Josh Matlow advocates for more public murals across Toronto to celebrate diverse communities

Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow is calling for more public art murals across the city, pointing to a newly completed mural in Little Brazil as an example of how street art celebrates and strengthens diverse neighbourhoods.

The mural, painted on a stretch of Yonge Street south of Eglinton by street artist Sandro Liberato, highlights the area's growing Brazilian community. Over the past 10 to 15 years, a wave of Brazilian immigration has transformed the midtown corridor—residents brought family members who told their cousins, and eventually businesses opened: cafés, restaurants, and shops. The neighbourhood recently hosted its second annual Arraia on Yonge, a street festival celebrating Brazilian culture.

"Like many wonderful stories of immigration to Toronto, 15-20 years ago, somebody came over here from Brazil and then told their brother that you know they found a great neighbourhood to live in Canada," Matlow explained. "Then they told their sister, and they told their cousin. Then more Brazilians showed up, and then businesses opened up."

Matlow argues that public art improves communities by adding colour and connection to areas that might otherwise have blank walls or graffiti. "When there's lots of graffiti or vapid spaces, it can really bring down the look and feel of an area. Where there's public art and a demonstration of pride and community, it really lifts up where you are," he said.

Research supports Matlow's stance. A study published in Cities: International Journal of Urban Policy and Planning found that murals can improve residents' perceptions of safety, cleanliness, and community pride. A 2025 paper in the same journal noted murals were associated with revitalization and increased foot traffic.

Matlow said more public art projects are already in the works, including an Indigenous-inspired mural planned along Bathurst Street. He stressed that public displays of art are important ways to celebrate the contributions of local communities and their cultural identities.