Flux is a large-scale public artwork project that was led by Red Dress Productions, based in the 519 Church Street Community Center in downtown Toronto. More than 300 community members contributed to the vision, design, and build of Flux over several months in 2010. The 27’ long x 5’ high mosaic is installed on the exterior south-facing wall of the 519 Community Center, adjacent to the access ramp.

At eleven community consultations, we brainstormed ideas, mapped community narratives, and made art together. Seventy-five sketches and some common themes emerged: a desire to firmly anchor the work in diversity and inclusion, LGBTTQ2S activism and resistance, honouring of community members who have passed, and looking ahead to the future. After a final design was produced by Anna Camilleri, the mosaic studio was opened. Over 2000 volunteers hours were invested in the making of this artwork.

The artistic leadership included lead artists Anna Camilleri and Tristan R. Whiston, community art apprentices Heidi Cho, Rafaela Dominici Vidinha, Tamara Perez Mucino, and placement student Ingrid Vellekoop.

Flux was made possible thanks to the 519 Community Centre, the Province of Ontario via the Ontario Arts Foundation; the Community One Foundation; and generous donations from Tile City Ltd., Stone Tile International Inc., and community members.

Special thanks to Robin Elliot, Tim Leeder, Lisa Reichardt, Lee Delaino, Jo Petite, Skye Louis, Neighbourhood Arts Network, [murmur], the George Brown College Redirection Through Education Program, and the board of directors and staff of the 519 Community Centre.

For more information about this project visit Red Dress Productions site at

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The 519 is a meeting place and focal point for its diverse downtown communities. Within a supportive environment, it responds to the needs of the local neighbourhood and the broader Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTTQ) communities by supplying resources and opportunities to foster self-determination, civic engagement, and community participation. www.the519.org