$25 million donation from the Pierre Lassonde Family Foundation will create a new, outdoor public art trail on the future Villiers Island in Toronto’s transformed Port Lands. The Lassonde Art Trail will be a free, open-air route operated and curated by a new foundation, with funds from this gift; the gift will also finance the acquisition of two permanent pieces anchoring the trail. A rotating cycle of contemporary installations from local, national and international artists will also be featured. 

The $25 million includes $10 million to commission two landmark permanent art works, and up to $15 million to establish a new non-profit organization that will manage the art trail, with the intention of raising additional matching funds to sustain the organization over the long term. Next month, City Council will vote on accepting this gift and moving ahead with the art trail. With their approval, the new foundation will appoint an executive director, select a jury for the permanent artworks, and begin identifying potential art to exhibit.  

Read the full news release, click here.