This building is where I share a painting studio with Claude. It's rented by Artscape and subsidised by the city through TEDCO(owners) to keep the rents affordable for Fine Artists. Many Musicians and Visual Artists work here during the day and evening. I get there when I can. Recent developments in the area like Liberty Village and the Toy Factory Lofts have driven property values up. TEDCO has granted Artscape $110,000 to keep the building operating as per usual, but signs of change are around. We met with Artscape in February to discuss possibilities. One scenario could see a new building with commercially viable interests coexsisting with the cultural, built on the adjacent parking lot. There would be a little British style lane running between the buildings; with little cafe's , art galleries and music stores. Mostly we just want assurance that we will continue to have affordable spaces to work in with Artscape. In the time being I keep working and keep watching for what will pan out.
3 comments:
what a great spot!!!
I love that picture. It's breathtaking. I can't believe they want to convert that into something else. The idea of art shops and cafes is a nice idea... if they keep it affordable.. what a great place to be. It's inspiring just looking at the picture... vines on the building are always impressive... gives it an old, important, mysterious and earthy feeling.
As weird Bob said, "Things have Changed". I see my old hood around Niagara and King scarred by the condo explosion. It used to be an excellent, if offbeat, community. The "Liberty Village" area, around your studio, is developing at a rapid-fire place. I can remember going for walks along the tracks by Irwin Toys, when nobody wanted that land.
'scarred', I don't agree. The increase in density is good. This change and renewal sustains the vitality of downtown neighbourhoods.
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