New project aims to identify Northern Ontario creative spaces

ArtBuild Ontario and NORDIK Institute are collaborating on a Northern Ontario creative spaces map, and they're looking for input from organizations in Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Kenora and Wawa.

The Mapping Northern Creative Spaces project aims to provide insight into what is available in the region and identify any gaps in creative services.

The initial phase of the project involves community surveys. This will be followed by virtual community forums to discuss the findings and create an action plan.

Full text of a news release issued today follows:

Four Northern Ontario communities are working in partnership with ArtsBuild Ontario and NORDIK Institute to map their existing creative spaces, arts facilities, and plan for the future.

Kenora, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Wawa are key partners in the Mapping Northern Creative Spaces project. The project has the goal of providing a snapshot of the creative spaces in Northern Ontario – what exists, where there are gaps and needs, what are the concerns, ideas, and hopes for the future. Whether you are an artist with a private home studio, an arts collective leasing space in a commercial building, or something else entirely – the project wants to hear from you.

The first phase of the mapping will be done through online surveys in each of the communities, which are open until Oct. 18. Links to each community’s specific survey can be found here.

The second phase includes virtual community forums where the project partners will discuss the survey findings with each community and identify pathways forward. The resulting project report and associated material is intended to be an informational and statistical base for future projects, programs, and advocacy for all involved.

The Mapping Northern Creative Spaces project results will be available by spring 2021 on ArtsBuild Ontario’s website and through the project partners.

NORDIK Institute is an innovative community-based research hub affiliated with Algoma University that supports the region’s community economic development initiatives, and ArtsBuild Ontario is dedicated to realizing long-term solutions for building, managing and financing the sustainable arts facilities needed in Ontario communities.