Harbourfront installation promoting brain health removed after vandalism, theft
Posted May 30, 2023 4:34 pm.
Last Updated May 30, 2023 4:36 pm.
An installation along Toronto’s Harbourfront that was designed to raise awareness and funding for brain health and dementia research has been removed after some of the art pieces on display were vandalized and stolen.
The Toronto-wide art exhibit created by the Baycrest Foundation called The Brain Project currently features installations at Harbourfront and Nathan Phillips Square, with plans to move them to various new locations in July.
Baycrest says the Harbourfront installation was targeted on Tuesday, May 23, forcing its removal, which organizers called “a devastating blow.”
“Two art pieces included in the project were stolen when their protective casing was intentionally damaged,” Baycrest said in a release. “The remaining pieces that were on display at this location have been removed in order to preserve them.”
“This is a devastating blow to one of our signature programs,” said Josh Cooper, President and CEO of the Baycrest Foundation.
“Brain health and dementia research have never been more critical topics, and this theft has the potential to take much-needed momentum and funding away from our work.
“I hope all Torontonians will remain focused on the critical need to better understand brain health – and that they’ll make a special effort to come out to Nathan Phillips Square to see the remaining brains.”
The Brain Project’s installations feature brain sculptures and bike and hockey helmets designed by painters, sculptors, musicians, creative artists and thinkers “intended to inspire conversations around the importance of brain health,” the release states.
