In my brief studies of cluster systems, I have often found myself overwhelmed while trying to conceptualize the linkages and intricacies of these economic organisms. While I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fully formulate a strong mental picture of cluster systems, I do know that one demonstrable proof of a clusters existence is the integration of the cluster/industry into the urban landscape of the host city. Recently, I read an entry at CLUSTER_BLOG, a blog on city/design/innovation, on the new Toronto Music Garden.
Inspired by the pictorial element in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma collaborated with a number of artists to produce Inspired by Bach – a six-part film series. The series was produced by Rhombus Media Incorporated and broadcast in 1997 and 1998. It has also been made available for home video.
For the first film in the series, The Music Garden, Mr. Ma worked with landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy to interpret in nature the music of Bach’s first suite. As a result of the film project, Yo-Yo Ma, Julie Messervy and Rhombus Media Incorporated approached the city of Boston, Massachusetts to create an actual garden based on The Music Garden. When the Boston site fell through, Toronto Parks and Recreation enthusiastically embraced the project.
Another true sign of a cluster is public/private partnerships supporting cluster activities and related endeavours.
James Douglas Fleck is leading the private side of a public/private collaboration with the City of Toronto to create and build the Toronto Music Garden. Under the leadership of Mr. Fleck, over one million dollars has been raised from private donors. The donors are David and Vivian Campbell, George and Kathy Dembroski, James and Margaret Fleck, David and Catheriné Graham, Michael and Sonja Koerner, Wilmot and Judy Matthews, Jim and Sandra Pitblado and Sandra Simpson. The Weston Foundation has also contributed to the project.
Interested in checking out the garden?
The Toronto Music Garden is located on the waterfront at 475 Queen’s Quay West between Bathurst Street & Spadina Avenue. (see Toronto maps)
The Toronto Music Garden is easy to reach by public transit. Take the Spadina 510 streetcar south from the Spadina subway station or the LRT Harbourfront Line going west from Union Station. Call the Toronto Transit Commission at 416-393-4636 for service information.
For information on the Toronto Music Garden and its programs, or to receive information on upcoming events, call the Harbourfront Centre Info Line at 416-973-4000.
The Toronto Music Garden is open year-round and there is no admission fee. The Toronto Music Garden is wheelchair-accessible.
