Micro Public Art in Toronto Neighbourhoods (Research Proposal)
Working title: Micro-Art in Public Spaces Initiative (MAPSI)
Creating micro-art installations in urban spaces to promote urban identity through cultural representation and playfulness in diverse metropolis Toronto, Canada.
This research proposal was submitted for my application to York University's MES Planning Program (prospective student).
The disconnect I've felt between existing social infrastructure and public art in Toronto, as well as the rise in conflicting views of Toronto identity and what it means to be a 'Torontonian' has ignited a curiosity in me to explore alternative interventions that can positively impact our environment and bring people together. However, extensive research and experimentation is required to test, challenge, and develop methodology effectively.
As an emerging research initiative, a series of small-scale, community-engaged micro-interventions in public spaces should initially be implemented and function as case studies to answer the question:
How can small-scale community-engaged public art interventions strengthen a sense of urban identity through cultural representation and playfulness in diverse metropolises such as Toronto?
My goal is to implement prototyped community-engaged micro public art interventions in Toronto neighbourhoods that simultaneously create a platform for local artists and community members to innovate how we view urban art, and explore small-scale approaches, materials, methods, and mediums.
Additionally, my design practice as a jeweller and small-scale sculptor has provided me with a firsthand experience of the impact a small-scale art can have on a person, as I design pieces that implement cultural and personal elements. My design philosophy has been heavily influenced by the concept of miniaturization and modelling found in archaeology and ancient artifacts, arguing that small representations of deities, symbols, and cultural motifs had a powerful effects on individuals, as they magnified both feelings of protection amongst other positive associations, partially due to an ignited feeling of possession.
With this research proposal and collected qualitative data from before, during, and after the installation process, I want to explore whether a similar effect can be experienced in the context of public art, where people can find 'urban artifacts' and experience a personal connection to them that feels more intimate than a large-scale installation. Nevertheless, this is not to diminish the importance of large-scale installations, as many sources have revealed the positive effects of public art of this scale on communities (Ramsaroop, TA). Rather, I would like to consider how both extremes of public art scale should be equally considered in public art planning to maximize the effects on collective and personal scales and create a strong web of social infrastructure in urban spaces.
This research proposal and experimental interventions will not only be intended as research outputs, but I dream that they serve as the foundation for a sustained, practice-based initiative.
This research proposal has been submitted to my application for York University's Master's of Environmental Studies Planning Program for Fall 2026.
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