Artscape is a not-for-profit organization that
makes space for creativity and transforms communities.
Artscape is a not-for-profit organization that
makes space for creativity and transforms communities.
The following questions and answers are generated at the REOI information sessions.
Where will the CCSE will be located?
A – We are currently investigating a number of sites, but expect it to be in a central downtown location with a strong creative and cultural sector identity.
When will the building open?
A – We are anticipating a 2015 opening date.
Do you have a design for the building?
A – We have been working on initial designs with Architects Alliance, but it was for a specific site. The final design will be subject to the final site and building program.
Will there be live/work space in the building?
A – We have not conceived of this project as including live/work space at this stage, but that may change as the project develops and the site is finalized.
Are there any options to purchase?
A – Possibly. We are exploring a range of rental and ownership options.
What is the deadline for a commitment to renting/buying space in the CCSE?
A – It is too early to say at the moment.
What range of size will the private spaces be?
A – How much space do you need? How much space will you need in 2015?
What level of design freedom do participants have in creating their workspace?
A – We’d like to hear more about that through the REOI process. Normally our spaces come pretty raw, to keep costs down, and tenants can fit them out as they wish.
How much space will go toward the Launchpad?
A – We are starting with 40,000 sq ft but that might change as we go through the Charette and business planning process.
My interest lies in the incubator space. Will you act as a facilitator to bring complimentary people and/or groups together or do you expect a comprehensive proposal from one group?
A – We are seeking interest from a number of independent incubators interested in being housed in the centre and in the collaborative opportunities this might offer them. We are not seeking a single proposal for the whole project from a single group.
Would Artscape would be running the programs in the building, or would other organizations?
A – Sector organizations, cross-sector organizations and post-secondary institutions would be sharing in developing the program.
What about space and technical facilities that could allow people to deliver programming across the province and beyond?
A – If you would require video conferencing or other facilities, please indicate this in your response to the REOI.
What kind of businesses would be located in the commercial portion of the building? Are there restrictions?
A – It depends on the location of the development, the development partner’s needs, etc., but might include some office, some retail, restaurants, and bars.
How much consideration will be paid to liveability? For example, will there be amenities like the cooperative daycare at 401 Richmond?
A – It’s possible that there could be a daycare, but we don't know at this point.
What do you mean by “subsector-based incubators”?
A – Incubators that focus on a particular discipline or area of practice, e.g., the Toronto Fashion Incubator.
“Creative” is a broad term. Might you lose synergies by grouping so many sectors together, and might you gain from clustering similar disciplines together?
A – This is something that will become more clear from the REOI process. REOI responses will likely create some more definite parameters.
Are you looking for Federal and Provincial funding and support?
A – Yes indeed! We have experience working with Federal and Provincial funding programs to develop projects.
Will all tenants be not-for-profit?
A – No, but there will be varying degrees of below-market leasing depending on whether or not you’re a not-for-profit. We are interested in hearing from commercial organizations about how they might contribute to the project vision as tenants, for example.
Is this your first new build facility?
A – No, Regent Park Arts and Cultural Centre is currently in development.
Is a new build project more difficult to get off the ground because of the current financial difficulties? More so than with an adaptive reuse project?
A – Yes and no. You face different challenges in both scenarios.
Is there a concern that the money will run out after a few years?
A – Our projects are designed to be self-sustaining after they are built.
