Business of Art Tour
Students will go behind the scenes to explore the process of bringing public art to life, uncovering the logistics, finances, politics & storytelling that shape art exhibitions, and gaining insight into how art makes its way from an idea to an inspiring showcase.
Duration
2 Hours
Grade
6-12
Group Size
up to 150
Price
$15/student + HST
Languages
Tours offered in English & French
Tour Info
Through hands-on activities and collaborative exercises, students will go behind the scenes to explore the process of bringing public art to life. As they navigate the roles of artists, funders, curators, and the public, they’ll uncover the logistics, finances, politics, and storytelling that shape public art exhibitions. Together, they’ll gain insight into how art makes its way from an idea to an inspiring showcase.
Note: This tour takes place entirely in Toronto’s underground PATH system, offering a comfortable exploration in any season.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Analyze how art is communicated to and experienced by the public.
• Examine the roles and influences of artists, funders, curators, and communities in shaping public art.
• Generate ideas and experiment with creative approaches to respond to a public art call.
• Learn to develop a project budget for a piece of artwork.
• Explore how a major financial institution is amplifying diverse voices in the arts.
• Experiment with curation by planning an exhibition.
Available in English & French.
**Starts at Union Station (Front St W & York St), and ends at CIBC Commerce Court (Bay St & King St W). Students can have lunch at one of a number of food courts in the PATH system.
Curriculum Connections
Visual Arts: Students will: 1) identify and analyse some of the social,
political, and economic factors that affect the
creation of visual and media arts. 2) identify and explain their strengths, their
interests, and areas for improvement as creators,
interpreters, and viewers of art. 3) analyse ways in which elements and principles of design are used in a variety of art works
to communicate a theme or message, and evaluate the effectiveness of their use.
Social Studies: examining the history and development of public art in Toronto, and the city’s architectural heritage. Students learn about the history, geography, and culture of Canada and the world.
Language: students focus on developing their reading comprehension, writing skills, and communication skills.
Visual Arts: Students will: 1) describe appropriate standards and conventions for the presentation of different types of
visual art works. 2) explain how variations in where and how
art works are displayed can affect the impact and
meaning of the works and the size and type of
audience they reach. 3) analyse the function and social impact of
different kinds of art works in society. 4) identify a variety of careers in fields related
to visual arts.
Social Studies: examining the history and development of public art in Toronto, and the city’s architectural heritage. Students focus on specific areas of history and social studies, such as Canadian history, world history, geography, and civics.
Language: students continue to develop their communication and literacy skills, with a focus on specific genres and types of writing, as well as critical thinking and media literacy.
How to Prepare your class, and what to bring on the day of the tour
When teachers book a tour for their class they will receive an information package that will:
-> outline any in-class preparation activities to be done prior to the tour
-> list materials & items that students should bring on the day of the tour
Book A Walk Today
Testimonials
“The Art Walk was amazing; my grade 6 students got to walk, climb, draw and photograph Toronto. I look forward to taking this field trip every year.”
–Andrea C, Grade 7 Teacher, Toronto District Catholic School Board
“The Green walk was fantastic! It had strong curriculum links for what we cover in class, i.e. ecological footprint and sustainability, as well as alternative land uses and urban planning.”
