The TELUS Health Brain Project Showcases A-List Artist Line-Up in Toronto This Summer

Toronto, Canada, May 17, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​​The TELUS Health Brain Project, is back by popular demand this summer with another exciting public art initiative showcasing A-list artists including: London Kaye, Steven Nederveen, Zombie Boy and Kara Ross among many others. The project aims to surpass the $1.3 million raised in 2016 supporting brain research, care, education and innovation at Baycrest Health Sciences, a leader in the field of aging and brain health.

The 2017 collection will feature 100 brain sculptures, designed by a talented group of artists, celebrities and thought-leaders from across North America from July 11 – August 31. The brain sculptures will be on display throughout the summer at locations in the heart of downtown Toronto including the city’s iconic Nathan Phillips Square, The Distillery District, Brookfield Place, Union Station and other popular landmarks.

"We’re thrilled to be working with an incredible group of artists and corporate partners for the second year of The TELUS Health Brain Project,” said Josh Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Baycrest Foundation. “We’re looking forward to expanding on the important work that was done last year to get the entire city – and beyond – thinking about brain health. It’s a cause that should matter to everyone and the funds raised will support care and research at Baycrest.”

Thanks to the support of title sponsor, TELUS Health, and media partners: Cineplex Entertainment, Clear Channel Canada and The National Post, the 2017 program builds on last year’s success driving awareness for brain health.

“Baycrest’s innovative approach to rethinking brain health and vision of a world in which people can age in the setting of their choice inspired our commitment to support this important cause,” said Juggy Sihota, Vice-president, Consumer Health, TELUS Health. “Through our shared vision of creating better health outcomes, we are building stronger, heathier and more sustainable communities by putting brain health top of mind for thousands of Canadians.”

The more than 100 personalities, artists, and creative minds that are involved in the creation of a brain sculpture this year, include:

• London Kaye, a New York-based crochet artist, “yarn bomber” and cast member of The Amazing Race 29.

• Steven Nederveen, a Toronto-based artist who is internationally recognized for his landscape paintings, inspired by his travels.

• Zombie Boy, an artist, model and tattooed “living skeleton” known for his role in Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” music video.

• Kara Ross, a widely-renowned jewelry designer whose clients include top celebrities and politicians.

In celebration of #Canada150, a selection of high-profile Canadian personalities will also be contributing their creative talent, including renowned news anchor Peter Mansbridge, JUNO-award winner John Mann and Stanley Cup winner Wayne Gretzky.

The Brain Project’s supportive leadership continues this year with prominent co-chairs Ben and Jessica Mulroney and Noah and Erica Godfrey. The Brain Project’s co-chairs and committee members are thrilled to be working with global ambassador, actress Sarah Rafferty, as well as notable established art experts to curate this year’s incredible collections of brain sculptures. The curatorial team includes: Sandra Ainsley (owner of Sandra Ainsley Gallery), Sabrina Hahn (Founder & Principal, Hahn Fine Art) and Alissa Sexton (Co-Director, Bau-Xi Gallery).

This year’s sculptures will push artistic boundaries, showcasing bold designs, with emerging and established artists working in the medium of their choice. A major city-wide ad campaign will support the program, featuring a series of innovative out-of-home placements.

Twitter:        @TheBrainProj
​Instagram:   @TheBrainProject_
Facebook:    Facebook.com/TheBrainProj
​Hashtag:    #noblankbrains​

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About the Baycrest Foundation
The Baycrest Foundation’s mission is to enrich the quality of life of our community by supporting programs and services that promote excellence in care, research, education and innovation in the field of aging. As the fundraising arm of Baycrest Health Sciences, the Foundation helps provide crucial funding for breakthrough research into cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke and aging brain health; medical programs and services for seniors living in our community; and education that supports healthy aging and healthcare solutions for a growing senior population.

About Baycrest Health Sciences
Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for the next generation of healthcare professionals and one of the world’s top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute. Baycrest is home to the federally and provincially-funded Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector, and is the developer of Cogniciti – a free online memory assessment for Canadians 40+ who are concerned about their memory.  Founded in 1918 as the Jewish Home for Aged, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information please visit: http://www.baycrest.org/.

About TELUS Health
TELUS Health is a leader in telehomecare, electronic medical and health records, consumer health, benefits management, and pharmacy management. TELUS Health solutions give health authorities, providers, physicians, patients, and consumers the power to turn information into better health outcomes. For more information about TELUS Health, please visit telushealth.com.

For more information, interview requests or high-resolution photography, please contact:    
Courtney Khimji
Chimera Collective
[email protected]
416-557-1852

Sydney Torgov
Chimera Collective
[email protected]
647-206-3057

For sponsorship information or to get involved in The Brain Project, please contact:

Cristina Costa
Manager, Development & Special Projects
​Baycrest Foundation
[email protected]
416.785.2500 ext.  3661

Source: TELUS Health