SPRE for Arts Spaces Case Study: 221A

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ArtsBuild Ontario is pleased to announce the publication of the second case study in our SPRE for Arts Spaces program, featuring 221A in Vancouver!

221A is the largest non-profit cultural space operator in B.C., providing a total of 145 rent-stabilized artist studios and housing units across 6 properties. Their projects incorporate flexible, adaptable spaces that include artist studios, cultural venues, and affordable housing. This case study explores the development of 825 Pacific, a seven-storey, purpose-built arts and cultural center and the first certified commercial Passive House building in Vancouver.  825 Pacific includes 23 non-market studios, 3 Fellowship studios, a fellowship library, a project/event space, and a 50-person coworking space. The journey of 221Aa and 825 Pacific is a compelling example of how a long-term vision, community involvement, and strategic partnerships can bring a social purpose real estate project to life. Read this case study to learn how 221A approached sustainability, community, financing and governance in this one-of-a-kind new build.

Check out the case study in English and French here.

Leadership Transition at ArtsBuild Ontario

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ArtsBuild Ontario’s Board of Directors announces that Alex Glass will be stepping down as Executive Director effective July 25, 2025. Alex has accepted a new position as Cultural Planning Officer with the City of Brampton, beginning in mid-August.

Alex joined ABO in 2015 as Marketing and Communications Coordinator and went on to serve as Program Manager before becoming Executive Director in 2020. Over the past 10 years, she has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the organization.

During her time at ABO, Alex led the expansion of national and provincial programs, including the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, SpaceFinder, and the Learn It | Build It | Manage It workshop series. She also supported projects focused on accessibility, cultural infrastructure, and community-led space development.

As Executive Director, she oversaw the development of ABO’s 2022–25 Strategic Plan and led key initiatives such as:

  • The operations of 44 Gaukel Creative Workspace in Kitchener, with 32 tenants and over 170 short-term renters

  • The Indigenous Creative Spaces Project, culminating in Paddling Upstream with dialogue from over 180 Indigenous voices

  • The Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces initiative with 21 partners and a micro-credential to be developed with Toronto Metropolitan University

  • The Meanwhile Spaces Pilot in Waterloo Region, launched with support from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, City of Waterloo and Why Not Theatre

Alex’s transition has been planned in consultation with the Board. Recruitment for a new Executive Director will begin shortly, and Alex will remain in an advisory role to support a smooth transition.

“It’s been a privilege to grow with ArtsBuild Ontario over the past 10 years,” said Alex Glass. “ABO has always stood for strengthening the spaces where arts and culture happen, and I’m proud to have helped further that work across the province and beyond. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my new role with the City of Brampton’s Cultural Services Division and continue supporting cultural policy and infrastructure in a new way for the arts community.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Alex for her leadership and deep commitment to ArtsBuild Ontario,” said Bryn Jones, Board President. “She has guided the organization through a period of significant change and growth, during an especially difficult time for the arts sector. Thanks to her efforts, ABO is well-positioned to continue supporting the cultural community. We wish her every success in her next chapter.”

ABO remains committed to its mission of supporting creative spaces across Ontario, and we look forward to continuing this work in collaboration with our community and partners as we move into this next phase of the organization’s work.

ArtsBuild Ontario Launches Meanwhile Spaces Pilot Program in Waterloo Region

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ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) is proud to announce the launch of the Meanwhile Space Pilot Project in Waterloo Region. This innovative initiative aims to tackle the growing demand for affordable arts spaces by offering temporary use of underutilized vacant properties to artists and arts organizations.

The Meanwhile Space Pilot Project is a response to the urgent need for more arts spaces in Waterloo Region. Existing arts facilities are at full capacity, while high real-estate costs and the post-pandemic economic recovery make it difficult for arts organizations to afford permanent, purpose-built spaces. By regenerating vacant properties and offering them to the local arts community, the project will foster a more vibrant, accessible arts scene in the region, while also contributing to the revitalization of underused urban spaces. 

This project provides valuable insight on the demand for creative spaces and the potential for long-term investments in the arts. For property developers, it opens the door to future collaborations that can drive growth and investment in Waterloo Region.

The Meanwhile Space Pilot Project will provide no-cost and highly subsidized creative spaces that repurpose vacant commercial properties for temporary, non-commercial use by local artists and arts organizations. This model has been successfully tested by Why Not Theatre and Akin Collective in Toronto, and now ABO aims to replicate this success in Waterloo Region. The pilot project will take place in 2025 with space activation beginning as early as March. 

Participating locations include:

  • 99 King Street West – Kitchener
  • Wing 404 – Waterloo

The project will not only support local artists but also provide valuable insights for future arts space initiatives across Canada. In addition to offering space, ABO will also produce a comprehensive evaluation report, detailing the successes and challenges of the model, as well as a Meanwhile Space Manual to guide future iterations in other regions in Ontario and across Canada.

This project is guided by an Advisory Committee and is made possible by the support of Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the City of Waterloo, and Why Not Theatre. For more information about the project, visit  https://www.artsbuildontario.ca/meanwhilespaces.

ABO Learning Series: Hub Culture and Spaces for the Future Webinar

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Register today for the ABO Learning Series: Hub Culture and Spaces for the Future Webinar on May 2nd, 2024 from 1pm – 2:30pm EST.

In recent years, the concept of “arts hubs” has gained popularity in creative communities. As space for artists and arts organizations becomes increasingly scarce, shared space models have emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable solution. A hub model not only provides affordable space solutions but also creates a sense of community and promotes environmental stewardship through resource sharing.

Let’s look at some of Ontario’s successful creative hubs, with Gonzalo Duarte, Director of Coworking Design & Operations at CSI Spadina, Nevine Sedki, Resource Mobilization Director at SKETCH Working Arts, and Brianne Franklin, Executive Director of the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning to discuss how they have created a community-centered model while offering engaging programs and supporting their tenants, clients, and artists with space. What strategies have these creative hubs implemented to keep their community engaged and thriving? How have they managed to foster a supportive and collaborative environment for their artists and tenants, and what plans do they have for the future?

Join ArtsBuild Ontario for this free webinar and register today!

Wrap Up of the 2023-24 Creative Spaces Mentoring Network

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As the 2023-24 Creative Spaces Mentoring Network comes to a close, we are happy to reflect on this past year and all of the accomplishments that the 72 mentees and mentors were able to achieve. For the first time, the program took place across two different provinces, and we have been thrilled with the level of participation and engagement from everyone involved. 

The Wrap-Up Webinars in both Ontario and Calgary provided a wonderful opportunity for each cohort to come together one final time and share their experiences and achievements. We enjoyed hearing the mentees share their projects and collaborations, highlighting not just their program goals but also the personal growth they experienced throughout the mentorship journey. 

Some participants achieved their initial goals, while others found that their goals shifted as the year progressed. Regardless of their individual paths, it was clear that the mentoring relationships forged through the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network were powerful and impactful. This program goes beyond just skill development; it’s about fostering trust, navigating the arts and culture sector, overcoming challenges, and building a supportive network. Now in its 9th iteration, the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network continues to connect Ontario’s creative community that will continue to grow, even after the program concludes. We also look forward to returning to Alberta for another year in Fall 2024! 

During the Ontario Wrap-Up Webinar, the cohort participated in an Arts and Culture Sector Trivia Game, testing their knowledge of the arts sector. If you’re curious about your own knowledge, you can take the quiz too! Participants also shared their concluding thoughts about the program, and we wrapped up with some tips on how to close off the mentorships.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Wrap-Up Webinar featured a thought-provoking talk by guest speaker Cory Nespor, co-founder of  Nvrlnd Arts Foundation. From a program survey, we learned that mentees were particularly interested in focusing on business/strategic planning and building community relationships. Cory was able to provide valuable insights on the evolving landscape of creative spaces and how to best support artists in Calgary. 

As we look back on the past year, we are amazed by the growth and success stories that emerged from the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network. The relationships formed between mentors and mentees extended beyond professional collaborations, with many evolving into new friendships. We are excited to welcome the 2024-25 cohort and see what new creative projects are emerging in the sector!