FACT SHEET

The Toronto Sculpture Garden is a leader in Canada in the commissioning of contemporary sculpture for outdoor sites. Located in an urban park in the downtown core, it serves as a testing ground for artists to experiment with public space and to address issues of urban context, materials and scale. Since it opened in 1981, more than 70 artists have exhibited in over 50 exhibitions.

The TSG is both a civic and a private initiative. It is unique in its partnership between the City of Toronto, which owns and operates it as a city park, and the Louis L. Odette Family, benefactors who created the non-profit L.L.O. Sculpture Garden Foundation which funds and administers the exhibitions. The director of the TSG is Rina Greer.

A volunteer Art Advisory Board, serving three-year terms, is appointed by the Foundation to select exhibitions. The current members are Shirley Blumberg, Peter Bowyer, Nancy Campbell, James Carl, Panya Clark Espinal, David Liss, Marc Odette, Jenifer Papararo and Darrell Vossen.

The TSG commissions new site specific work that responds to the context and architecture of the site. The Foundation funds these exhibitions and covers exhibitions fee, materials stipend, installation/removal and transportation costs, insurance on site and publicity. If works are for sale, they are available from the artist; the Foundation does not take a commission on sales.

There are two exhibitions a year, from May through September and from October through April. The emphasis is on solo exhibitions with new work designed specifically for the site although there are occasional group shows (of new or existing work) organized by guest curators.

The Toronto Sculpture Garden measures 80' x 100' and is enclosed by a fence with gates which are closed in the evening. The site is lighted at night and visible from King Street. Admission is free and the TSG is open daily until dusk.