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.
These webinars are free to attend. Registration is required and is first come first served. Module presentations will be available in English and French online after the modules.
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Previous Modules
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 .
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.
