The Need for Arts Space.

A devastating blow to the Toronto arts community happened in October 2021 when seventy arts organizations received notice that they have to vacate their space.

Artscape Distillery Studios is the name of the building housing the arts organizations who have been there for twenty years. The Studio includes many famous groups including Nightwood Theatre and Tapestry Opera and others who have won awards and created groundbreaking arts pieces.

“Without the unique presence of artists, the Distillery will become all sheen, no substance,” said Andrea Donaldson, Nightwood Theatre’s Artistic Director, in a press release. “While we are powerless in this situation, we hope that this gross example of cultural extraction offers a cautionary tale and that Torontonians will begin to assert their will against the decimation of cultural presence, rendering the city we love inhospitable. A change in city policy may be the only thing that can truly address the challenges for a sustainable arts scene in Toronto.”

The artistic spaces in the Distillery are run by Artscape, which has been finding and managing space for artists in the city for more than 30 years, and opened in May, 2003 in the former sites of The Case Goods Warehouse (built 1928) and the Cannery Building. There are 10 retail studios, 20 office spaces, three rehearsal/performance spaces, and 27 artist work studios (60 overall), according to information on the Artscape website.

There has been a long-time need for space for artists and artistic companies. The governments at all three levels do not have a policy that provides proper space for the arts even though all the politicians give lip service saying how much they value the arts.

“We had faith, given the vital impact we have on the culture of the Distillery District, that the arts would continue to have a home here,” Michael Mori, Tapestry Opera’s Artistic and General Director, said. “In addressing this reality, we are faced with finding a new venue in a city that has already seen numerous small venues and venue operators closed down, threatening the survival of independent dance, theatre, music, and opera. We’re heartbroken that the loss of yet another art space in Toronto will impact the many artists and arts organizations who rely on our affordable space to create. We’re also distressed at having to interrupt our organizations’ seasons at this key time of returning to live productions after almost two years of COVID-19.” 

Spadina-Fort York Councillor Joe Cressy said in a comment to the Toronto Star, “Arts and culture are not a ‘nice to have’ in our city. Rather, they are central to the liveability and dynamism that makes cities great.”

For the society to function well and the people’s needs be served well the arts have to be a part of that functioning. It is incumbent on the state to provide financial and material support for Canadian artists.