Yorkville is the place to be for luxury boutiques, fine dining and some of Toronto’s coolest history. Before it became one of the city’s most upscale nabes, it was a gathering place for artists, musicians, poets and cultural figures who helped shape the city’s creative identity during the ’60s.
That history returns to the streets this August as Yorkville Murals (YVM) transforms the neighbourhood into a two-day celebration of contemporary art, fashion, music, photography and design.
Taking place Aug. 22–23, the free festival, now in its seventh year, will bring together international artists, emerging creators and immersive public installations throughout Yorkville, with more than 70,000 visitors expected to experience the neighbourhood in a completely new way.
This year’s theme, Joy, focuses on the ability of art and culture to bring people together and create memorable city experiences.
Presented by INK Entertainment, Taglialatella Gallery and the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, the festival will feature murals, live art demonstrations, poetry, fashion performances, music and interactive installations.
The festival opens with New Voices, New-New Voices, Something Wonderfully Lush, featuring a live performance of The Village Corner – Yorkville by Lillian Allen, Toronto’s Poet Laureate, dub poet and two-time JUNO Award winner.
Created exclusively for Yorkville Murals, the new work is a reflection on the area’s artistic history while also celebrating the creators of today.
The poem looks back at Yorkville’s role as a cultural crossroads, referencing legendary figures including Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Margaret Atwood and Leonard Cohen.
Following its debut, the work will remain on display as a 20-foot public art installation created in partnership with OCAD University. Visitors will be able to contribute their own words through interactive poetry stations, including live typewriter poets creating personalized pieces throughout the weekend.
Also at this year’s festival is The Sunset Garden, a large-scale wraparound courtyard mural by internationally acclaimed artist Ola Volo.
The immersive installation will transform the Taglialatella Gallery courtyard into a colourful world inspired by mythology, nature and transformation. The space will become a gathering spot for festival-goers featuring DJs, drinks and live programming.
The artwork will also extend beyond Yorkville through PATTISON Outdoor’s Community Connections program, appearing on TTC platforms and digital billboards across Toronto.
Another highlight is designer and two-time Grammy Award winner Stefan Sagmeister, whose exhibition Before We Forgot Things Were Worse explores optimism and perception through art. The exhibition will appear inside Taglialatella Gallery and through an installation at Bay Station.
The gallery will also host a special exhibition by British artist duo The Connor Brothers.
Also at the festival, TOILETPAPER Magazine will present an immersive installation showcasing its surreal and colourful visual style. Founded by artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari, the publication has become known for blending photography, fine art and pop culture.
The festival will also feature Great Advice for Shitty People, the popular Instagram account, in a collab that will bring its text-based artwork into the physical world.
Throughout the weekend, fashion designers Zoe Stone, Alexander Nicholson and Maya Ali will create original avant-garde pieces in front of festival audiences. Saturday will focus on conceptual menswear, while Sunday will highlight womenswear.
For visitors interested in the creative process itself, Toronto’s Crybaby Gallery will turn Yorkville Avenue into a live studio.
When the sun goes down, the festival will take on a different atmosphere.
The Cumberland Parkade will become an architectural canvas through large-scale digital projections presented by Anker, while DJs, rooftop celebrations and performances continue in the evening.