Mayors' Task Force Releases Report on Arts and Theatres

"The Mayor's Task Force process is a good example of how bringing all the partners and stakeholders together can lead to innovative and creative ideas," said Councillor Gary Crawford. "Cultural facilities benefit everyone; they are as important to the City's well-being as are libraries, parks and recreation facilities, arenas, pools and community centres." Virtually all municipalities have performing arts centres run with some form of government assistance to showcase not-for-profit performing arts organizations. We want to ensure that support for not-for-profit theatre continues in Toronto while exploring opportunities to improve the financial performance of our theatres," he added.

The Task Force assembled a Theatre Panel, comprised of citizens knowledgeable in arts governance and management, including artistic producers and former board members of these performing arts centres and tenant organizations. In the Terms of Reference, the Task Force was given as its objective:

"To help determine the future of City-owned theatres and the City's role in supporting them."

Members of the Mayor's Task Force are Councillor Gary Crawford (Chair), Ms. Susan Crocker, Dr. Jim Fleck, Mr. Robert Foster and Mr. Chris Lorway. Members of the Theatre Panel are Mr. John McKellar, Mr. Don Shipley and Mr. Peter Steinmetz. "As Chair, I would like to thank the Mayor's Task Force and the Theatre Panel for the extraordinary generosity of their time and talents; the executive staff of all three performing arts centres for their expertise; the many stakeholders and members of the public who attended meetings and made written submissions to share their insights and perspectives; and City staff who served to facilitate the process," said Councillor Gary Crawford.

Each of the three performing arts centres have different operational models, existing legal and contract complications, and therefore represent different opportunities. Since City officials are already charged with preparing documentation for the potential disposition of these three performing arts centres, it is our opinion that the City is best served by attracting the widest range of interest by issuing three separate Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI), one for each centre. Different assessment criteria should be applied to each performing arts centre, taking into consideration their community purpose and function. Subsequent recommendations are contingent upon the collection and evaluation of the Expressions of Interest for each performing arts centre.

Immediate Action

It is recommended that the City issue a REOI for each of the three City-owned theatres as follows:

1. Sony Centre for the Arts (Sony)

Explore the potential sale, long-term lease, and/or financial management and accountability of the Sony. Preference will be given to expressions of interest that respect the building's heritage and its continued use as a performing arts venue.

2. St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (StLCA)

Explore the potential sale, long-term lease, and/or financial management and accountability of the StLCA ensuring the facility will continue its primary function, to serve as a reasonably priced venue for not-for-profit performing arts organizations in Toronto to present their work.

3. Toronto Centre for the Arts (TCA)

Explore the potential sale, long-term lease, and/or financial management and accountability of the TCA, providing that any ensuing management or ownership changes ensure community access to the George Weston Recital Hall and the Studio Theatre or equivalent facilities at reasonable rates.

Further recommendations are detailed in the attached report:

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Media contact:

Tina Ferreira, Executive Assistant
Office of Gary Crawford
Councillor, Ward 36
Scarborough Southwest
Tel: 416-392-4050
Email: tferreira@toronto.ca