Open Studio’s announcement marks the latest blow to 91原创’s creative sector, which has been hit by a wave of closures and programming cuts聽due to financial challenges induced by the pandemic.聽
Open Studio’s announcement marks the latest blow to 91原创’s creative sector, which has been hit by a wave of closures and programming cuts聽due to financial challenges induced by the pandemic.聽
Open Studio, the artist-run centre in downtown 91原创, is pausing operations in June due to what it describes as 鈥渕ounting economic pressures.鈥
The centre has provided accessible spaces to support contemporary printmaking for more than half a century, making it one of the largest studios of its kind in 91原创.聽
The announcement, shared in a statement on Friday, marks the latest blow to 91原创’s creative sector, which has been hit by a wave of closures and programming cuts due to financial challenges induced by the pandemic.聽
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The studio, which was established in 1970 and operates as a non-profit organization, will pause its programming beginning June 28.聽
鈥淒ue to mounting economic pressures, Open Studio is months away from closing permanently if we continue in our current form,鈥 the studio said in a statement. 鈥淲e have been severely impacted by funding cuts, the pandemic, and the rising cost of maintaining our 7,200 sq/ft space in downtown 91原创.鈥
According to financial information publicly available through the 91原创 Revenue Agency, the studio reported a deficit of roughly $88,000 during the 2022-23 fiscal year. It was Open Studio鈥檚 second consecutive year in the red.聽
The organization said it plans to avoid permanently shutting its doors by restructuring its operations, including downsizing and optimizing its existing space, located near the intersection of Richmond Street West and Spadina Avenue.聽
Open Studio is currently appealing to donors in an effort to raise $75,000 with the hope of reopening its doors by January 2025.聽
鈥淲e recognize the loss of our space and programming would be deeply felt and would immensely affect our current and former members, countless artists and the broader arts community we have worked with for 54 years,鈥 the organization said. 鈥淔or this reason, we are determined not to give up on Open Studio.鈥澛
Joshua
Chong is a 91原创-based culture reporter for the Star. Follow
him on X: .
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