SPRE for Arts Spaces is a 3-year project that provides arts organizations with skills development through training modules, case studies, and a Space Lab program. ArtsBuild Ontario will offer 8 expert-led training sessions on a variety of topics related to Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) for Arts Spaces. Topics will cover an introduction to social purpose real estate, ownership models, community relationships, business models, and more. Modules are designed for small and mid-size Canadian arts and culture organizations considering undertaking a social-purpose real estate project. While content will focus on Toronto and Ontario, participants across the country are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Learning Modules
SPRE 107: Indigenous Relationships to Land and Cultural Spaces | An Online Panel Discussion
September 15, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Register Here
- Facilitator: Christine Friday
- Panelists: Bonnie Couchie, Don Kavanaugh, David Maracle
Rather than focusing solely on property ownership, we will consider how land stewardship, reciprocity, relationship-building, and community wellbeing fit into creative space development.
Led by Christine Friday of Friday Creeations and joined by Don Kavanaugh, David Maracle, and Bonnie Couchie, we will explore how Western approaches to land and property can create displacement and disconnection, in both isolated and urban environments, and how Indigenous understandings of land offer alternative ways of creating spaces that support culture and community. Together, we will reflect on the connections between land, health, belonging, and sovereignty, and consider how Indigenous ways of knowing can help guide more sustainable and community-minded approaches to social purpose real estate.
Participants will be encouraged to think critically beyond policy and integrate protocol understanding traditional territories – origins of truth that connect to the spirit of the land, while securing long-term creative space, and consider how Indigenous perspectives can influence the future of social purpose real estate.
SPRE 108: Accessibility as a Core Design and Governance Principle | Online, panel discussion
October 6, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Register Here
- Facilitator: Sean Lee
- Panelists: Luke Anderson, Eliza Chandler, Yvonne Felix
Led by Sean Lee, this session will draw on the experiences of Luke Anderson, Eliza Chandler, and Yvonne Felix, who have influenced the fields of design, disability advocacy, arts practice, and the built environment. Each panelist brings a unique perspective on access and disability culture, while sharing a commitment to embedding access into the decisions and relationships that shape how a space is imagined and experienced by the communities they serve.
Together, they will explore practical approaches to embedding accessibility into governance, planning, design and day-to-day operations. Participants come away with concrete ideas for applying these principles within their own organizations–not as an add-on, but as something that shapes the decisions, relationships, and structures that define a space.
The event will be supported through ASL interpreters.
SPRE 109: Government and Advocacy within Social Purpose Real Estate | Online, panel discussion
November 3, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Register Here
- Facilitator: Kendra Fry
- Panelists: David Maggs, Janis Bomberry, Patti Pon
Join Kendra Fry and panelists David Maggs, Janis Bomberry, and Patti Pon for a practical conversation on advancing cultural infrastructure and creating sustainable spaces for arts and culture. Together, they will examine how arts leaders can strengthen their advocacy at the municipal and provincial levels and make the case for cultural spaces as essential public infrastructure.
The discussion will explore strategies for building meaningful partnerships across sectors, connecting arts and cultural priorities with broader community goals, and identifying opportunities within current planning and policy environments. Participants will gain practical insights into how they can position their organizations and spaces within larger conversations about community development, infrastructure, and public investment.
Whether you are navigating a current space challenge or looking to build a stronger case for future investment, this session will offer tools and perspectives to help move cultural space priorities forward.
SPRE 110: The Future of SPRE: What’s Next? | In-Person panel discussion | 163 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
- Facilitator: Kendra Fry
- Panelists: Denise Bolduc, Tonya Surman, Matti Siemiatycki
What could the future of cultural space look like? This forward-thinking panel invites participants to explore new possibilities for how creative spaces are owned, stewarded, developed, and shared. The conversation will challenge conventional approaches to cultural infrastructure while considering how equity, collaboration, and community needs can shape more responsive models.
Led by Kendra Fry, Denise Boulduc, Matti Siemiatycki, and Tonya Surman will cover emerging approaches to ownership and stewardship, the role of cross-sector partnerships, and opportunities to rethink how cultural spaces are created and sustained. Together, they will consider what it takes to move beyond traditional models and imagine infrastructure that is more equitable, adaptable, and community-focused.
Participants will leave with new perspectives and bold ideas for shaping the future of creative spaces, along with a deeper understanding of the collective actions and partnerships needed to build the next generation of cultural infrastructure
Previous Modules
SPRE 106: Unlocking Cultural Space: Planning & Development Resources and Strategies
Date: February 10, 2026 @12-1:30PM EST
Join us for the sixth module in the SPRE training series, designed for arts organizations, cultural leaders, and developers who are new to planning and development in Ontario.
Led by Erika Hennebury and Dan Godin, Senior Cultural Affairs Officers with the City of Toronto, this session uses real-life case studies to explore the work of Toronto’s Office for Cultural Space. You’ll learn how the planning and development system works in Ontario and Toronto, discover planning tools that support cultural spaces, and gain insights into what makes cultural space developments successful.
What you will learn:
- How the planning and development system works in Ontario and Toronto
- How to identify, access, and apply for City-owned or below-market spaces
- How to apply this knowledge across other municipalities
- Approaches to building partnerships and leveraging municipal development tools
- Insights from Toronto case studies on how cultural spaces were developed and what made them successful
English slides here. French slides here. Webinar recording here. Access ABO’S Opening and Acknowledgements in English and French
SPRE 105: Funding Artist-Oriented Spaces: A Community-Centric Approach
Date: January 20, 2026 @12-1:30 PM EST
In SPRE 105, fundraising expert Nevine Sedki (from Further Together) will break down how using a Community-Centric Fundraising approach can help you fund your space without treating community needs like an afterthought.
Grounded in community-informed research, we will discuss building fundraising strategies that focus on equity, access, and community – so your org can stay strong and make a better case for support. Whether you’re renting space or managing your own venue, you’ll leave with real tools to center community and keep artists’ needs front and center.
SPRE 104: Business Modelling for Social Purpose Real Estate Development
Date: June 3, 2025 @ 12-1:30 PM EST
This high-impact 1.5-hour SPRE webinar is designed for arts and culture organizations navigating the complex world of real estate development and financial planning. In Business Modelling for Social Purpose Real Estate Development, Reid Henry explores a holistic planning framework that enables organizations to more strategically align their mission, capacity, and capital requirements for successful development projects. Through discussing cSPACE over its planning, development, and launch period as a case study, Reid demonstrates how the interdependence of a project’s vision, operational feasibility, and financial viability comes to life on the ground.
This session goes beyond the numbers to show how community trust, local market knowledge, and key stakeholder relationships directly impact funding strategies, risk-taking, and case-making. Learn how to shape and communicate a strong value proposition; build credibility and capacity with partners; and generate momentum through the complex ‘arc’ of development. Whether you’re launching your first project or refining an existing plan, you’ll leave with actionable insights and a stronger sense of how place shapes possibility.
English slides here . French slides here . Webinar recording here .
SPRE 103: Cultural Land Trusts
Date: April 3, 2025 @ 12-1:30 PM EST
Community land trusts (CLTs) are more widely recognized for affordable housing, however cultural land trusts offer unique opportunities for the arts and culture sector. But what exactly are cultural land trusts, and what solutions might they offer to preserve and nurture cultural spaces?
Building on the foundational concepts explored in SPRE 102: Owning, Renting, and Community Land Trusts, this comprehensive webinar delves into the emerging model of cultural land trusts. Participants will gain valuable insights from key experts and leaders, including representatives from Community and Cultural Spaces Trust (CCST) (Toronto), Toronto Chinatown Land Trust , and the Artist Space Trust (California).
Through this engaging session, cultural land trust advocates will share their experiences in founding and developing cultural land trusts, with a focus on the critical aspects of community engagement and long-term sustainability. A moderated Q&A session, led by Erika Hennebury, Senior Cultural Affairs Officer, City of Toronto , will provide further opportunities for dialogue and learning. Whether you’re an advocate for preserving cultural spaces or a community leader exploring land acquisition models to empower your community, this webinar will equip you with essential tools for safeguarding cultural landscapes through the cultural land trust model.
- Access Toronto Chinatown Land Trust’s presentation in English and French .
- Access Artist Space Trust’s presentation in English and French .
- Access CCST’s presentation in English and French .
- Recording here .
- Access ABO’S Opening and Acknowledgements in English and French.
SPRE 102: Owning, Renting & Community Land Trusts
Date: February 18, 2025 @ 12-1:30 PM EST
Which Path Best Aligns with Your Creative Vision, Financial Strategy, and Community Impact? Join us on Tuesday, February 18th from 12-1:30 PM on Zoom for “SPRE 102: Owning, Renting & Community Land Trusts”.
The second module in ArtsBuild Ontario’s SPRE for Arts Spaces series, this dynamic 1.5-hour webinar will dive into the critical considerations for Ontario-based arts and culture organizations looking to navigate their options for space acquisition. Whether you’re exploring owning, renting, or leveraging community land trusts, this module will equip you with the knowledge to make informed, strategic decisions.
Rodney Wilts from Theia Partners will lead a deep dive into the nuances of ownership and leasing, including exploring powerful partnerships with developers, ensuring value alignment, and unlocking the right financing models for your organizational needs. Afterward, Jane O-Brien Davis from the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts (CNCLT) will guide you through the innovative world of community land trusts, offering insight into creative financing solutions such as planning for repayment, community bonds, and essential risk mitigation strategies. The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A.
Access Rodney’s presentation in English and French . Access Jane’s presentation in English and French . Recording here .
SPRE 101: Understanding Social Purpose Real Estate for Arts Spaces
Date: December 11, 2024
As important social infrastructure like community art spaces and venues become increasingly difficult to develop across Canada, we need greater capacity in the sector to make more arts-focused social purpose real estate projects possible. By explaining key SPRE concepts – including concept visioning, planning approvals, business and financial modeling, and site acquisition, this webinar will provide arts organizations with the introductory knowledge needed to engage in conversations about SPRE and to start thinking about their own projects.
English slides here . French slides here . Webinar recording here .
Questions? Email programs@artsbuildontario.ca
This project is made possible with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
