporate building for The Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham Regional Police Service and Durham Region Transit. The building also houses Provincial Offences Act courts and an Ontario Works office.

Learn more about the project, and explore the art installation virtually, by visiting durham.ca/ArtPilotProject.

Quotes

“Public art meaningfully connects people with built environment, strengthens our sense of culture and creates a more beautiful community to enjoy every day. This new installation does all of that while celebrating the diversity of our region. Thanks to the Durham College Fine Arts students who contributed to this project. It’s a visual reminder of our values, and it will help ensure everyone feels welcome and included here.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“Durham College prides itself on community collaboration and we are excited that this new art installation by our Fine Arts students will greet visitors as they enter Durham Regional Headquarters. The installation reflects our students’ perspective on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and celebrates the diversity of Durham Region.”

– Barry Waite, Executive Dean, Faculty of Media, Art & Design, Durham College

“With these projects, we’re using the power of public art to create thought-provoking, energized spaces that contribute to a unique regional identity. Through art, we can strengthen municipal collaboration and community partnerships to support strategic goals of economic prosperity and community vitality.”

– Sandra Austin, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Durham Region

Quick facts

• Last winter, Durham Region surveyed the community to gather feedback about what themes should be represented in public art at Durham Regional Headquarters. More than 160 responses were received, with the top themes being diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Durham Region has a talent pool bursting with creative individuals, and partnerships such as this support real-world experiences for up-and-coming artists. Learn more about Durham Region’s world-class talent advantage at InvestDurham.ca.
• The artwork features work from eleven students in the Creative Collaborative Service Learning Course in the Fine Arts Program at Durham College. The course challenges students to explore critical social and community issues helps students apply classroom learning in the real world.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.