So a rhino, a dog and a rabbit cycle through Toronto’s entertainment district…
No, we’re not establishing a punchline. There’s a new piece of public art in Toronto’s entertainment district, and you can even be a part of it!
The sculpture is titled He was on his way to a safer place and features the internationally renowned artistic duo Gillie and Markthe beloved characters of Rabbitwoman and Dogman, as well as a majestic northern white rhino, riding a bicycle designed for four people.
This fourth seat is empty! But we’ll come back to that in a second…
Gillie and Marc have a reputation for transforming public spaces around the world through their thought-provoking works. This latest sculpture was created specifically for Toronto, and we hope it will spark thought, conversation, and some fantastic selfies.
The sculpture itself is stunning, weighing 3,100 pounds. But that’s not all that’s serious. The addition of the rhino aims to raise awareness and compassion for endangered animals and conservation efforts.
Did you know that there are only two northern white rhinos left on Earth?
Scientists have worked hard to restore their numbers, and they recently had a breakthrough with the world’s first IVF rhino pregnancy! They hope to use this technology to save northern white rhinos. We’re wishing for the best !
Part of the sculpture’s purpose is to attract attention, the other is to encourage engagement with the city. That fourth empty seat is for YOU – so don’t be shy!
Hop aboard and set off on a whimsical journey with Dogman, Rabbitwoman and Rhino (in your imagination, of course, the sculpture is rather stationary).
This work of public art will be exhibited for a year on Place David Pécaut… but you only have until Friday June 14 to participate in the competition!
The competition
The Toronto Downtown West BIA is hosting a competition on its Instagram page to highlight the new artistic installation from Friday May 31 to Friday June 14, 2024.
To have a chance to win, follow, like and tag a friend on the contest post. For bonus entries, check out Gillie and Marc’s sculpture and post a selfie of yourself on the bike with the hashtag #LoveTheLast and tag @to_downtownwest.
Prize is a great Toronto Entertainment District gift pack, which includes event tickets Yotam Ottolenghito at Roy Thomson Halltickets for Land of Arcadiaand a $250 gift card to Aera at the Well.
Come to David Pecaut Square in the entertainment district to find out and show us your best photo!
TORONTO’S ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
When: The sculpture will be exhibited until May 2025
Or: David Pecaut Square in Toronto’s entertainment district
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not creating killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling up under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding an excuse to eat.
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