The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) at York University has recognized Professor Brandon Vickerd with the 2023-24 AMPD Research Award for his outstanding research and creative contributions to the field of visual art, particularly in the areas of sculpture and public art.
Vickerd, who is also Chair of the Department of Visual Art & Art History, is a renowned sculptor known for object-based sculptures, public performances and transforming public spaces through site-specific installations. His work is located across Canada – Edmonton; Thunder Bay, Ont.; Calgary; and Ottawa – in addition to a spot closer to home: The Heights, a 41-foot sculpture located near the Keele Street and Finch Avenue West intersection in Toronto, is meant to invoke the past and future of the area.
His work is driven by community-engaged research through a participatory approach that invites dialogue and reflection, encouraging communities to examine their relationship with civic life. A desire to explore the evolving role of public art in contemporary cities allows his work to open new conversations and reimagine public spaces in meaningful ways.
“Brandon Vickerd’s work exemplifies the kind of research-creation and engaged art-making that we strive towards as a school,” says AMPD Dean Sarah Bay-Cheng. “It is innovative and meaningful for a range of audiences: students, fellow researchers and the public.”
The AMPD Research Award is just the latest honour Vickerd has has received. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and grants from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council.