LiUNA and Fengate collaboration gives emerging artists a platform in Toronto

The Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) and Fengate Asset Management (Fengate), in partnership with Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue (BAND), unveiled the third public art exhibit of a three-part series on the future development site of 355 Adelaide Street West.

Meskel, an installation by Jermay Michael Gabriel, an Italian-Ethiopian-Eritrean trans-disciplinary artist and curator from Milan, opened on October 21, and will be on display in the on-site activation space known as BAND Offsite – 355 Adelaide until December.

LiUNA and Fengate believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and earlier this year saw an opportunity to put commitment into action by providing emerging artists with a public platform in the heart of downtown Toronto.

“An artist’s ability to transcend languages and culture through their work is integral in building and connecting communities, and we are honoured to provide BAND the opportunity to showcase their art to the public,” said Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada at LiUNA.

“Diverse perspectives enrich our work and deepen our impact on the communities we serve, and it’s this commitment that drives us to foster meaningful collaborations through public art,” said Alison Kimmell, Managing Director, Development and Portfolio Management for Fengate’s Real Estate business.

“Through LiUNA and Fengate’s partnership with BAND, we have transformed the 355 Adelaide Street West site into more than just a future development – it’s an active cultural space where talented, emerging Black artists can share their story and vision, and connect with the wider community.”

Through shared commitment to community-building, we are advancing the promotion of the arts and raising the voice of local talent to ensure it is a reflection of the vibrant communities our members live, work and build.

We look forward to Jermay Michael Gabriel’s exhibit and our continued partnership with BAND.