Oxford Properties has partnered with The Remix Project to bring emerging artists to the forefront of the Greater Toronto Area’s cultural landscape. The year-long initiative, which aims to nurture young creative talent, is launching with a Black History Month campaign featuring art, photography, and music at some of the region’s most prominent shopping centres and Financial District offices.
“This partnership is about creating visibility and opportunities for emerging creatives by integrating their work into the spaces where millions of people shop and work every day,” said Lucia Connor, Vice-President, Oxford Properties. “It’s a meaningful way for us to support community engagement and cultural representation while leveraging our properties as platforms for artistic expression.”
Supporting Emerging Artists Through Financial and Educational Investments
As part of its commitment, Oxford Properties will support The Remix Project throughout its 20th anniversary and beyond. Scarborough Town Centre (STC) has contributed $20,000 to the program, which will be used to acquire new digital equipment and expand educational opportunities. This funding will help participants gain access to industry-standard tools, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences to build sustainable careers in the arts.
“This collaboration with Oxford Properties is a significant step toward embedding emerging creatives and celebrating their work across the GTA,” said Abel Lulseged, Executive Director of The Remix Project. “At The Remix Project, we believe in the power of visibility and access—when young creatives see their work showcased in spaces where thousands of people pass through daily, it validates their artistry and fuels their creative journey.”
Black History Month Initiatives at Oxford Properties Locations
The first phase of the collaboration includes immersive galleries, installations, and digital content showcasing Black artists and their contributions to the arts. Highlights include:
- Scarborough Town Centre’s Remix Gallery
A 300-foot gallery featuring 15 students and alumni from The Remix Project will launch at Scarborough Town Centre on February 11 at 2 p.m. The unveiling will include a guided Art Walk, where seven creators will share insights into their creative journeys and featured work.
STC’s blog and social media channels will also highlight the participating Black artists, exploring how identity shapes their artistic expression.
- Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s Community Over Everything Photography Exhibit
A suspended exhibition in Yorkdale’s main atrium will celebrate Black culture and identity through photography by Remix Project artists. The pieces will explore themes of self-love, joy, style, and community.
Yorkdale’s website and social platforms will feature video content of the display and artist interviews to further engage audiences.
- Square One Shopping Centre’s Digital Creator Series
Square One will showcase content created by Remix Project participants on digital screens throughout the shopping centre. Select creators will also have the opportunity to produce original content after hours, incorporating the retail environment into their projects.
Financial District Art Installations
Oxford Properties is extending the initiative to its Financial District offices, where installations by well-known Black artists and Remix Project instructors will be displayed:
- Richmond Adelaide Centre (February 6–28): Large-format works by Taha Muharuma, known for his vibrant visual storytelling and striking use of colour.
- 1 University Ave (February 11–28): A large-scale activation wall by Afro-futuristic portrait artist Adeyemi Adegbesan, aka Yung Yemi.
- WaterPark Place (February 14–28): A series of vibrant portraits by Benny Bing celebrating Black identity and empowerment.
About The Remix Project
Founded as a community drop-in program, The Remix Project has grown into an internationally recognized platform for young creatives. Originally known as Inner City Visions (ICV), Remix has helped countless young adults transition from the streets into studios, equipping them with the skills and networks to pursue careers in arts, entertainment, and creative industries. Participants can earn high school credits and apply for scholarships with Remix’s educational partners.
About Oxford Properties Group
Oxford Properties Group is a global real estate investor, developer, and manager overseeing C$84 billion in assets. Founded in 1960, Oxford’s portfolio spans office, logistics, retail, multifamily residential, life sciences, hotels, and alternative investments. The company is a thematic investor with active development projects worldwide. Oxford is owned by OMERS, the Canadian defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees.
What a wonderful initiative to support young artists! Projects like these truly elevate the local art scene. Out of curiosity, how do artists get selected to be part of The Remix Project? It’s inspiring to see such effort in fostering creativity and diversity.
For anyone interested in exploring this further, you might want to check out some general comparisons with art scenes around the globe at https://world-prices.com. Not sure if all info there is up-to-date, but it could be an interesting resource.