Once a neglected pathway. Now it is MABELLEpark. Today we explore MABELLEarts Pavilion. It stands as a testament to community transformation.
MABELLEarts Pavilion. It is more than just a structure. It represents a 16-year journey. This journey transformed an eroded landscape. It became a vibrant community hub.
MABELLEpark is owned by Toronto Community Housing. Seven towers surround it. These towers house about 4000 residents. Most are low-income and racially diverse newcomers. MABELLEarts infuses art into everything. They engage residents through theatre and design. This innovative consultation process outlined their needs. It built trusting relationships.
In 2007 MABELLEarts began with an art project. It was a gardening project for children. It has now evolved into a multi-million dollar project. Thousands of community members are involved. Dozens of artists and builders participate.
MABELLEarts and LGA Architectural Partners worked hand-in-hand. They created a multi-use building called The Belle. They improved the park. They co-created public artworks with the community. The improvements were developed through community consultation.
LGA developed a deep understanding of MABELLEarts. They supported its goal. It was to strengthen community wellbeing. LGA leveraged creativity to bring people together.
MABELLEpark users are comfortable with creative processes. They have participated in many community arts projects. MABELLEarts and LGA leveraged this co-creative competency. They ensured a high level of engagement. They tapped into the neighborhood’s interests. They fostered stronger community input.
One of MABELLEarts most important yearly events is Iftar Nights. It is held during Ramadan. Iftar Nights in MABELLEpark is Canada’s first intercultural Ramadan celebration. Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors break their fast together. They experience musical performances. They create art together.
In 2019, artists and LGA created a lantern-making activity. It invited residents to share their ideas for MABELLEpark. The completed lanterns formed a community parade.
During the COVID-19 pandemic MABELLEarts pivoted to food security. MABELLEpantry became a vital hub. It was a meeting place. It offered employment to residents.
Therapeutic clowns reminded pantry users to maintain social distancing. They kept the mood light. SSSchmarkitects was born. Clowns asked pantry users about the park. They asked about its future. The answers became the MABELLEpark Community Use Framework.
In 2022, MABELLEarts devised a mapping activity called This Must Be The Place. It was designed to introduce the idea of the third place. The third place refers to public spaces. It is where we gather. It is where we connect. It is where we make friends.
Participants shared stories of important third places. They were invited to see the park as a vital third space. It is a place for giving and receiving.
LGA devised an activity using mini buildings. Community members decorated them. They answered questions about what they give and receive at MABELLEpark.
To celebrate the park redesign MABELLEarts, LGA, and Shadowland Theatre created a giant puppet. It was based on the building design. They held a neighborhood parade. They danced in the streets.
MABELLEarts exemplifies sustainable and socially-minded work. They build trusting partnerships with clients. They help convert leftover spaces into useful ones. They support artistic initiatives.
Mabelle Park is now a vibrant park. Its art gardens bring together residents. Many are newcomers. Many are low-income families. Many are seniors.
Tasmeen Syed encountered MABELLEarts as a child. She painted in the park. She has spent every year since with them. MABELLEarts puts Mabelle on the map.
MABELLEarts creates a sense of place. It brings art into unexpected places. It brings people together. It focuses on every age. It engages the community.
MABELLEarts is more than just a park. It is a community. It is a family. It is a place where everyone knows each other.
The future of Mabelle Park involves permanent infrastructure. This will enable MABELLEarts to invest even more time with residents.
MABELLEarts Pavilion. It stands as a symbol of what a community can achieve. It shows what it can achieve when art, collaboration, and dedication come together.