Competition Deadline: October 1 – November 1, 2024
Woodbine Beach, Woodbine Park, Kew Gardens, and Ivan Forrest Gardens
The Winter Stations Competition is an annual event that turns Toronto’s cold, quiet beaches into a vibrant, open-air gallery during the winter months. Designers from around the world are invited to create temporary art installations around lifeguard stations on Kew, Scarborough, and Woodbine Beaches. The 2024 theme, “Resonance,” challenges participants to reimagine past Winter Stations, blending old and new ideas in innovative ways.
The Competition’s Unique Concept
Since its inception in 2015, Winter Stations has captured the imagination of both locals and visitors by transforming Toronto’s beaches into an interactive winter wonderland. The competition’s premise is simple yet powerful: design temporary structures around the lifeguard stations that dot the city’s beaches. These structures must be able to withstand the harsh winter conditions while engaging the public in a meaningful way. The installations offer a unique juxtaposition of art and nature, encouraging people to venture out and experience the beach in a season when it is typically deserted.
The 2024 Theme: Resonance
This year’s theme, “Resonance,” invites participants to explore how art can echo, amplify, or reflect past creations. The idea is to draw inspiration from previous Winter Stations while introducing fresh, innovative concepts. “Resonance” can be interpreted in many ways, allowing for a wide range of creative responses that might involve sound, visual elements, or even a conceptual nod to historical or cultural resonances. This theme encourages designers to think about how their work can connect with or amplify the stories and installations that came before.
Who Can Participate?
The Winter Stations Competition is open to artists, designers, and architects from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, the competition welcomes diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. Teams or individuals can submit their designs, and a panel of judges will select the winning entries based on creativity, feasibility, and adherence to the theme.
The Exhibition
The selected installations will be built and displayed on the beaches from late January to late March 2024, offering Torontonians and visitors a unique opportunity to experience art in a wintery outdoor setting. The exhibition runs for about six weeks, providing ample time for the public to explore and interact with the installations. The structures often become focal points for community gatherings, photography, and even winter sports, making the Winter Stations a beloved annual tradition.
Why Participate?
Beyond the opportunity to showcase your work to a wide audience, participating in Winter Stations offers designers a chance to engage with the public in a unique and challenging environment. The competition pushes the boundaries of traditional architecture and design, encouraging participants to think outside the box and create something truly extraordinary. It’s also a chance to contribute to Toronto’s cultural landscape and to be part of a global conversation about art, design, and public space.
Final Thoughts
The Winter Stations Competition is more than just an art exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. By transforming Toronto’s beaches into an open-air gallery, the competition invites people to see the city — and winter itself — in a new light. Whether you’re a designer looking to leave your mark or a visitor seeking inspiration, Winter Stations 2024 promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.
For more information on how to participate or visit, check out the Winter Stations Competition.
