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Ontario backs artists with $3-million gift
Ex-TTC space to house studios, apartments
JEFF GRAY
A project that is turning an old streetcar repair shop into affordable studio and living spaces for Toronto artists will get a $3-million boost from the province today.
Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco will announce the cash for the Wychwood Barns conversion project -- co-ordinated by the non-profit arts organization Artscape -- at a nearby public library this morning, sources say.
The planned $17.6-million retrofit will turn the old Toronto Transit Commission facility, near Christie Street and St. Clair Avenue, into the Green Arts Barns, with 26 live-work spaces for artists, art studios and an environmental greenhouse.
The provincial support for artists in Toronto comes amid increasing complaints that rising rents and property prices -- for which condominium development projects are often blamed -- are forcing artists out of once-affordable locations.
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This month, Mayor David Miller, local artists and activists condemned a decision by a provincial tribunal to approve a high-rise project on Queen Street West -- over objections from city planners and local residents.
The Ontario Municipal Board approved several residential towers (between 14 and 19 storeys) near Queen Street West and Dufferin Street, an area known for art galleries and low-rent studios.
Activists in the Queen West fight welcomed word that Queen's Park is helping to create affordable space for artists in the city with the Wychwood Barns project, but said they hoped the government would help them out, too.
Charles Campbell, a lawyer involved with Active 18, a group that was part of the fight against the Queen Street development, said government help is needed to preserve more space for artists in the area, which has suffered a "body blow." One warehouse slated for demolition, he said, now has 80 live-work studios.
"I'm glad they're supporting the Wychwood project," Mr. Campbell said, "but here's a neighbourhood that's losing its artistic heart. And some money would help us."
Michelle Gay, whose art includes drawings and large installations, said she and other west-end artists, dismayed by rising costs, have contemplated leaving Toronto for Hamilton.
"That was really depressing, actually," Ms. Gay said. ". . . How many times do we have to move to another community?"
She said she was pleased to hear of support for the Wychwood project, but said more needs to be done to keep artists in the city, particularly when the city is boosting various arts events.
"We had the whole Live with Culture, the big Nuit Blanche. It seemed that the city officials, the elected officials, were really interested in what culture does for a city," she said.
"But that's presentation. Artists really need support living."
Ex-TTC space to house studios, apartments
JEFF GRAY
A project that is turning an old streetcar repair shop into affordable studio and living spaces for Toronto artists will get a $3-million boost from the province today.
Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco will announce the cash for the Wychwood Barns conversion project -- co-ordinated by the non-profit arts organization Artscape -- at a nearby public library this morning, sources say.
The planned $17.6-million retrofit will turn the old Toronto Transit Commission facility, near Christie Street and St. Clair Avenue, into the Green Arts Barns, with 26 live-work spaces for artists, art studios and an environmental greenhouse.
The provincial support for artists in Toronto comes amid increasing complaints that rising rents and property prices -- for which condominium development projects are often blamed -- are forcing artists out of once-affordable locations.
More National Stories
Are scientists evolving into climate crusaders?
A hard-working farmer with 'lots of friends'
B.C.'s brutal storms unearth a rocky treasure
Banff bound? Historic home could be yours for $10-million
Wary Tories launching TV ad blitz to rip Dion
'THAT MUSIC GOES STRAIGHT TO MY HEART'
Go to the National section
This month, Mayor David Miller, local artists and activists condemned a decision by a provincial tribunal to approve a high-rise project on Queen Street West -- over objections from city planners and local residents.
The Ontario Municipal Board approved several residential towers (between 14 and 19 storeys) near Queen Street West and Dufferin Street, an area known for art galleries and low-rent studios.
Activists in the Queen West fight welcomed word that Queen's Park is helping to create affordable space for artists in the city with the Wychwood Barns project, but said they hoped the government would help them out, too.
Charles Campbell, a lawyer involved with Active 18, a group that was part of the fight against the Queen Street development, said government help is needed to preserve more space for artists in the area, which has suffered a "body blow." One warehouse slated for demolition, he said, now has 80 live-work studios.
"I'm glad they're supporting the Wychwood project," Mr. Campbell said, "but here's a neighbourhood that's losing its artistic heart. And some money would help us."
Michelle Gay, whose art includes drawings and large installations, said she and other west-end artists, dismayed by rising costs, have contemplated leaving Toronto for Hamilton.
"That was really depressing, actually," Ms. Gay said. ". . . How many times do we have to move to another community?"
She said she was pleased to hear of support for the Wychwood project, but said more needs to be done to keep artists in the city, particularly when the city is boosting various arts events.
"We had the whole Live with Culture, the big Nuit Blanche. It seemed that the city officials, the elected officials, were really interested in what culture does for a city," she said.
"But that's presentation. Artists really need support living."