To select the winning Waterfront ReConnect proposals, we convened a dedicated group of key local stakeholders, design experts, public space animators, and Bentway staff.
Jury: York Street
Claire Breukel
ProjectArt
A graduate from the University of Cape Town and Hunter College New York (MA Hon), South African-born Claire Breukel was introduced to the USA through the Rubell Family Collection to take the position of Executive Director at Locust Projects, a renowned non-profit. She then took the role as Curator of PUMA.Creative for PUMA and became nomadic traveling to strategize art partnerships with focus on Africa and the Caribbean including with the 8th Bamako Encounters biennale, Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation, Yves Behar at the Design Museum, London, Isaac Julien at the Bass Museum, Miami, and more.
Sam Carter-Shamai
The Bentway
Sam Carter-Shamai is an urban planner with a penchant for the unexpected and overlooked opportunities that cities have to offer. As a planner, Sam applies an inquisitive and critical approach, seeking to work with communities through direct engagement and participatory interventions to demonstrate viable solutions for complex urban challenges. With a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University in Montreal and a Masters of Planning from Ryerson University here in Toronto, Sam draws on a broad skill set informed by a multi-disciplinary background in cultural geography, photography, and collaborative design facilitation.
Karen Kang
Lifestyle Partnerships Lead, TikTok Canada
Karen Kang is the Lifestyle Partnerships Lead at TikTok Canada where she works closely with media, brands, and organizations in the design, food, and fashion industries on their content strategy for TikTok. Previously, Karen was Managing Director at IDS Canada, overseeing the brand, focusing on strategic growth, partnerships, content, and community advocacy. She is also a strategic advisor to Open Ended Design, a UK-based platform that spotlights and connects innovators in culture, design, and technology from around the world. Karen has been part of the Dwell on Design Advisory Group in Los Angeles, a jury member for the RADO Star prize, and has spoken, moderated and guest lectured at various design-related conferences and educational institutions.
Yannik Roberge
Claude Cormier Studio Manager
Yannick Roberge is Studio Director of Design at Claude Cormier et Associés. He is implicated in the conceptual development of projects within the team. His gift for innovation and unique solutions are grounded in rigorous research and insights into the specificities of each project, giving him clarity and confidence to translate the poetics of a design into built form. His multidisciplinary background informs a sensitivity for both the concrete and the intangible that attest to his understanding of humanities and design.
Udo Schliemann
Waterfront BIA Board Member
With 39 years of experience as Graphic Designer, Udo is one of the most skilled designers at Entro Communications in Toronto. A native of Germany, Udo came to Toronto to join Gottschalk+Ash in 1999. In June 2011, just after chairing the annual SEGD international design conference in Montreal, Udo left G+A to join Entro as Principal Creative Director. Udo’s work has focused on integrated signage programs for cultural institutions, e.g. for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Weston Family Learning Centre at the AGO, the ROM, and currently for the Perelman Centre of Performing Arts in New York.
Jury: Simcoe Street
Ilana Altman
The Bentway
Ilana Altman is a cultural planner and designer who has a background in art and architecture. In her role as Co-Executive Director she works with the community to implement innovative and engaging programming, revealing new possibilities for public space and cultivates the best visitor experience possible. Prior to joining The Bentway team, Ilana worked for a number of notable design firms including Studio Daniel Libeskind and Diller Scofidio + Renfro in New York and KPMB Architects in Toronto. She has led the curation and design of exhibitions and installations at the SFMOMA, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Marah Braye
Harbourfront Centre
Marah Braye is the CEO of Harbourfront Centre, a leading international centre for contemporary arts, culture and ideas operating a 10-acre campus on Toronto’s central waterfront. Harbourfront Centre provides year-round programming 52 weeks a year, seven days a week, and supports a wide range of artists and communities. The centre champions contemporary Canadian artists throughout their careers, presenting them alongside international artists, and fostering national and international artistic exchange between disciplines and cultures. Each year, Harbourfront Centre presents more than 4000 events, 70 per cent of which are free.
Matthew F Clarke
Design Trust for Public Space
Matthew Clarke is the Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space, where he advocates for the power of public space to build vibrant, equitable communities. As an architect, planner, and writer, he has advanced complex architectural and urban design projects; developed public-space policies; and developed national partnerships and initiatives. Prior to leading the Design Trust, Matthew was the National Director of Creative Placemaking at The Trust for Public Land, where he was the author of The Field Guide for Creative Placemaking and Parks. He has also held positions at SHoP Architects, NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and LTL Architects.
Matthew Hickey
Two-Row Architect
Matthew Hickey is Mohawk from the Six Nations First Nation and is a licensed architect with 12 years of experience working in an on-reserve architecture firm. He received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Calgary and his Bachelor of Design from Ontario College of Art and Design, winning both the Alberta Association of Architects Presidents Medal and the Medal for Best Thesis, respectively. Mr. Hickey’s focus is on regenerative design – encompassing ecological, cultural, and economic principles. His research includes Indigenous history and the adaptation of traditional sustainable technologies to the modern North American climate. He currently instructs at OCAD U, for the OAA and the Canada Green Building Council.
Udo Schliemann
Waterfront BIA Board Member
With 39 years of experience as Graphic Designer, Udo is one of the most skilled designers at Entro Communications in Toronto. A native of Germany, Udo came to Toronto to join Gottschalk+Ash in 1999. In June 2011, just after chairing the annual SEGD international design conference in Montreal, Udo left G+A to join Entro as Principal Creative Director. Udo’s work has focused on integrated signage programs for cultural institutions, e.g. for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, the Weston Family Learning Centre at the AGO, the ROM, and currently for the Perelman Centre of Performing Arts in New York.