The Brain Project, presented by TELUS, invites you to explore the city of Toronto this summer with its newly launched user-friendly map, which includes a 5km and 10km self-guided walking tour, ensuring no brain sculpture goes unnoticed. Torontonians and tourists alike are encouraged to get outside and start a conversation about brain health, all while supporting Baycrest Health Sciences, a world leader in the field of brain health and aging.
Got basketball on the brain? Stop by Royal Bank Plaza and check out the brain sculpture signed by the 2015-16 Toronto Raptors; head to the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts to see Michael Bublé and Rob Ubels’ piece titled “Unforgettable,” dedicated to their grandmother; or walk through Nathan Phillips Square where dozens of brains are on display, including David Arrigo’s hockey-inspired sculpture and Julie Pongrac’s brain, a unique piece that incorporates knitting, felting and embroidery techniques. While you’re in the square, be sure to stop by The Pond to check out the ‘Toronto Blue Jays make a play for Baycrest Health Sciences’ with a signature-clad sculpture signed by fan-favourites, old and new, including alumni Roberto Alomar, the 2015 American League East Champions, and members of the 2016 team.
“When creating my sculpture, I wanted to move outside of my comfort zone and offer something different,” said David Arrigo. “In order to make an impact, we need to challenge ourselves and go beyond our limits. The Brain Project reminds us of this fact: taking care of our brain health takes work, but with that effort comes so much beauty. “
Following The Brain Project’s summer-long exhibit, all brain sculptures will be moved to Yorkdale Shopping Centre, in time for the grand opening of their newest expansion this October. This unique exhibit, which runs from October 18 to October 31, marks the first time all 100 sculptures will be displayed together. The exhibit also coincides with the launch of The Brain Project auction on Paddle 8, where select sculptures will be auctioned with proceeds supporting Baycrest Health Sciences.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Yorkdale for this incredible opportunity,” said Garry Foster, President and CEO, Baycrest Foundation. “Bringing all brain sculptures together in Yorkdale’s highly anticipated new wing will be the perfect finale to the inaugural year of The Brain Project.”
Fans of the project are encouraged to join The Brain Project’s #noblankbrains movement by texting the word “BRAIN” to 45678. Every $5 donation will be matched by TELUS up to a total of $50,000. The public can also vote online for their favourite brain creators. The artist who receives the most votes will be the recipient of The Brain Project’s People’s Choice Prize.
About The Brain Project
The Brain Project, presented by TELUS, serves as a vehicle for fundraising in support of Baycrest Health Sciences, a world leader in care and research into aging and brain health. Brain sculptures designed by world-renowned and emerging members of the arts community – spanning fashion, culture, music and visual arts – and sponsored by philanthropists and corporations will be on display in Toronto in June 2016. The Brain Project is proud to work with a number of community partners including: Sandra Ainsley Gallery, MOCA, The Gardiner Museum and OCAD University. To learn more about The Brain Project, please visit brainproject.ca
About Baycrest
Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. As an academic health sciences centre fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides an exemplary care experience for aging clients combined with an extensive clinical training program for students and one of the world’s top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience. Through its commercial and consulting arms, Baycrest is marketing its sought-after expertise and innovation to other healthcare organizations and long-term care homes, both in Canada and internationally. Founded in 1918 as the Jewish Home for Aged, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. To learn more about Baycrest, please visit baycrest.org.
