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The AirportIcon of an airplaneArt at YTZIcon of an airplanePerspectives

Celebrating Toronto’s identity, Perspectives provides an opportunity for artists to represent what makes the city special to them, from its landmarks and neighbourhoods to its people and culture.

The program invites local artists to share their personal interpretations of the city, offering a platform for diverse perspectives that reflect the vibrancy, diversity and spirit of Toronto. Artwork is displayed in the airport’s pedestrian tunnel, creating an immersive experience for the passengers, employees and community members that travel through the tunnel.

Call to Artists

Perspectives offers a platform for artists to explore and express their personal connections to Toronto, from its landmarks and neighbourhoods to its people and culture.

Featuring a range of works, from photography and painting to illustration and digital art, Perspectives provides a dynamic, visually engaging experience allowing people to connect with the city on a deeper level as they pass through one of its busiest transport hubs.

Learn more about the process via our FAQ.

Deadline to submit artwork for the next exhibition of Perspectives is May 1, 2025. New artwork will be displayed in summer 2025.

Submit your artwork for consideration.

What’s On?

Que Rock

Quentin Commanda, known as “Que Rock” is a Nipissing First Nation-born artist. Quentin began his artistic journey when his mentors encouraged him to pursue his passion for painting. He soon developed a mature graffiti art style in which he utilizes traditional Indigenous styles and techniques to create striking images of animals and nature. Through his art Quentin showcases his ancestors’ teachings while creating new spaces for people to come and enjoy art. Quentin has worked with several community-led organizations, painting murals all across Toronto. Find more of his work on Instagram at @miangunclan.

Click here to read a note from Que Rock about this artwork.

Jonathan Gazze

Jonathan Gazze is a celebrated photographer and visual artist known for his ability to capture the extraordinary within the everyday. His work combines technical precision with a deep sense of storytelling, drawing viewers into moments that feel both intimate and universal.

With a passion for exploring light, texture, and emotion, Jonathan has crafted a portfolio that spans breathtaking landscapes, compelling portraits, and evocative lifestyle imagery.

Based in Toronto, Jonathan works passionately to showcase the city’s vibrant energy and diverse culture through his photography. His art not only captures Toronto’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems but also highlights the stories of the people and communities that make the city unique. Through his work, Jonathan has become a proud champion for the City of Toronto, bringing its spirit to life for audiences near and far. Find more of his work on Instagram at @jgazze.

Mariana Hernandez

Mariana Hernandez is an artist and art educator based in the new east Bayside Waterfront Community in Toronto, living among 80 live/work artists. Her paintings have sold to TRIDEL Incorporated, Daniels Home Incorporated  and Distillery District and have been rented to Facebook. She teaches classes to various non-profit agencies across Toronto including the Gardiner Museum. Native to Chile and living in Toronto since 1977, her paintings and drawings reflect all that is Toronto in the waterfront and urban areas. She studied Fine Art at OCAD and has also expanded her skills as a self-taught learner. Vibrant colors, strong line work in drawings and a love and admiration for bodies of water and urban settings are her trademarks. Find more of her work on X at @Mariana_ArtsTO.

FAQ

Yes, the theme for this public art program is Perspectives of Toronto. What is Toronto to you? Is it the waterfront, the architectural landmarks that make up our iconic skyline, the cultural hubs within our neighbourhoods, or the events that bring us all together? Show us your Toronto.

Yes. The artwork will need to be submitted in digital format (either as a digital piece or a high-resolution scan). Please adhere to the specifications below or your artwork will not be considered.

Finished Print Dimensions: 180″(w) x 78″(h)

  • Please incorporate 0.5″ bleed on each side of the image.
  • The bleed area should be non-critical content as it will be used during the finishing process and will not be seen after installation.

Image Resolution: 300ppi at final size

  • Since the finished size is so large, you will have to provide your image(s) at a reduced size.
  • The scale should be proportional to the output – for example, if you provide the image at 25% of final size, the image would be 45″(w) x 19.5″(h). If you scan at 1200ppi, your resolution will be 300ppi once the image is enlarged by 400%.

Yes, artists are welcome to submit more than one artwork. We would encourage artists to consider groupings of 2 or 4 pieces. Larger groupings will be considered.

Your art will be recognized with an attribution on your piece, as well as on the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport website and social media channels. While the artwork onsite will be rotated, selected pieces that have formed part of the program’s past and present will be represented on the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport website.

Yes, PortsToronto will assume the cost of producing the artwork and each artist will be paid $500.00 per artwork selected.

Yes, each artist selected will be required to sign a standard agreement with PortsToronto in order to proceed.

While we would love to consider artwork in all media, Perspectives is limited to 180 x 78″, 2-D printed panels. Your artwork, whether digital or physical, will need to be able to be scanned and printed in size. We will work with you to help facilitate this process but please be aware of these requirements before submitting your pieces.

Artworks are selected by a panel. When selecting artists, the panel may consider a variety of criteria, including:

  • Artistic merit: The quality of the artist’s body of work 
  • Conceptual skills: The artist’s ability to demonstrate innovative and effective approaches in other creative projects 
  • Contextual sensitivity: The artist’s ability to design artwork that is relevant to social, environmental, historical, or other contexts 
  • Creativity and originality: The level of creativity and originality demonstrated in the artwork 
  • Interpretation of theme: The artist’s ability to interpret the theme 
  • Quality of artwork: The quality of the artwork and artistic skill demonstrated 
  • Panelists may also consider: visual appeal, community engagement, site appropriateness, social impact, and integration with surroundings. 

At this time, artwork will be rotated on a six-month basis.