EcoMedia Direct street art program launched in Toronto

Erich Genseberger, CEO of EcoMedia Direct (left), is joined by Susan Ritcey, publisher, Canadian Printer Magazine; Diane Blackburn, events manager, Recycling Council of Ontario; Canadian artist David Arathoon; and Jo-Anne St.Godard, executive director, Recycling Council of Ontario, during the launch of the company's Street Art Sponsorship Program.

EcoMedia Direct Incorporated, which owns and operates the world's largest Public Space Recycling™ program, launched the EcoMedia Direct Street Art Sponsorship Program featuring the paintings of Torontobased artist David Arathoon on the company's wellknown Public Space SilverBox® recycling bins.

According to Caledon's Erich Genseberger, CEO of EcoMedia Direct; "We are breaking new ground in public space recycling by introducing a program at our firstever media event to raise awareness, and provide potential sponsors with a new eco-friendly venue that demonstrates their social responsibility. We are launching this program in order to communicate the importance of art and recycling in public spaces. It is one of the cornerstones of civic responsibility. We are also supporting our continuous efforts to revitalize our SilverBox Recycling Program in Toronto.

"We think this Street Art Program truly enhances the appearance of our SilverBox recycling bins. Now the public has the opportunity to enjoy the brilliant work of artist David Arathoon, as we strive to further enhance the beauty of Toronto's urban landscape. While we are going to let the sponsors plan their own announcements on this program, we have already received plenty of interest to tie art in with our recycling initiative, as we all strive to improve the appearance of our city."

According to Caledon's Craig Marwood, president of EcoMedia Direct; "We see the potential for this initiative to expand into a fullblown public space street art display program. This will include other modes of art created largely by Toronto and GTA-based artists who will be given the opportunity to showcase their art on our widespread SilverBox recycling bins. It provides our sponsors with the opportunity to support the environment and, at the same time, recognize the vibrancy of our local arts community. As a result, Toronto will be a cleaner and more beautiful city."

"We selected David Arathoon to help us roll out this unique program because he is a very accomplished Canadian artist who is recognized for his talent, dedication and professionalism, and his special fund-raising efforts with his original art and limited edition prints," said Genseberger.

"We are launching a month-long online campaign to raise awareness among Torontonians and visitors to our city about our Street Art Sponsorship Program. Visitors to our site - www.eco-media.ca/cityart - will able to learn about our local artists, view art samples, find locations where the Street Art SilverBox recycle bins are featured, and enter to win an original piece of framed art by Arathoon.

"The winner will be randomly selected on the Civic holiday, Aug. 6, and the winning name will be posted on the eco-media.ca site."

According to Arathoon, "it is my great pleasure to be working along with EcoMedia in their latest efforts to beautify the city and bring the public this outdoor art exhibition. I have spent many years donating art, and ideas, and raising funds to help improve the quality of life for many; I see this project an important extension of what I have been doing with my paintings."

"Recovering recyclable materials that are commonly found in public spaces is vital to improving Ontario's overall waste diversion and litter reduction," said Jo- Anne St. Godard, executive director of the Recycling Council of Ontario. "Not only have our partners at EcoMedia Direct provided a convenient and effective way of facilitating public space recycling, they have found an innovative way of promoting Ontario's artists while doing it."