Street art can enhance beautification: Toronto Mayor John Tory

"This venture is an exciting project for both cities. It will promote and increase awareness of street art and its role in enhancing the vitality of our streets capes," said Toronto Mayor John Tory in a News release. "Street art that is seen on a daily basis can trigger beautification, social transformation and economic benefits."

In collaboration with the STEPS Initiative, Justus Roe, Chicago-based abstract artist will arrive in Toronto and transform the selected sight Roncesvalles Foot Bridge connecting west-end communities of Toronto to the waterfront -- the popular pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare -- with his work of art.

STEPS an award-winning, Toronto-based public arts organization -- based on three core values of culture, community engagement and city-building – will provide opportunities for local artists and Parkdale youth through a series of community painting days.

"Public art transforms a place from being a mere place, to a place of joy," said Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park). "I am thrilled that our neighbourhood gateway to the lake is becoming an important piece of public art."

Roe is expected to arrive in Toronto on Friday and will be assisted in the completion of the mural before the end of this month.

Toronto artist travelling to Chicago will soon be announced, official reports said.

The Toronto project is being co-ordinated by the City's StART program and will be supported by the Economic Development and Culture Division.

StreetARToronto, or StART, launched in 2012, is an innovative pro-active program of Transportation Services' Public Realm Section, to increase awareness of street art in adding beauty to neighbourhoods across Toronto, which will counteract the harmful effects of graffiti vandalism on communities.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Image of John Tory: Twitter