David Rose (Schitt's Creek) Presents - The Role of Art in Public Spaces: Exploring Canada’s Urban Art Scenes

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: art is everything. And if you’re not seeing it, appreciating it, or, dare I say, Instagramming it, then what are you even doing with your life? David Rose here, and today, we’re diving into the wild, wonderful world of public art in Canada’s urban spaces. Trust me, it’s more exciting than any of Moira’s past film roles (and yes, I’m including The Crows Have Eyes 3: The Crowening).

Art is Life, So Start Living

First of all, can we just acknowledge that art is not meant to be confined to stuffy museums with questionable lighting? No, art belongs in the streets, where it can breathe and be seen by the people who need it most—like those of us who’ve had to endure one too many beige walls. Public art is like a well-tailored jacket: it elevates the entire outfit, or in this case, the entire city.

Toronto: A Stylish Canvas

Let’s start with Toronto, which, if you didn’t know, is basically Canada’s answer to New York, but with fewer bagels and more politeness. This city is like a living, breathing gallery, and you don’t even need to pay admission. We’re talking about Graffiti Alley—a place so cool, it makes you want to buy a leather jacket and pretend you’ve been into street art all along.

The murals here are vibrant, edgy, and, dare I say, Instagram gold. Then there’s the Distillery District with its “LOVE” sculpture. I mean, could it be more iconic? It’s like the perfect backdrop for any romantic photoshoot, or just an excuse to remind everyone that you have a superior aesthetic sense.

Vancouver: Nature Meets Nouveau Chic

Next, we have Vancouver. It’s like if a Swiss spa and a hipster coffee shop had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a ridiculously good-looking city. The public art here is all about merging the natural world with urban coolness. Case in point: the Digital Orca. Yes, a giant, pixelated killer whale in the middle of the city. It’s like someone took the 8-bit aesthetic and said, “You know what this needs? A massive whale.”

And then there’s the Biennale, which is basically a fancy word for a big art party where artists get to do their thing. The result? Sculptures that are so chic, they make you want to rethink every decorative choice you’ve ever made.

Montreal: The Epitome of Effortless Cool

Finally, we have Montreal. Ah, Montreal—the city that manages to be sexy and cool without even trying. If Toronto is the bold statement piece, then Montreal is the well-curated capsule wardrobe. The annual MURAL Festival is like a massive pop-up shop of creativity, with artists turning the city’s walls into masterpieces that would make even the most jaded fashionista swoon.

One of my personal favorites is “L’Inconnue de la Rue,” a mural that looks like it’s straight out of an indie movie that you’re not sure you fully understand, but you know you feel it. It’s haunting, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and think, “Wow, maybe I should be more introspective.”

Public Art: Because Beige Walls Are Not an Option

Now, let’s get serious for a moment. Public art isn’t just about making a city look cool (though, obviously, that’s a major plus). It’s about making art accessible to everyone, even those who think a “Van Gogh” is a type of coffee. It’s about adding a splash of color to our daily lives, because, let’s be honest, we all need a little more drama and flair, and less of whatever “minimalist chic” is trying to do.

David’s Final Thoughts (And Yes, They’re Profound)

So, here’s the deal: the next time you find yourself in one of Canada’s urban jungles, take a moment to actually look around. Notice the murals, the sculptures, the random installations that make you go, “What even is that?” Because art isn’t just something you hang on a wall; it’s something that surrounds us, whether we’re aware of it or not. And honestly, if you’re not appreciating the beauty and creativity in the world around you, then what are you even doing?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find the perfect lighting to take a picture with a mural. Priorities, people.

With impeccable taste and a hint of vulnerability,

David Rose