Success Stories from ABO’s Accessibility Webinar Series

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This past year, ArtsBuild Ontario presented six webinars in the Learning Series aimed at supporting creative spaces in understanding and going beyond the Design of Public Spaces Standard as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians Act (AODA).

We are excited to share some success stories from different arts leaders across the province who have applied key learnings from these webinars to their organization or practice!  Have a read through them all below:

Success Story #1: Informing Accessibility Plans

“The [webinar] was presented in a different perspective with more of a real connection to day-to-day ways of interpreting visitor needs.  It was overall, very informative and helpful as we all work toward goals of inclusion and accessibility.

This webinar has created a good way to re-assess our current accessibly plan and is a reminder that we should evaluate the plan on a more regular basis-including input from those whose needs should be met in a public space. As there are people of many different abilities, there always seems to be more to learn in the area of accessibility. Putting that information into the context of creative spaces definitely added to my current level of knowledge and the mindset needed to actually think about and implement solutions”.
– Participant from Webinar: Let’s Talk About Disability and Creative Space

Success Story #2: Deepening Discussions with Clients

As an architect, Sandra Iksandar is more than familiar with building codes and provincial legislation. Participating in the webinar Best Practices for Architects, Designers & Creative Spaces on Accessibility served as a reminder of the value added that comes with going above the legislation to create accessible and inclusive spaces. Demonstrating how accessible buildings can be stylistically creative and visually appealing, speakers provided examples that were transferable to her clients. She was able to bring this information to her clients, and communicate the importance of considering accessibility in the planning phases of a renovation project and specifying accessibility in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

Success Story #3: Implementing Accessible Signage

For Lisa Wacheski, this webinar series has had a direct impact on the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village’s upcoming renovation project. Board approval has recently been given to go forward with a grant application for the replacement of signage in the museum. While they are still in the planning stage, information has been shared with board members on the need to adjust the signage to better reflect those with varying accessibility needs in terms of sight and language. As a result, the creation and installation of new signs will include both English and French, larger font, better lighting and appropriately displayed based on lines of sight, to take into great account the variety in abilities of their visitors.

Success Story #4: Transforming Spaces

From this webinar series, two underlying messages resonated with Michelle Alderson, Production & Event Coordinator at the Al Green Theatre.  Firstly, she appreciated the examples that demonstrated how organizations have implemented creative designs to eliminate barriers in their facilities and remain a thriving community hub. Secondly, she was pleased the webinars highlighted the importance of forward facing customer service, consulting patrons with lived experiences and asking patrons how a space can better suit their needs.

As a member of her facility’s Accessibility Committee, she has shared lessons learned and resources provided with the committee, and will be applying them to an upcoming renovation project at the theatre. Along with plans to lower the information desk, they will soon be transforming the old box office room in their lobby into a designated area to support individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. As a multi-use space, it will be used as a quiet zone for individuals with sensory processing concerns and as a designated space to identify and make requests for access needs. It will also be equipped with assistive devices to help individuals communicate with staff if needed. As individuals of varying demographics and abilities frequent their public lobby, these facility upgrades are intended to insure their space is accommodating and inclusive.
 

Success Story #5: Improving Experiential Accessibility

In the webinar: Invisible Disabilities and Creative Spaces, presenters Alex Bulmer and Andrew Gurza highlighted practical solutions to empower creative spaces to better welcome and accommodate invisible disabilities. These included processes such as extending the time limits of online ticketing platforms; offering scent free spaces and the importance of making patrons feel comfortable expressing their access needs either in person or through digital platforms.

A participant from the webinar notes “we can update our approach to encourage a better and more inclusive level of customer service through some of the suggested practices mentioned in the webinar. We will update our orientation and training for staff and volunteers to reflect as many of these key points as we can.”

Announcing Accessibility Webinars for Creative Spaces!

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ArtsBuild Ontario is excited to announce upcoming accessibility webinars in the Learning Series! These webinars will focus on accessibility and creative spaces based on the Design for Public Spaces Standard, as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA). The webinars will explain how creative spaces need to meet accessible building standards and explore ways creative spaces can go beyond the standards.

The webinars will be supported by a toolkit for creative spaces around the topic of accessibility, which will be released in Spring 2019.

ABO would like to thank its accessibility advisory committee for informing the webinar topics, speakers and upcoming toolkit for creative spaces in Ontario. This project is supported by the Government of Ontario.

Free Webinar: Let’s Talk About Disability and Creative Spaces
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Presenters:  Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments and Sage Lovell, Founder of Deaf Spectrum 
Register Here

Free Webinar:  Design for Public Spaces 101: Where do Creative Spaces Start?
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Host: Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments
Presenters: Jay Pitter, Placemaker, Author & City Building, and Yvonne Felix, Senior Manager at CNIB and public/community artist
Register Here

Free Webinar: Design for Public Spaces Advanced: How can Creative Spaces Go Beyond the Standard?
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Host: Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments
Presenters: TBD & Lorene Casiez, Accessibility Strategist, Practice Lead with Human Space
Register Here

Free Webinar: Best Practices for Architects, Designers and Creative Spaces on Accessibility
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Host: Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments
Presenters: Amy Potier, Accessibility and Building Code Specialist with Gensler as well as Corey Timpson, Principal at Corey Timpson Design Inc and former Vice President of Exhibitions at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Register Here 

Free Webinar: Safety, Fire Codes and Accessibility for Creative Spaces
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Host: Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments
Presenters: Martin Day, President of Safety Media Inc. and Marnie Peters, Accessibility Specialist
Register Here

Free Webinar: Invisible Disabilities and Creative Spaces
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Host: Thea Kurdi, Vice President with DesignABLE Environments
Presenters: Alex Bulmer, Accessibility Consultant & Actor, Writer and Director as well as Andrew Gurza, Disability Awareness Consultant
Register Here

Registration is available through Eventbrite and webinars are delivered through Adobe Connect with closed captioning. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to register or participate in our webinars, please call 519-880-3670 ext. 101 or email erin@artsbuildontario.ca in advance of your participation.

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.

Media Release: Announcing Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces in Toronto

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Toronto, ON – November 22, 2024 – ArtsBuild Ontario is thrilled to announce the launch of our innovative project, Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces. This initiative, guided by 21 partners across Toronto, aims to develop vital resources centred on social purpose real estate for arts and heritage organizations in Toronto and across Ontario.

In recent years, many cultural organizations have faced displacement from their neighbourhoods due to rising property costs and rental rates. As the arts sector grapples with these challenges, the SPRE for Arts Spaces project is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the future viability of cultural spaces. By focusing on the availability, accessibility, and affordability of real estate for nonprofits, the project will facilitate community development, enhance the social fabric of communities, and support economic revitalization.

SPRE for Arts Spaces is a three-year project that emphasizes building the capacity of cultural organizations to respond to the pressing issue of space precarity. Through industry expertise, peer-to-peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving, the project will create a knowledge base that includes online training modules, case studies, and discussions reflecting the real-time space needs of arts organizations.

Led by ArtsBuild Ontario, SPRE for Arts Spaces is guided by a Leadership Committee that represents diverse perspectives and artistic disciplines:

  • City of Toronto, Economic Development & Culture
  • Toronto Arts Council
  • Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Creative School
  • OCAD U’s Cultural Policy Hub
  • Infrastructure Institute through the University of Toronto’s School of Cities

Activities planned for the SPRE initiative include:

  • Training Modules: Virtual sessions featuring industry experts to provide a foundational understanding of social purpose real estate. Topics include SPRE 101: Understanding Social Purpose Real Estate for Arts Spaces, Alternative Models, Indigenous Community Relationships and the Land, and Real Estate Development & Financing Models.
  • Case Studies: In-depth analyses of past and current SPRE projects involving organizations in Ontario and across Canada, such as Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre and St. Jax Centre in Montreal. 
  • Panel Discussions: Featuring cultural organizations engaged in SPRE initiatives, focusing on Toronto while appealing to a broader Ontario and Canada-wide audience.
  • SPRE Lab with The Creative School at TMU: An in-person program designed as an incubator for Toronto-based arts and heritage organizations, facilitating collective problem-solving for cultural space challenges.

Join us for an online project launch and first training module, SPRE 101: Understanding Social Purpose Real Estate for Arts Spaces with the Infrastructure Institute and  Kendra Fry of Creative Collisions on Wednesday, December 11  from 12 PM-1:30 PM EST. The module will provide foundational knowledge on key SPRE concepts, including visioning, planning approvals, financial modelling, and site acquisition. We will also share more about the SPRE for Arts Spaces initiative and its potential impact on the arts landscape in Ontario. 

For more information about the SPRE project and ArtsBuild Ontario’s ongoing initiatives, please visit https://www.artsbuildontario.ca/spre.

Quotes

“The City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division is proud to be a partner on Social Purpose Real Estate for Arts Spaces in Toronto. Social purpose real estate is an innovative, forward-looking approach to address the crisis facing cultural spaces in the city. This program will help to achieve the goals set out in Culture Connects: an Action Plan for Culture In Toronto (2025-2035) to preserve and expand arts and cultural spaces, and deliver on the City’s target to create one million new square feet of cultural space over the next decade.”

Patrick Tobin, General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, City of Toronto 

“Toronto-based artists and arts organizations are grappling with a significant lack of affordable creative space that is safe, accessible, and meets their artistic needs. Initiatives like ArtsBuild’s Social Purpose Real Estate for Arts Spaces project will enhance local organizations’ capacity to engage with social purpose real estate and leverage innovative solutions. Toronto Arts Council is pleased to partner with ArtsBuild and others on strategic initiatives that respond to major sector challenges and opportunities.”

Kelly Langgard, Director and CEO, Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation 

“ArtsBuild Ontario’s SPRE initiatives are happening at a critical moment of post-pandemic recovery: as artists and cultural organizations continue to be displaced while municipalities face the ongoing challenge of vitalizing their neighbourhoods amidst vacated buildings, there is an opportunity for developers and the arts sector to work collaboratively together to re-envision mutually beneficial and innovative approaches to urban spaces. The Creative School is thrilled to partner with the Space Lab to provide a site for these discussions and to empower artists and cultural organizations with the tools to advocate effectively both for their needs and for the creation of thriving communities.”

Dr. Natalie Álvarez, Associate Dean, Scholarly, Research and Creative Activities Professor, Theatre and Performance Studies, The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University

“In today’s landscape of uncertainty for arts spaces, social purpose real estate (SPRE) has emerged as a transformative strategy for cultural organizations. By addressing the intersections of zoning, urban planning, and collaboration with developers, landowners, and municipalities, we can create sustainable environments for the arts to thrive. Through knowledge mobilization—encompassing training modules, case studies, panel discussions and the Space Lab through TMU’s Creative School—we can empower cultural organizations to pioneer innovative solutions that not only respond to current challenges but also lay the groundwork for enduring success in our communities.” 

Alex Glass, Executive Director of ArtsBuild Ontario 

About Us

ArtsBuild Ontario (ABO) is a provincial arts service organization that provides small and medium-sized organizations with tools, training, and advice to successfully manage physical and digital creative spaces. ABO works to reimagine the future of creative spaces through dedicated research projects and an engaged network of supportive partners. Learn more at www.artsbuildontario.ca.

Media Contact

Helena Ciuciura
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
ArtsBuild Ontario
helena@artsbuildontario.ca
519.880.3670 ext 101

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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!