Page 3 - Brain Project 2016 Commemorative Catalogue

ABOUT THE BRAIN PROJECT

T he visionary exhibit that took over Toronto people – of all ages – to realize that awareness of

in the summer of 2016 started with a
To launch The Brain Project, respected curators
conversation between two people. brain health must begin early.
Baycrest Board member Erica Godfrey and were brought on board and specifications
her husband Noah were on a trip to New York were developed for the brain sculptures. An
City and found themselves impressed by the unembellished brain – sturdy, visually appealing
abundance of colourful outdoor works of art. A and open to multiple avenues of interpretation –
light-bulb moment occurred when they realized was created to be shipped to the artists to become
that Baycrest could help beautify the streets of their “blank canvas.” Presenting sponsor TELUS
Toronto with sculptures that would put brain was the first to get behind the project and other
health top of mind for the millions of people who sponsors soon followed. Various sites throughout
would see them. the city were approached to host the sculptures.
Garry Foster, president and CEO of the Baycrest It was a considerable undertaking that brought
Foundation, enthusiastically endorsed the proposal together leaders in business, philanthropy,
and the wheels were quickly put into motion. healthcare, research and the arts. His Worship
And so began one of the most ambitious, John Tory, the mayor of Toronto, commended the
public art exhibitions in the history of Toronto. diverse elements that collaborated to bring the
A committee was formed, co-chaired by project to fruition.
the Godfreys and their friends Ben and Jessica “This public art installation raises awareness
Mulroney. Between the two couples, three and inspires people to think about their own
grandparents had been affected by Alzheimer’s brain health throughout every stage of life while
disease. Not only did they aim to build awareness bringing beauty to our city through art and once
of Baycrest Health Sciences among their own again putting us on the map as an innovator,”
generation, they were committed to getting more Mayor Tory said.

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