We’re pleased to open applications for the 2026 Creative Spaces Mentoring Network (CSMN)—a program designed to support arts organizations and creative spaces across Ontario through one-to-one mentorship.

One-to-One Mentorship

Each mentee is matched with a mentor who brings relevant expertise in:

• Creative spaces and cultural facilities
• Capital projects
• Asset management
• Organizational strategy
• Community development

Mentors and mentees meet up to three hours per month during two segments:

• Phase One: April–June
• Phase Two: September–November

Together, they will focus on the mentee’s priority areas and long-term goals.

New for 2026: Capstone Project

Each mentee will complete one practical, high-value deliverable developed in collaboration with their mentor. Options include:

• Space Sustainability Blueprint – A roadmap to strengthen long-term viability
• Micro Feasibility Study – A focused analysis for emerging space plans
• Fundraising Readiness Package – Essential materials to prepare for capital or operating campaigns
• Space Activation Pilot – A test activation or community engagement initiative
• Partnerships & Space Opportunities Map – A regional scan of collaborators and underused spaces

Professional Development Session

The program pauses for July and August, during which mentees will take part in a tailored professional development session based on the cohort’s needs.

Applications 

Apply to be a Mentee: We are now accepting applications for 15 Mentee spots for the 2025 program! To apply, complete the Application Form Please send your application by January 16th, 2026.

Fees:

• If selected as a Mentee, there is a $175 + HST fee once a successful mentor match is made.

Apply to be a Mentor: Are you an experienced arts professional with knowledge of cultural facilities, capital projects, or strategic planning? We are seeking Mentors for the program! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, please complete the Mentor Application Form.

For questions or more information, please contact Tatiana Doucette, Director of Programs and Partnerships at programs@artsbuildontario.ca.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Join us for an engaging 1.5-hour SPRE webinar designed for arts and culture collectives and organizations working to sustain mission-driven arts spaces with artists at the center.

In SPRE 105: Funding Artist-Oriented Spaces, fundraising expert Nevine Sedki (from Further Together) will break down how using a Community-Centric Fundraising approach can help you fund your space without treating community needs like an afterthought.

Grounded in community-informed research on what artists need to meaningfully access space, this session will show you how to build fundraising strategies that focus on equity, access, and community values – so your org can stay strong and make a better case for support. Whether you’re renting space or managing your own venue, you’ll leave with real tools to center community and keep artists’ needs front and center.

About the Presenter:

Nevine Sedki is a seasoned Resource Mobilizer and Nonprofit Director with over 25 years of experience in philanthropy, equity, and community engagement within the arts and social impact sectors. Nevine is committed to using the arts as a powerful tool for systemic social change and mobilizing community-centric support for arts and social justice initiatives, fostering transformative change through the intersection of creativity, advocacy and activism.  A music enthusiast, she also channels her passion as a DJ and radio host with over two decades of experience, sharing her love for diverse sounds and musical storytelling with listeners.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage. 

Register here!

Exciting News for Creatives in the Waterloo Region! 

ArtsBuild Ontario is thrilled to announce the recruitment for our third cohort for the Meanwhile Spaces in Waterloo Region partnership with the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and local organizations.

Artists and organizations are invited to APPLY for the opportunity to access a below market rental space across different sites in Waterloo and Kitchener, from now until  March 31st, 2026. 

Potential uses for space include:

• Visual artist studios
• Wellness classes, such as yoga and meditation
• Music lessons (vocal or instrumental)
• Small and medium band or theatre group rehearsals

APPLY NOW!

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Shannon Lee, who joined ArtsBuild Ontario as the Meanwhile Spaces Coordinator in November 2024.

Shannon was determined, genuine, funny, and eager. They asked thoughtful questions and always showed compassion. Shannon was a gentle person, and this is one of many reasons they were able to spearhead the Meanwhile Spaces Project so successfully; artists opened up to them, and Shannon was always a kind advocate and found ways to make our arts spaces more accessible and accepting. The passion they brought for the local arts community greatly strengthened the program and influenced how they transformed spaces into places for community and connection. Their warmth and authenticity were felt by everyone who had the privilege of collaborating with them.

Beyond their work with ArtsBuild Ontario, Shannon was an active and respected member of the local music community. They were a gifted singer, writer, musician, and sound technician whose creativity and passion inspired everyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with them. ArtsBuild had the privilege of seeing Shannon perform with their band House Cat as a team outing, and were blown away by the powerful voice that came out of this gentle person. 

The impact of Shannon’s time with us will continue to resonate through the artists, tenants, staff, and partners they worked alongside, and through the relationships that they built across this community.

Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and the many people whose lives they touched. We are working with community partners to support a gathering for the local arts community in Shannon’s honour at an appropriate time, and will share details once they are available.

Shannon’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the costs of her funeral, with any surplus being donated to CAMH.  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/shannon-regan-youngeun-lee

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.