As our world faces mounting global challenges, there has never been a more urgent need to address how we navigate grief—individually and collectively. The innovative and evocative immersive public art installation – Space for Grief – which aims to destigmatize expressions of grief, is returning to engage audiences at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, Ontario. In today’s fast-paced world, grief is often silenced or kept private, leaving individuals to cope with loss in isolation. Space for Grief provides a much-needed sanctuary for healing and connection.
Created by the team at Toronto-based design studio Method Collective, this immersive experience has engaged over 10,000 attendees and redefines how people view, navigate, and design for human emotions and grief in our communities and institutions.
Back for its third major event, the installation combines multi-sensory elements including flowers, plant materials, projection-mapped visuals, and a custom-composed soundscape by Ziyan Hossain and Rakat Zami featuring Kurt Swinghammer. The music, inspired by film scores, uses a blend of guitars and synths to create immersive soundscapes that serve as a soundtrack for your memories.
Visitors are invited to explore various environments, where thought-provoking prompts are placed among remnants of industrial machinery contrasted by the softness of organic plant materials. Both indoor and outdoor experiences weave together to create a space designed for both individual and collective reflection.
As part of the interactive experience, visitors can write personal messages on paper birds and hang them, sharing their stories of grief and memories. These messages form a collective display that grows and evolves as more contributions are added.
The installation also includes the “Museum of Grief”, where common cultural artifacts offer insights into various types, expressions and observations of grief. Eric Vandermeersch, Regional Vice President at Park Lawn Corporation notes, “We witness the profound impact of grief daily, which is why we’re proud to sponsor the Museum of Grief. For us, it’s about more than just providing services—it’s about helping people heal.”
The installation also plays a vital role in placemaking, creating public spaces where Torontonians can gather to grieve, heal, and connect. Since its launch in April 2023 at the Toronto Reference Library, “Space for Grief” has expanded in various ways, becoming a growing movement advocating for public spaces and policies that support emotional well-being and resilience. As discussions around mental health and communal healing progress, the movement challenges societal norms that ignore and stigmatize grief.
In addition to public installations, Space for Grief has influenced organizational transition frameworks for organizations such as the National Hockey League (NHL) and the David Suzuki Foundation, while also providing guidelines for workplaces and institutions seeking to improve emotional support practices.
Space for Grief is open and inclusive to all, providing a space for visitors to express and explore grief in all its forms. Whether facing personal loss, life transitions, collective trauma, or the challenges of global events, participants will find opportunities for connection and understanding. These experiences help ease the isolation often felt during times of change and loss.
“Grief is an experience we all face at different times, but it’s something many people feel they have to endure alone,” says Ziyan Hossain, co-founder and lead artist. “With “Space for Grief”, we are creating a place where the community can come together, share their stories, and find strength in vulnerability. Considering current global events, providing space for these conversations is more important than ever.”
Why Communal Spaces for Grief Matter
Grief is a deeply personal experience, yet its impact is global and universal. Too often, individuals are left to mourn in isolation, without the necessary community support. Unsupported grief in the workplace costs companies billions of dollars every year – up to $225.8 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Communal spaces like Space for Grief offer a vital remedy—helping to nurture emotional well-being and resilience through shared experiences. Social isolation and mental health challenges are at an all-time high, Space for Grief provides not just art, but necessary infrastructure for emotional and social resilience, as well as education and access to resources.
With its unique approach to grief, “Space for Grief” encourages participants to rethink their personal issues, and their workplaces as well as how public spaces can be created to support mental health and foster deeper community ties.
The installation encourages a more compassionate future, where grief is acknowledged as a natural part of life and integral to public health conversations. Join in redefining how we engage with grief—come and contribute your story.
Panel Discussion: Designing for People: Exploring the Role of Grief in Social and Cultural Change
As part of the Good Mourning Festival, “Space for Grief” will kick off with a panel discussion on Sunday, Nov 3rd, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON). Speakers from Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists, CP Planning, Toronto Shelter Network, Canadian Grief Alliance and Mobilizing Justice will share and discuss the role of grief in driving systemic change. Registration is free and attendees can register here.
Event Details:
- Space for Grief Dates: November 2-11, 2024
- Hours: 10am-5pm daily, with extended hours to 8:30pm on Nov 8 and Nov 11.
- Location: Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON, M4W3X8
- Admission: Free
For more information on the installation & event schedule, please visit https://www.spaceforgrief.com/ | Instagram
Transportation Accessibility: If transportation is a barrier for any community groups interested in attending, please contact us to arrange transit support for your group at hi@methodcollective.ca.
Media Contact: Fran Quintero Rawlings | Co-Producer | hi@methodcollective.ca | 647.686.6840
Please access our media kit here or contact us.
