Throughout the twentieth century, few forces have impacted the shape of North American cities as significantly as the sun. Driven first by public health objectives and later by an insatiable desire for daylight and broad views, urban centres and the spaces they support are largely celebrated for the ways in which they maximize access to light. Over time, unobstructed rays became synonymous with urban progress and yet, as temperatures rise every year, our sun-drenched streets and public spaces are becoming less and less comfortable. Extreme heat events are predicted to rise in the Greater Toronto Area from 20 days per year now to 66 days per year by 2050, leading to increased risk of illnesses and mortality.

How can we collaborate with the sun in new ways?

How will shade help to define new spaces for civic life?

The Bentway’s summer exhibition of public art, Sun/Shade, brings together artists, designers, and researchers from Toronto and beyond to deploy the sun and shade as creative tools, revealing how new thinking about familiar resources can improve urban life. This summer, we invite you under the highway to shine a light on the benefits of shade.

Meet us under the Gardiner to move and groove at our monthly Roller Skate Parties! Whether you have superfly moves to share or are working on the basics, all are encouraged to cruise our figure-eight trail together. Expect local DJs, group skate demos and theme nights, shop the Toronto Queer Market. Join us for the best summer vibes!

Meet us under the Gardiner to move and groove at our monthly Roller Skate Parties! Whether you have superfly moves to share or are working on the basics, all are encouraged to cruise our figure-eight trail together. Expect local DJs, group skate demos and theme nights, shop the Toronto Queer Market. Join us for the best summer vibes!

Meet us under the Gardiner to move and groove at our monthly Roller Skate Parties! Whether you have superfly moves to share or are working on the basics, all are encouraged to cruise our figure-eight trail together. Expect local DJs, group skate demos and theme nights, shop the Toronto Queer Market. Join us for the best summer vibes!

Meet us under the Gardiner to move and groove at our monthly Roller Skate Parties! Whether you have superfly moves to share or are working on the basics, all are encouraged to cruise our figure-eight trail together. Expect local DJs, group skate demos and theme nights, shop the Toronto Queer Market. Join us for the best summer vibes!

Go behind the scenes of our Sun/Shade outdoor art exhibition by joining a curators’ tour with The Bentway’s Programming team. Learn about the inspiration behind the season, the creation of each artwork, and how they fit together. Sun/Shade explores new ways of collaborating with the sun, as well as the importance of shade in our urban spaces.

Go behind the scenes of our Sun/Shade outdoor art exhibition by joining a curators’ tour with The Bentway’s Programming team. Learn about the inspiration behind the season, the creation of each artwork, and how they fit together. Sun/Shade explores new ways of collaborating with the sun, as well as the importance of shade in our urban spaces.

Go behind the scenes of our Sun/Shade outdoor art exhibition by joining a curators’ tour with The Bentway’s Programming team. Learn about the inspiration behind the season, the creation of each artwork, and how they fit together. Sun/Shade explores new ways of collaborating with the sun, as well as the importance of shade in our urban spaces.