Polaris Music Prize winner artwork graces Granby St. building

Polaris Music Prize winner artwork graces Granby St. building

More large, eye-catching artwork is now on display in the Yonge and College area. The Downtown Yonge BIA, partnering with Polaris Music Prize, has unveiled a mural commemorating Haviah Mighty, winner of the 2019 Polaris Music Prize for the album 13th Floor.  (See photo below.)

“This mural adds to the colourful array of images celebrating Toronto’s music scene,” says Downtown Yonge Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Mark Garner. “Toronto should be very proud of its music, past and present, and the murals honour music in a big way – literally.”

The Polaris Music Prize mural is the third music mural in the area, near where two permanent murals commemorating Toronto’s musical history soar over the city. The Polaris Music Prize mural will change annually over the next five years, as a poster created to celebrate each year’s winner will adorn the side of the TTC building at 21 Granby St. 

Polaris Music Prize annually honours Canadian music artists, as determined by an expert jury of broadcasters, bloggers, programmers and other media authorities on Canadian music. Unique posters are created each year to commemorate the winning artists. This year’s poster was created by artist Alexis Eke.

“Our posters are a vibrant and integral part of our annual celebration,” says Steve Jordan, founder and Executive Director of the Polaris Music Prize. “We’re honoured and grateful to the DYBIA and the TTC for literally making our poster program even bigger, and for including us in their efforts to illustrate Yonge Street’s musical history.”

The Polaris Music Prize mural on Granby St. faces west toward Joseph Sheard Park, enhancing the recent revitalization of the park that includes a walking path, drinking fountain and garden. Nearby, on both sides of the Toronto Housing building at 423 Yonge St., are two 22-storey murals honouring legends and locations from Toronto’s musical history. The site is also adjacent to the Carlu where the Polaris gala is held every year. The murals are part of the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Music Strategy, an ambitious, multi-pronged plan to re-establish the area as a ‘Music Mecca.’ 

“Music and murals – two ways to help ensure that the Downtown Yonge area continues to be a vibrant place to live, work, study and entertain,” says Garner.