Art Spectacular 2026
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
90+ artworks across four public art projects and 11 sub-projects!
Many thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the unveiling of new public art projects in the Downtown at Art Spectacular 2026 this past Saturday, June 20. The projects—completed through the City of London's Public Art Program managed by the Culture Services Division and administered through the London Arts Council—are a reflection of the creativity, talent, and diversity in our city.
Thanks to the City of London, London Music Office, Dundas Place, the Paul Seed Fund through the London Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of London, and the London Public Library, for making these public art projects, and our celebration of them, possible. Many thanks to the incredible artists involved across the four public art projects, the nine musicians led by Hubert Orlowski who treated event attendees at the London Public Library to their music on Saturday and to Yaya's Café for providing mouthwatering refreshments for the event!
Works from the projects celebrated at Saturday's event continue to be installed. We encourage everyone to experience the work in person.
Click through the event photos by using the arrows on the right and left (credit: Corrie Higginson)
ABOUT
The City of London’s Public Art and Monument Program, administered by the London Arts Council and the City of London Culture Services, supports the creation of public art that strengthens civic pride, fosters community celebration, creates jobs for artists, and attracts tourism and investment.
Dundas Place Public Art Project
The planning phase of the Dundas Place Public Art Project began in 2024 with the goal of beautifying and revitalizing Dundas Place, a key area in London’s core. In 2025, four artists were commissioned to design original artwork for four blocks, enhancing urban infrastructure such as banners, planters, and kiosks. Each artist developed a cohesive concept for their assigned block, transforming the space with unique artwork that reflects the community, culture, and natural environment.
Artworks:
The Living Street by Katie Wilhelm 📍 Library Block
In the Rhythm by Amsa Yaro 📍 Marquee Block
Birds and Books in Flight by Jamelie Hassan 📍 Fanshawe Block
I Am Here by Emily Schuyler 📍 Event Block
Click through the event photos by using the arrows on the right and left (credit: Corrie Higginson)
Songlines Public Art and Music Project
The planning phase of the Songlines Public Art and Music Project began in 2024, aiming to support the development of London’s visual artists and musicians while promoting London as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music. Supported by the Rotary Club of London, this initiative features artwork by local artists, each paired with a Songlines QR Code. The code directs viewers to the London Music Office’s Spotify channel, which features songs by local musicians.
For the fourth Songlines Public Art and Music Project, Indigenous movement artist Montana Summers and photography artist Michaela Altenburg participated to pay tribute to London-born, internationally renowned sculptor Jeffry Rubinoff, whose work was inspired by the musical concept of ‘counterpoint'.
Rapid Transit Urban Infrastructure Art Project
The planning phase of the Rapid Transit Urban Infrastructure Art Project began in 2022 to enhance accessibility and beautify this new public infrastructure. Artwork by local London artists will be installed on the roofs of Rapid Transit shelters along the Downtown Loop, East London Link, and Wellington Gateway corridors. The artworks reflect themes identified through community consultation during the Rapid Transit Environmental Assessment, the planning process used to gather public input and evaluate the Rapid Transit system. This project is ongoing and the unveiled works to date are reflective of the downtown projects.
Artworks:
London UNESCO City of Music by Tova Hasiwar 📍 King and Wellington
Corridor of Dreams by Billy Bert Young 📍 King and Talbot
A City Catalogue by Allan Lewis 📍 Queen and Clarence
Antler River by Robin Henry 📍 Clarence and Ridout
Motions and Memories by Maisa Mreiwed 📍 Horton and Wellington
Click through the event photos by using the arrows on the right and left (credit: Corrie Higginson)
The People and the City
Created in 1991 by artists Stuard Reid and Doreen Balabanoff, The People and the City honors the individuals who have shaped London’s history, including Indigenous Peoples, early settlers, educators, artists, philanthropists, and community leaders. As London marks its 200th anniversary, restoring this landmark artwork preserves a significant part of the city’s heritage for future generations. Thanks to Conservation of Sculptures, Monuments & Objects (CSMO) for their work to restore this landmark artwork.
Click through the event photos by using the arrows on the right and left (credit: Corrie Higginson)
Comments