If anything can help save Parkdale from its dreary, sketchy self, it'll be ART. And lately, throwing in a helping hand has been easier than ever, thanks to spaces likeGallery 1313andConvenience, projects like the newbike rack sculpturesand now, PLEDC's PLAY/GROUNDS. This satellite art exhibit will happen mid-September, in conjunction withArtScape's Queen West Art Crawl.

PLEDCis looking for artists to help stimulate some thought on current Parkdale/Liberty Village issues, like gentrification, urban social relationships and public space usage. The exhibit will base itself at the Parkdale Town Square, and occupy various public places around Parkdale and Liberty Village. Deadline for submissions is 4pm on Friday, June 22, 2007. If you have an idea for an installation, get your proposal and CV ready. For more information contact Jessica Hum atjessica@parkdaleliberty.comor call 416-516-8301.

Now, when I say dreary and sketchy, don't get me wrong. I love my neighbourhood. I've lived here for a year now, and in that time a handful of friends have followed suit. The rent is cheap, the proximity is ideal and the personalities are... diverse. There are a tonne of fabulous restaurants and interesting shops. It has its pockets of goodness, but it also has its pockets of evil (like dog poo and addicts and garbage in the trees). It's got an active artistic population, though, and the PLAY/GROUNDS exhibit will be an excellent opportunity to take part in a project that aims to strengthen the community.