On October 4th, the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area (BIA) launched an exciting initiative designed to engage the Toronto community in the area’s ongoing transformation and revitalization. The John Street Ideas Competition invites the public and creative professionals to submit unique ideas for John Street Square online at TorontoED.com no later than 3pm on Thursday, November 4, 2010.

“The John Street Ideas Competition will help build interest and encourage community dialogue surrounding the John Street Arts & Cultural Corridor revitalization initiative,” said Jack Robinson, Chair of the BIA.

“We’re looking for original and creative ideas; innovative designs that capture the existing and emerging spirit of the District,” said Michael Emory, Vice Chair of the BIA and Chair of the BIA’s Master Plan Advisory Committee. “Given the abundance of creative talent we have in our city, it seemed only right that we reach out to our community for inspiration.”

Five to ten finalists will be selected by a jury of influential Torontonians, including Noah Cowan, Artistic Director for TIFF Bell Lightbox and William Huffman, Associate Director of Toronto Arts Council. Finalists’ names will be announced at 11am on Tuesday Thursday, November 18, 2010 during a live, facebook event to be hosted by The Toronto Entertainment District BIA. Following this announcement, the public will be invited to help the jury determine the winners by voting for their favourite submissions. A second digital event will reveal the winners at 11am on Wednesday, January 19, 2011.

The first place winner of the John Street Ideas Competition will be awarded $5,000 in cash, plus Toronto Entertainment District prizing ($800 value). The second place winner will be awarded $2,000 in cash, plus Toronto Entertainment District prizing ($500 value).  All finalists will receive a two-year subscription to Azure magazine.

Participants and the voting public are invited to follow events as they unfold via the Toronto Entertainment District Facebook page or on Twitter.

About the Toronto Entertainment District BIA
Established in 2008, the Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a community-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of Toronto’s Entertainment District. The area is home to internationally renowned theatres and performing art centres, four major-league sports teams, and an array of cultural attractions. Most recently, the District welcomed the arrival of the highly regarded Tiff Bell Lightbox – the Toronto International Film Festival’s new home.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area
Sarah Brown
Marketing Manager
Toronto Entertainment District, BIA
416-926-1337

sbrown@TorontoED.com
facebook.com/TorontoED
twitter.com/Toronto_ED