From Rented Survival to Lasting Security: Create a Permanent Home for Your Community’s Stories

ArtsBuild Ontario and The Creative School at TMU launch the SPRE Arts Space Lab—an intensive 8-week Certificate program for mid-to-senior arts leaders across Ontario.

Local property markets rarely play by the rules of the arts sector. Whether your organization is navigating shifting lease dynamics in an urban core, managing an aging heritage facility in a mid-sized town, or trying to launch a brand-new creative hub in a rural community, the challenge is identical: securing space your community can actually rely on.

Introducing the Certificate in Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces.

In partnership with ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) and The Creative School at TMU, this hybrid professional development program is specifically engineered to arm working, full-time arts managers across the province with the real estate essentials, alternative financial models, and systemic advocacy strategies needed to protect, manage, and grow their physical footprints.

By joining this cohort, you aren’t just registering for a course—you are gaining lifetime entry into an exclusive provincial network of SPRE-trained arts leaders, building a community of practice that extends long after the final module wrapper.

Turn Your Vision Into Clear Infrastructure:

Every single module is tied directly to a tangible project outcome. Over 8 weeks, you will build a comprehensive, fully audited Space Vision Plan and Pitch Deck tailored to your community’s specific urban or rural geographic realities. At our final Capstone Showcase, you will present your plan live to a curated panel of institutional funders, real estate experts, and municipal policy authorities.

Join the Free Informational Webinar This July

Ready to change how your organization approaches space? Join our project leadership team at noon on July 10th for an exclusive preview of the 8 modules, flexible hybrid scheduling options, and application instructions for our upcoming Fall cohort.

• Webinar: SPRE Arts Space Lab: Syllabus Preview & Application Launch
• Date: Friday July 10, 2026
• Time: 12:00  – 12:30 PM EST (Virtual via Zoom)
• Program Fee: $500 (Capped at 50 participants for the Fall cohort)
• Program Timeline: September 18, 2026 – November 6, 2026 

Register for the July Info Webinar Now

As we embrace the full energy of the season, ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) is sharing an important update regarding our temporary space activations. On May 29th, 2026, our time operating the creative space at Wing 404 officially came to an end.

Wing 404 was established as a unique, short-term project designed to provide a highly controlled and accessible environment for local makers, performers, and creators to practice their craft, collaborate, and push artistic boundaries. While this specific activation has reached its scheduled conclusion, we are incredibly proud of everything our community achieved within those walls.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Partners and Artists

An initiative like Wing 404 is only possible through deep community collaboration. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Waterloo and their Economic Development and Cultural Planning teams for partnering with us to bring this space to life. Their dedication to fostering creative industries and piloting innovative uses for municipal spaces has been vital.

Most importantly, we want to thank the incredible lineup of local artists and collectives who utilized Wing 404. From rehearsals to independent studio sessions, your energy, passion, and immense talent filled the building and proved just how vital flexible, affordable workspaces are to the heartbeat of Waterloo Region.

Looking Forward: Artist Studios Available at 99 King!

While the doors to Wing 404 have closed, ArtsBuild Ontario remains fully committed to connecting artists with the spaces they need to thrive.

If you are a creator currently looking for a professional, stable workspace to anchor your practice, we have great news! We currently have vacant artist studio spaces available at our 99 King workspace in Kitchener. Joining 99 King means becoming part of a supportive, collaborative community of local artists, with access to spaces tailored to help your creative work flourish.

Want to secure your new studio?

Don’t wait to find your next creative home. For more information regarding square footage, rental rates, or to book a tour of the available vacancies at 99 King, please reach out to us directly at coordinator@artsbuildontario.ca or explore our Spaces Page.

Or our short-term rental space.

Thank you again to everyone who made the Wing 404 project a resounding success—we look forward to creating with you next at 99 King!

Our CSMN 2026 cohort is officially in full swing! We’re co-creating the future of our creative spaces

We have some exciting news for the downtown Kitchener arts community! Our “Meanwhile Space” project at 99 King Street West has been officially extended. We are now inviting artists to join this unique shared studio residency through August 30th, 2026.

If you’ve been looking for a bright, professional, and central place to anchor your practice this summer, now is the time to apply.

The Vision: A Suite Built for Creativity

In partnership with Lowland Properties Group, we’ve taken a dynamic vacant suite on the third floor of 99 King and transformed it into a collaborative haven for visual artists.

This isn’t just a room; it’s a dedicated environment designed to help you connect with other local creators while maintaining your own focused workspace.

Space Details at a Glance

• The Footprint: Each artist is allotted a 14’ x 14’ workspace.

• The Vibe: Classic urban loft with plenty of natural light, high ceilings, and downtown energy.

• Amenities: The suite is equipped with a dedicated paint sink, full heating and air conditioning, and gender-neutral washrooms.

• Access: Work on your own schedule with secure 24/7 FOB access.

• The Walk-up: Please note, this beautiful third-floor space is accessed via 44 stairs (no elevator), perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of a daily climb!

Affordable & Accessible

We know that price is a major barrier for many artists. To keep this space accessible, the cost is just $330.00 per month (all-inclusive).

Claim One of the Final 3 Spots

We currently have 3 out of 5 spots available for artists practicing visual arts, media arts, or other “quiet” creative disciplines.

Because this is a meanwhile space residency, these spots are available specifically through August 30th, 2026. Whether you have a specific project you need to wrap up or you’re looking to kickstart a new body of work this summer, 99 King is ready for you.

Ready to move in? Apply Here

Need Support? If you have questions about the layout, accessibility, or the application process, please reach out to our team at coordinator@artsbuildontario.ca.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news for the Waterloo arts community! Due to the success of our ongoing partnership with the City of Waterloo, the Meanwhile Spaces program at Wing 404 has been officially extended. Local artists, collectives, and arts organizations now have access to this versatile, historic venue until May 29th, 2026.

What is Wing 404?

Located at 510 Dutton Drive, Wing 404 is a unique, multi-functional space designed to support the creative process. Whether you are mounting a large-scale rehearsal, hosting a movement workshop, or looking for a quiet place to develop a new literary work, Wing 404 offers the infrastructure you need to succeed.

As part of the Meanwhile Spaces initiative, this venue provides a low-cost, high-flexibility solution for creators in a time when affordable space is harder than ever to find.

Space Features & Amenities

Wing 404 is a highly adaptable facility that can be used as one large venue or divided into three distinct sections:

• The Stage Room (Assembly 1 & 2): 34′ x 42′ — Perfect for large rehearsals and performances.

• The Fireplace Room (Assembly 3): 34′ x 34′ — A cozy yet spacious mid-sized area.

• The Forest Room (Assembly 4 & 5): Two smaller, intimate spaces (24.3′ x 27.2′ and 17′ x 19′) ideal for small groups or clean visual arts.

Technical & Site Specs:

• Capacity: Up to 300 standing or 272 seated.

• Tech: High-speed Wi-Fi, projector screen, and a full sound system.

• Furnishings: 136 chairs and over 30 tables (various sizes) are available for use.

• Access: 24/7 key access for selected tenants.

• Parking: On-site parking for up to 90 vehicles (no permit required).

• Comfort: Full heating, air conditioning, and kitchenette on-site.

Booking & Eligibility

Wing 404 is suitable for movement practices, performance arts, literary arts, and “clean” visual arts (e.g., no ceramics or excessive paint). The space is designed to accommodate both quiet practices and loud production work.

Affordable Rates:

$12.00 + HST per hour

• Primetime (Mon-Sat, 5 PM – 10 PM): 3-hour minimum booking.

• Non-Primetime: 1-hour minimum increments.

Accessibility Note

We strive to be transparent about our facility’s accessibility. Wing 404 is a ground-level facility with no stairs. Washrooms are available and include stalls wide enough for mobility devices with handrails; however, please note they are not currently classified as universal or gender-neutral.

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications from local artists and organizations looking to make Wing 404 their creative home through 2026.

• Apply Online

• Questions? For support requests or more information, please email our coordinator at coordinator@artsbuildontario.ca.