One Week Away! The SPRE Arts Space Lab Begins September 18

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The SPRE Arts Space Lab is just over one week away!

Beginning September 18, 2026, ArtsBuild Ontario and The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University will bring together arts leaders from across Ontario for an eight-week professional development program focused on building more sustainable and resilient creative spaces.

Through a combination of expert-led learning, practical exercises and peer connection, participants will explore the financial, legal, operational and real estate knowledge needed to strengthen their organizations’ physical spaces. Throughout the program, participants will also develop their own Space Vision Plan and Pitch Deck.

What will the eight weeks cover?

  • Module 1: Demystifying SPRE with Kendra Fry
    Build a foundation in Social Purpose Real Estate and explore how SPRE can support arts and cultural infrastructure.
  • Module 2: Navigating the Property Market with Tim Kennedy
    Explore leases, zoning, property opportunities and the spatial rights that can impact creative spaces.
  • Module 3: Building the Capital Stack with Kyle Shantz
    Learn about social finance, alternative funding models and ways to build a sustainable financial plan for a space.
  • Module 4: Managing the Footprint with Suzanne Haines
    Focus on the operations, management and long-term sustainability of arts and creative spaces.
  • Module 5: Future-Proofing Creative Spaces with Carly Connor
    Explore eco-retrofits, energy efficiency and strategies for making creative spaces more climate resilient.
  • Module 6: Centering Land and Access with Terri-Lynn Brennan and Rachel Marks
    Consider equity, accessibility, Indigenous relationships to land and inclusive approaches to property development.
  • Module 7: Mastering the Pitch with Franco Boni 
    Strengthen advocacy, negotiation and communication skills to build support for a creative space project.
  • Module 8: The Capstone Showcase with Claire Hopkinson, Margie Zeidler, Erika Hennebury and Bruce Pitkin
    Bring it all together by presenting a completed Space Vision Plan and Pitch Deck.

The program runs September 18 to November 6, 2026 in a hybrid format and costs $500 CAD. 80% bursary funding is also available. Apply here!

With 80% bursary funding available, the SPRE Arts Space Lab is designed to make this professional development opportunity more accessible to arts leaders across Ontario. There’s still time to join the 2026 cohort.

Register for the SPRE Arts Space Lab and learn more about available bursary funding.