Building Capacity for Cultural Spaces through Shared Learnings
SPRE for Arts Spaces is a 3-year project that aims to support small and mid-size arts and culture organizations develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in social purpose real estate (SPRE).
Launched in August 2024, this project responds to the growing need for long-term, stable, and community-driven spaces in the arts sector. Through a combination of training modules, case studies, and a Space Lab in 2027, SPRE for Arts Spaces helps arts and culture organizations imagine new possibilities for creating, securing, and sustaining cultural spaces.
Peer Learning through Case Studies
Six SPRE case studies published in 2025-26 will highlight real-world examples of arts and culture organizations across Canada that are successfully managing, owning, and reimagining cultural spaces. These stories reflect a wide range of approaches, challenges, and outcomes, and are rich with practical insights. Each case study offers a closer look at what’s possible with creative problem solving, community care and collaboration with other sectors and municipalities. ArtsBuild Ontario is grateful to our community partners for sharing their knowledge and experience.
Explore Case Studies
221A: 825 Pacific
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.
Download the 221A: 825 Pacific case study here.
Download the 221A Case Study in French here /T é l é downloadez l’étude de cas en français ici
Tapestry Opera & Nightwood Theatre: Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Center
In 2022, after losing their longtime home in Toronto’s Distillery District when their 20-year head lease wasn’t renewed, Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera began the search for a new space. Their journey led them to partner with St. Clare’s, who helped identify potential properties and navigate the path forward. That search culminated in the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre, a 6,500-square-foot, city-owned building at 877 Yonge Street. Designed by Hilditch Architects, this flexible venue was imagined as a shared space for rehearsal, performance, and deep community connection. The partners faced complex funding processes, bureaucratic hurdles, and unexpected delays. Download the full case study for a behind-the-scenes look at the financing strategies, partnerships, and development process that brought the Nancy & Ed Jackman Performance Centre to life.
Download the Case Study in French here /T é l é downloadez l’étude de cas en français ici
