Update: ArtsBuild is no longer accepting energy grant applications. The Energy Conservation Grant was offered on a first come, first serve basis and we have reached our limit in application submissions. Thank you to all who applied – applications will be reviewed in the order they were received until all spots have been granted.

ArtsBuild Ontario is pleased to provide a limited number of one-time grants of $2,500 towards the cost of a new renovation or project that will result in lowering of your organization’s monthly energy bill. This grant is part of ArtsBuild Ontario’s Energy Conservation Program, which endeavors to provide energy conservation training and resources to arts organizations that support efforts to reduce yearly energy consumption.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Nonprofit arts organizations in Ontario responsible for the maintenance of their facilities and who pay for their own utilities.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Eligible projects must be in a nonprofit arts facility in Ontario. Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Installation of energy efficient lighting systems
• Installation of low flow toilets
• Replacing windows and/or roofs

The projects should:

• Reduce your monthly energy expenses
• Contribute to the sustainability of your facility

Priority is given to projects that:

• Demonstrate the estimated energy savings (through a letter from the supplier or engineer that includes the estimated savings)
• Will be completed by September 2016 (approximately)
• Will commit to participating in a case study following the completion of their project AND provide data that supports the reduction in energy consumption.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the Application Form and email or call Lindsay Golds, Executive Director, ArtsBuild Ontario at 519.880.3670 ext 102 or lindsay@artsbuildontario.ca.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• One pager – Energy Conservation Grant
• Application Form

This is a one-time funding opportunity. This is first come, first serve, provided your organization can commit to the requirements and eligibility listed in the guidelines. Please submit your application ASAP!

Bricks&Mortar
ArtsBuild Ontario is dedicated to capturing the needs and plans of our arts facilities across the province and using this information to improve our facilities.

We have spent the past year collecting important facility related data and housing it in our database Bricks&Mortar. This system allows for the constant updating of your information so that it remains current.

As of June 2015, we have collected information from 302 organizations province-wide which includes the needs and plans of 640 facilities across all disciplines.

Culture Strategy
As all of you know the sector has been asked to participate in the Culture Talks that are occurring, so that the Province of Ontario can develop their first Culture Strategy in 2016.

Last week ArtsBuild meet with Assistant Deputy Minister Kevin Finnerty and Director, Culture and Strategic Policy Branch, Dawn Landry, to;

1. Present the findings in Bricks&Mortar, that supports and quantifies the need for investment in arts infrastructure from the province
2. Remind MTCS that ArtsBuild is busy collecting facilities data that can/should be used in important processes like Culture Talks to inform funders
3. Encourage future discussions moving forward on how this valuable data can be used collaboratively by the sector, to everyone’s benefit.

This past Monday, SpaceFinder Toronto had a whirlwind experience meeting creative spaces and artists in and around the city at this year’s Creative Spaces Partnership Exchange. The whole day delivered what it promised: Discovering, Exchanging and Building.

Discovering

SpaceFinder discovered a multitude of artists in the city looking for new spaces to rent. We had the opportunity to tell them about SpaceFinder Toronto, show them how to use the site and demonstrate how users can select over 150 search criteria to find exactly what they were looking for…from spring floors to affordable pricing.

We had an increase of 51% in new users visiting SpaceFinder Toronto on #CSPX15!

Exchanging

We met organizations with independent studios, theatres and galleries as well as organizations that housed many creative spaces that could ALL benefit listing their rentals on SpaceFinder Toronto. Through these exchanges, we were able to both share how SpaceFinder Toronto can provide additional revenue potential through rentals and relay how this valuable tool helps venues reach new audiences.

SpaceFinder Toronto had 3 venues list their spaces and 2 venues adopt online booking features at #CSPX15!

Building

At the exhibitor workshop, ArtsBuild Board member Karen Stintz was able to share how the collaboration between TAPA, ArtsBuild Ontario, WorkInCulture and Fractured Atlas was built to bring SpaceFinder to Toronto. We were thrilled to share our experience in bringing cross sector partners together to implement this valuable tool and work together to ensure it is actively and positively impacting the city’s creative sector.

SpaceFinder currently has 427 spaces listed and has accumulated $25,000+ in rental referrals…and that’s not including phone and email inquiries!

The day was a tremendous success and ArtsBuild would like to thank Melissa Routley, Program Manager with Artscape, for all her hard work in making the day an extremely valuable experience for the 70+ exhibitors and 700+ attendees.

SPACEFINDER TORONTO WORKSHOP

We invite all SpaceFinder Toronto venues to join us for a Booking Features Workshop next week on Nov. 10! All space bookings are different and range from simple to very complex so join ArtsBuild Ontario to learn how these three features – ONLINE CALENDAR – BOOKING REQUEST FORMS – BOOKING ENGINE – can complement your space booking processes and get your space noticed.

When: November 10 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Where: TAPA Office | 401 Richmond St W, Suite 350, Toronto, M5V 3A8
Cost: FREE!

REGISTER by emailing Alexis at alexisdsp@tapa.ca