Lawrence Avenue takes over downtown for second showing of 'We Are Lawrence Avenue' art project

Intimate photo exhibition provides look into the lives of those who live, work and play in the community

TORONTO, April 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Oxford Properties proudly announces the downtown debut of 'We Are Lawrence Avenue', to be installed within MetroCentre's Toronto PATH for a one week engagement beginning on April 27^th, 2015. The reincarnation of the project follows on the heels of a successful launch of the exhibition, originally installed from Kennedy Rd. to Pharmacy Ave.

A Signature Cultural Hotspot project, 'We Are Lawrence Avenue' tells the intimate story of Lawrence Avenue, featuring portraits of the people who live, work and play in this community. Photos were taken and curated by young local artists, who spent months learning about photography and exploring the vibrant neighbourhood of Wexford Heights to capture its true essence. The exhibit is free to the public and hopes that the second showing will clearly demonstrate the meaning of community and the people who make it what it is.

"It seems really fitting the exhibit will be re-mounted in another public space, "says Nadira Pattison – Manager, Arts Services – City of Toronto. "The idea behind the exhibit was to tell the story of the avenue, through portraits and interviews. This exhibit belongs in the public realm for all to see."

The exhibit was created as part of Toronto's Cultural Hotspot program, which shines a spotlight on the city's inner suburbs, inspiring new ideas about where culture thrives in Toronto. For its inaugural year in 2014, Toronto recognized south Scarborough as one of the city's Cultural Hotspots.  This year the Cultural Hotspot heads west to Etobicoke from May through October. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot.

The exhibit is a part of Oxford's ongoing commitment to supporting both local arts and its important role in creating great areas of vibrant public realm.

INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:

Media are invited to attend to film or photograph the public interacting with the artwork. If you are unable to attend, we can provide imagery of the installation on request. An Oxford representative is also available to answer questions about the exhibit and discuss Oxford's ongoing commitment to supporting art and culture.

About Oxford Properties
Oxford Properties Group is a global platform for real estate investment, development and management, with over 1,400 employees and over $20 billion of real assets that it manages for itself and on behalf of its co-owners and investment partners. Established in 1960, Oxford has regional offices in Toronto, London and New York, and the company's portfolio includes approximately 50 million square feet of office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hotel properties. Oxford is the real estate arm of the OMERS Worldwide Group of Companies. For more information about Oxford visit: www.oxfordproperties.com .

About City of Toronto Arts Services
Arts Services  seeks to enrich community arts programming through partnerships that promote opportunities for artistic expression, arts education, employment in the arts and cultural industries, audience development and by encouraging access to the arts for all through community arts development initiatives.

In addition, the City-owned cultural facilities operated by Arts Services (Assembly Hall, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, and Zion Church Cultural Centre) serve as dynamic hubs that connect everyday activities of Torontonians with the cultural and artistic program­ming of the sites, community and artistic partners. Arts Services' vision is to help create innovative, accessible and livable communities engaged through the arts with opportunity and prosperity for all.

SOURCE Oxford Properties Group

For further information: Media Contact: Jordan Ostapchuk, Corporate Communications Manager, 416-865-8362, jostapchuk@oxfordproperties.com