StART Support Program

StreetARToronto (StART) comprises a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. StART programs encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), make our streets more inviting and safe, reduce overall infrastructure maintenance costs, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business owners and operators, artists, and arts organizations. Individually and collectively StART murals are designed to celebrate the City of Toronto motto "Diversity Our Strength" and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. StART welcomes and actively seeks out partners for initiatives that support program objectives and works closely with partnership staff in other City divisions and agencies and supports City partnership activities.

When preparing your application, please consider that StreetARToronto is seeking a wide geographic distribution of projects that are led by a variety of artists and organizations. Please note that artists and organizations may not receive funding for multiple projects in a given year.

The StART Support Program helps provide materials for the creation of graffiti art and art murals on properties with a history of repeated graffiti vandalism on walls exposed to city streets.

City of Toronto property owners who have received a Notice of Violation for Graffiti from Municipal Licensing & Standards or can otherwise prove they are experiencing issues with graffiti vandalism (i.e. photos or a Google Streetview image) are eligible to receive up to $3,000 of direct material purchases, which can include:

Artistic quality spray paint, available in a variety of colours;
Assorted spray paint caps producing various effects;
Exterior paint in a full colour spectrum; and
A limited supply of application materials, including paint rollers, brushes and paint trays.

Materials required for the project will be purchased by City of Toronto staff through consultation with the artist(s) selected to complete the work and will be based on factors including the conceptual sketch for the design and the size of the mural proposed. Designs and artwork are subject to final approval by the City of Toronto.

The City has the sole discretion to approve or reject an application and to determine what materials will be provided if an application is approved.

Property owners must hire an artist of their choosing independently, and pay them directly for services rendered or equipment rentals as required. You may wish to visit the StreetARToronto Artist Directory online.

Property owners will be responsible for maintaining the artwork on their building in good repair, for a period of 1 year from the completion date of the project.

Project must be completed by October 31, 2024

Any questions relating to the application process can be sent to streetart@toronto.ca or to startmurals@gmail.com