Space for Grief is an internationally-recognized public art installation that explores community bonding and healing through grief.
As a movement, we delve into understanding the many ways we need to process our grief and heal as individuals, local communities, and the public at large.
Through this, we hope to support ways to destigmatize practices, policies, and emotions associated with grieving.
Partners
Thank you to all our partners and volunteers.
Space for Grief would not be possible without your time and generosity.
Discover
Years of Combined Systems Research
Space for Grief is built on years of systems research, integrating cultural, social, and ecological insights to support grief and community healing. This research-driven approach ensures that the initiative's interventions are both emotionally resonant and environmentally sustainable, creating a lasting and meaningful impact.
A Nat Geo Top 10 Ecotourism Site
Space for Grief is located at Evergreen Brick Works, a top 10 global eco-tourism site, offering serene, nature-integrated spaces for reflection. Its eco-friendly practices and sustainable design make it a model for tourism that balances human well-being with environmental preservation, attracting visitors worldwide seeking healing in a peaceful, natural setting.
A Soundtrack for Your Memories
The soundscape at Space for Grief provides a custom composed auditory environment for reflection. The music has been composed using guitars, keyboards and synthesizers by Ziyan Hossain, Rakat Zami and Kurt Swinghammer. The motifs are inspired by a spectrum of emotions, moods, and film scores. They are meant to act as a soundtrack to your memories.
Our Story
The COVID-19 pandemic and current global conditions have acted as catalysts for this project.
Space for Grief is a project born from the research, and work of Method Collective founders, Fran Quintero Rawlings, Ziyan Hossain, and Calla Lee.
Through Method Collective’s consultancy work, as well as our academic research on grief and death rituals, we observed unaddressed grief and stigma across multiple sectors, including housing, sports, life transitions, and more. This highlighted a cultural and systemic gap that often leaves many people with no support or places to go during the most difficult times of their life.
The pandemic and our many ongoing conflicts brought grief to the forefront - losses of loved ones, but also losses of ways of living, community, employment, ways of working, and the ways we interact. As such, we felt now was the perfect time to explore the nature of grief.
Why is this needed?
Grief is universal, yet widely misunderstood
Grief impacts nearly everyone at some point in their life, due to a variety of causes, decisions and transitions. Despite its prevalence and costs, research has shown that its expressions and impacts are not adequately understood across institutions and communities.
Unaddressed grief costs North America alone over $200bn in healthcare and lost productivity
Unaddressed grief not only takes a toll on personal health but also imposes a significant economic burden on society. In North America, the hidden costs of grief are staggering, exceeding USD $200 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. The cumulative impact includes increased healthcare utilization, absenteeism, reduced workplace efficiency, and long-term disability. Addressing grief is therefore not just a matter of compassion; it's an economic imperative that affects the broader well-being of communities and economies alike.
Negative health impacts
When grief is not properly addressed or acknowledged, it can have profound and far-reaching consequences on a person's health. Beyond the emotional toll, suppressed grief can manifest physically, leading to increased risk of heart disease, compromised immune function, and heightened levels of stress hormones that disrupt the body’s normal functioning. This prolonged stress response can cause serious mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and even contribute to social withdrawal and feelings of isolation, further exacerbating the cycle of grief and poor health outcomes. Addressing grief is not just about providing emotional support; it's essential for supporting overall well-being.
Grief is often stigmatized or considered taboo
Grief is often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, with societal norms dictating who can grieve, for how long, and in what context. There is often an expectation that grief should be reserved, private, or confined to religious settings. As rituals and practices evolve, society struggles to support those experiencing loss, often leading to feelings of isolation and delaying the healing process. Addressing these stigmas is crucial for creating environments where grief can be openly shared and processed.
Lack of inclusive and/or accessible spaces to grieve
Many individuals rely on religious rituals for support in grief, but a growing number lack access to such spaces or do not align with religious practices. This absence of inclusive, accessible environments leaves many feeling isolated in their grief, without a supportive community to turn to. Creating spaces where everyone, regardless of belief, can process loss is vital for fostering healing and connection.
Location
Evergreen’s commitment to the environment, innovation, and urban community is extremely inspiring to us and represents a strong alignment in values.
The location also allows us to experiment and expand on what creating public spaces for grief in a city could look like, moving from a social services space like the library to an indoor/outdoor destination and gathering place.
“Named one of the top 10 ecotourism destinations in the world by National Geographic, Evergreen Brick Works is one of Toronto’s most dynamic public places.”
Evergreen Brickworks
