May 26, 2017
The TELUS Health Brain Project hosted a kickoff event on May 17, to officially announce the 2017 artist lineup and give the press a sneak peek at a few sculptures that are part of this summer’s exhibit.
The event featured an energetic panel discussion with Brain Project Global Ambassador Sarah Rafferty, Baycrest President and CEO Dr. William Reichman, Brain Project Co-Chair Ben Mulroney and participating artists London Kaye and Nick Sweetman.
Event highlights included remarks from Erica Godfrey, Co-Chair of The Brain Project, Josh Cooper, President & CEO of the Baycrest Foundation, and Juggy Sihota, VP Consumer Health for TELUS.
The project aims to surpass the $1.3 million it raised in 2016 to support research, care, education and innovation at Baycrest Health Sciences, a leader in the field of aging and brain health.
The 2017 Brain Project art collection will feature 100 brain sculptures, designed by a talented group of artists, celebrities and thought-leaders from across North America. The brain sculptures will be on display from July 11 – August 31 at locations throughout Toronto, including the city’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square, The Distillery District, Brookfield Place, Union Station and other popular landmarks and destinations.
“We’re thrilled to be working with an incredible group of artists and corporate partners for the second year of The Brain Project, said Josh Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Baycrest Foundation. “We’re looking forward to expanding on the important work that was done last year to get the entire city – and beyond – thinking about brain health. It’s a cause that should matter to everyone and the funds raised will support care and research at Baycrest.
Additionally, in celebration of #Canada150, a selection of high-profile Canadian personalities will also be contributing their creative talent, including renowned news anchor Peter Mansbridge, JUNO Award-winner John Mann and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
The Brain Project’s supportive leadership continues this year with prominent Co-Chairs Ben and Jessica Mulroney, and Noah and Erica Godfrey. The Brain Project’s co-chairs and committee members are thrilled to be working once again with the project’s Global Ambassador, actress Sarah Rafferty, as well as notable established art experts to curate this year’s incredible collections of brain sculptures. The curatorial team includes: Sandra Ainsley (owner of Sandra Ainsley Gallery), Sabrina Hahn (Founder & Principal, Hahn Fine Art) and Alissa Sexton (Co-Director, Bau-Xi Gallery).
This year’s sculptures will push artistic boundaries, showcasing bold designs, with emerging and established artists working in the medium of their choice. A major citywide ad campaign will support the program, featuring a series of innovative, out-of-home placements.
Thanks to the support of title sponsor, TELUS Health, and media partners Cineplex Entertainment, Clear Channel Canada and The National Post, the 2017 program builds on last year’s success driving awareness for brain health.
For Brain Project updates and to learn more about the artists participating in this year’s exhibit, visit brainproject.ca or connect with the project on social media:
Twitter: @TheBrainProj
Instagram: @TheBrainProject_
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheBrainProj
Hashtag: #noblankbrains