MENKES DEVELOPMENTS MAKES BRAIN HEALTH A PRIORITY

Torontonians seeing brain sculptures popping up through the city certainly aren’t losing their minds. It’s all part of a Toronto art exhibition called The Brain Project—an initiative that’s raising awareness for brain health and aging, as well as collecting funds to benefit Alzheimer’s and dementia research at Baycrest Health Sciences.

High-profile individuals, sports teams, large corporations and artists from across the city and around the world were asked to put their creative minds to work and design 100 3-D brain-shaped sculptures, to be placed as public art installations in 50 locations around Toronto.

 “When we heard about the Brain Project initiative, we knew immediately that we wanted to get involved,” says Mimi Ng, Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Menkes. “The impact of aging on our brains and diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s are important issues that touch each and every one of us, and we’re excited and proud to be able to give one of the sculptures a home at One York”

On display in the PATH at the base of the new One York office tower, the Menkes-sponsored brain is by Toronto artist Ken Gangbar. Entitled ‘Wired’, the sculpture is constructed with a single red-wire-strand 3,200 feet long, and features white porcelain protrusions. Its design was inspired by brain concepts of connectivity, plasticity and central control, and offers viewers a sensual, intriguing and playful study of contrast between the physicality and the mystery.

The Brain Project is intended to be a catalyst for discussion and awareness of brain health, and the funds generated from the sale of the brain sculptures to sponsoring organizations will directly benefit Baycrest Health Sciences, a world leader in brain health and aging, to help shape the future of aging, and assist people realize their optimum cognitive well-being for a lifetime.

“Gangbar’s brain sculpture is a striking piece of artwork that truly exemplifies the objectives of this initiative,” says Peter Menkes, President of the Commercial/Industrial Division at Menkes. “Pedestrians are immediately drawn to the sculpture as they walk into the PATH at One York, and it gets them talking. We’re pleased to be able to feature this artwork for our tenants and for all Toronto residents to enjoy. ”

As part of Menkes’ master-planned community in Toronto’s South Core, One York is an 800,000 square foot, 35-storey office development targeting LEED® Platinum certification. Neighbouring One York to the east is Menkes’ Harbour Plaza – two bold residential towers, standing 66 and 70 storeys. Boasting direct access to the PATH network, the ACC and Union Station, One York and Harbour Plaza are currently under construction, with Harbour Plaza set to occupy in 2017.

Torontonians and visitors alike are encouraged to stop by One York Street to see the Menkes-sponsored ‘wired’ brain, as well as all of the other 99 sculptures throughout Toronto in locations such as Union Station, Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District, OCAD University and more. The public will have the opportunity to vote for its favourite designs, which will then be auctioned off at the end of the Project. Organizers are hoping collectors from around the globe will help them to raise at least $1.5 million.

 “They’re an interesting and beautiful sight to take in, and if they inspire you to have a conversation with a friend, or even a complete stranger, about brain health, then that’s even better,” says Ng. “Our team at Menkes is honoured to play a part in this important initiative to bring positive change to the future of brain health.”

Following its city-wide exhibition over the summer, all of the brain sculptures will be displayed together publicly at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre for the grand opening of its new expansion this October. The brains will be collectively displayed at Yorkdale from October 18 – 31.

For more information on The Brain Project, to learn about the artists, or find the closest brain sculpture display near you, visit www.brainproject.ca.  To learn more about One York and Harbour Plaza, visit www.menkes.com.