Art Starts’ cover photo
Art Starts

Art Starts

Non-profit Organizations

Toronto, ON 881 followers

We use art to encourage social change in Toronto's underserved communities.

About us

Art Starts works in five underserved Toronto neighbourhoods and city-wide. We bring together professional artists ̶ dancers, musicians, visual artists, actors and playwrights ̶ with residents of all ages. Together we create accessible and dynamic art projects that reflect the identities and aspirations of each community. We provide a gateway to post-secondary education and employment through training, portfolio development, and networking opportunities. We nurture local talent and mentor emerging artists. Through the arts we work with Toronto communities to engage residents, nurture resiliency and inspire personal growth. We ask - We Listen - We Create - Together.

Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Toronto, ON
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1992
Specialties
Arts, Community Development, Mentorship, Leadership, Capacity Building, Community Arts, and Internships

Locations

  • Primary

    3401 Dufferin St - Lower Level

    P.O. Box #38

    Toronto, ON M6A 2T9, CA

    Get directions

Employees at Art Starts

Updates

  • Our revitalized community hub at Yorkdale Mall is now a vibrant space designed for programs, workshops, and collaborations that inspire creativity and connection. Interested in using the space or exploring partnership opportunities? Visit artstartsto.com/space to learn more and get in touch with us today! #CreativeSpaces #TorontoArts #ArtStarts #CommunityBuilding

    View profile for Spencer Phillips

    Executive Director | Impacting Change through Arts & Culture

    This year - my first as Executive Director at Art Starts, one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on has been the renovation and revitalization of our community hub at Yorkdale Mall. This City-owned space, operated by Art Starts, has been transformed into a vibrant centre for creativity, connection, and collaboration. With a gallery, studio, and gathering space, it’s designed to inspire and empower artists, community groups, and creatives of all kinds. In a city where creative spaces are becoming harder to find, projects like this remind me how vital it is to maximize the potential of the spaces we still have. Recent closures of creative hubs in Toronto have underscored just how precarious access to these spaces can be, and I’ve felt this impact personally and professionally. I’m encouraged by the City of Toronto’s cultural plan (Culture Connects), which takes an important step toward addressing the shortage of creative spaces. These efforts are essential to ensuring the arts continue to flourish in our city. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our partners and funders, including Canada Life, EQ Bank | Equitable Bank, Delta Bingo St. Clair (Ontario Charitable Gaming Association), United Way Greater Toronto Way of Greater Toronto, Toronto Prep School, and The Home Depot. A huge thank you to our incredible team at Art Starts, whose hard work and dedication have brought this space to life. While we’re excited to launch a formal space rental program early next year, we’re actively looking to collaborate with those in need of space right now. If you or your organization is looking for a place to bring your creative ideas to life, I’d love to connect. Let’s work together to make the most of what’s available and keep Toronto’s creative spirit thriving. Feel free to message me to explore possibilities—I’m excited to see what we can create together. https://lnkd.in/g3TsYrxX

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