An innovative project from Toronto non-profit
Artscape, could see a vacant Queen Street school transformed into a vibrant arts hub within the next two years. As reported by the
Toronto Star, Artscape recently purchased the Shaw Street School from the Toronto District School Board with the goal of creating "affordable non-residential condominiums and rental studios for arts groups".
"Our vision is to create a community arts hub, and we're hoping this has a strong educational focus," said Tim Jones, Artscape's president and CEO. To be called the Artscape Shaw Street Centre, the 70,000-square-foot building will be used to promote the arts and provide community programming with a focus on youth."
"I'm not in favour of selling off school lands, but this one is different," said Chris Bolton, Trustee for Ward 10. "In this one we're actually gaining by the sale, and it remains in the community. It's going to offer services to the community and will enhance (it)," said Bolton.
"It's expected the arts groups who buy condos or rent space will collaborate with neighbourhood schools.
The three-storey sandstone school on Shaw St., just north of Queen St., was closed years ago because of declining enrollment. "
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Toronto Star