Public Trust

Torontonians are invited to make promises to themselves and their community—not just as inhabitants of the city, but as co-authors of its future. In a welcoming, non-partisan space, Public Trust reimagines civic engagement as something personal, accessible, and joyful. 

Presented in partnership with the Waterfront BIA, and in collaboration with the Toronto Public Library and Harbourfront Center

How serious are the promises we make to one another, the vows we take, or the pledges made by our civic leaders?  

Paul Ramírez Jonas’ Public Trust asks participants to examine the value of their word. Participants declare a promise that is recorded in a drawing they can keep. They are asked to give their word in a way that is consistent with their beliefs, such as swearing on a sacred text or an object significant to their city. That promise is then published on a large-scale marquee board, placed alongside promises made by politicians, scientists, economists, companies, and weather forecasters, drawn daily from headline news. 

Making its Canadian debut in Toronto in fall 2026, a decade after its premiere, Public Trust remains as timely and relevantas ever. As our city approaches its municipal election, the work invites reflection on civic participation and the promise of the democratic process itself—the idea that we are not only inhabitants of our city, but also authors of its future. Torontonians of all ages are invited to make promises to themselves, to one another, and to the city they share. 

Public Trust offers a welcoming, non-partisan space for contemplation, conversation, and renewed optimism at a moment marked by declining civic participation, eroding public trust, and growing political polarization. While trust may feel fragile globally, and at times locally, the work insists on the possibilities that emerge when people gather, listen, and participate in civic life. By framing democracy and public trust as everyday practices shaped through attention, dialogue, and accountability, the work transforms civic engagement into something personal, accessible, and joyful. These small encounters—often unexpected, often delightful—build understanding and help us imagine how we can shape our communities and city at scale. This is where trust begins.

What to expect: 

• A touring interactive public artwork consisting of a large-scale marquee and two eight-foot tables with seating, staffed by local performers. You are invited to participate by making a promise to one of the performers. That promise is then recorded in a drawing you can keep and also shared anonymously on the large-scale marquee. You can also view the marquee without making a promise.
• This is a non-partisan and welcoming space. 
• Please follow @thebentway on social media for weather-related updates on the day of each performance.
• This is a free outdoor, participatory artwork that will tour to four venues: the first indoor, and the remaining three outdoors. We recommend dressing according to the weather. 
• All venues on the tour are fully accessible.
• This artwork is highly visual with written and spoken text in English.