Incubation Projects

Our Incubation Projects have helped transform communities through the arts.

A photo of a woman dancing. Her back is to us and a crowd watches.

 

Beginning in 2011, Toronto Arts Foundation has successfully incubated two Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs) that are helping to transform their communities through the arts: East End Arts and North York Arts.
 

HISTORY

The idea for both East End Arts and North York Arts emerged from community consultations highlighting a lack of arts programming and awareness in the east end and North York, Toronto. City support followed from Recommendation 2.3 "Establish Local Arts Service Organizations in North York and East York" in the City of Toronto’s Creative Capital Gains: An Action Plan for Toronto, adopted by Council in 2011.  The Foundation, intent on enhancing arts access across the city, brought its resources to assist with the organizations’ development.
 

WHAT WE DO

Toronto Arts Foundation’s role in incubating East End Arts and North York Arts was to guide the organizations’ early development through to successful incorporation as independent charities. Specific support included strategic planning, financial management, bookkeeping, human resources, mentorship and accountability.    
 

WHY WE DO IT

We firmly believe that a strong arts presence builds healthy communities. This is what drives the work we do, including our incubation projects.

It’s no surprise that launching an arts organization from the ground up is hard work. From planning to financials, everything is at first a testing ground to see what works. With Toronto Arts Foundation’s support, these organizations were given time and flexibility to address legal, financial and governance requirements.  In the first crucial years they were able to put their full attention on programming, making local connections and meeting the needs of the communities they serve.
 

ABOUT EAST END ARTS

Created in 2013, East End Arts (EEA) is a Local Arts Service Organization that has a mandate to unite, inspire, and enhance the communities of east Toronto with the transformative power of the arts. It accomplishes this by:

  • Creating a network between artists and communities that allows for the exchange of ideas, energy, and resources;
  • Supporting local artists in their practice and projects;
  • Promoting engagement with the arts, as individuals and communities, as a means towards increased joy, vitality, and understanding;
  • Encouraging everyone to contribute to the evolving story of Toronto’s east end through artistic dialogue.

“Being incubated by Toronto Arts Foundation was a game changer. It allowed us to test new ideas, experiment, and yes, even fail while having the soft net of their leadership, advice and support. Being a part of  Toronto Arts Foundation allowed us to establish our organization from the ground up, giving us cache and trusted name recognition in the sector, while sending the message to the community that East End Arts is an important part of the milieu. Thanks to the Foundation we have found a permanent new home at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse, a refreshed brand, and a strategic roadmap to carry us forward as our own independent organization. Personally the firm but gentle hands of Claire, Susan and Jennifer allowed me to develop as a leader, make tough calls when needed, and stretch my wings with new partnerships and programs." Shana Hillman, Executive Director, East End Arts


Toronto Arts Foundation’s incubation of East End Arts (2013-2018) supported:

  • The creation of EEA’s mandate, vision, programming and goals in its 2018-2022 strategic plan;
  • Increased equitable access to the arts for the residents of east Toronto;
  • Increased public art throughout east Toronto;
  • More opportunities for Newcomer artists, seniors and those from low income/high density tower communities;
  • Civic engagement, community connecting and partnership development;
  • A stronger intersectionality of east Toronto businesses, arts groups and social service organizations;
  • Innovative leasing agreements between private developers, arts groups and artists;
  • A place at the table for Arts and Culture as part of the master planning processes for Danforth Avenue, East Harbour, The Portlands and the redevelopment of the Coxwell Danforth TTC Garages;
  • Enhanced overall community and city-building vision for Toronto.

Key stats from 2013 – 2018: 

  • 46,455 community members attended and participated in EEA programs, events and workshops;
  • 1,984 volunteer hours, from 288 volunteers contributed to EEA programs and initiatives;
  • 879 individuals served through arts education;
  • 398 artists and performers contracted to showcase their work at local community events;
  • 143 accessible programs, events and workshops produced;
  • 67 community partnerships developed;
  • 2 research projects conducted with EEA’s participation;
  • 1 new office and community programming hub established at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse.

 

ABOUT NORTH YORK ARTS

Created in 2011, North York Arts (NYA) is a Local Arts Service Organization that addresses the needs and interests of artists, arts organizations and residents based in North York. Its mission is to collaborate with artists, arts organizations, and partners to develop, strengthen, and promote cultural programming and initiatives for North York communities. It accomplishes this by:

  • Connecting the community to festivals, arts events and programs;
  • Offering marketing and promotion services for artists through artist profiles and event coverage in its e-newsletter and local media plus networking events, volunteer calls and space to support the North York’s arts community;
  • Producing outstanding professional development programs and workshop opportunities for artists and the community working with skill-based programming partners and facilitators;
  • Celebrating the rich diversity of arts events and talent in North York by working in partnership with artists, City Councillors, community events and arts organizations to highlight the arts outside the downtown core of Toronto.

“We are so grateful to Toronto Arts Foundation for their leadership and support during our incubation phase. Being a part of Toronto Arts Foundation allowed us to establish our organization from the ground up, foster new relationships with artists and arts organizations in North York and evolve as a champion and leader in the Toronto arts community.” - Lila Karim, Executive Director, North York Arts.


Toronto Arts Foundation’s incubation of North York Arts (2011-2016) supported:

  • The creation of NYA’s mandate, vision, programming and goals in its 2016-2020 strategic plan;
  • Increased equitable access to the arts for the residents of North York;
  • More opportunities for newcomer artists;
  • Civic engagement, community connecting and partnership development;
  • A stronger intersectionality of North York businesses, arts groups and social services organizations;
  • Enhanced overall community and city-building vision for Toronto.

Key stats from 2011 – 2016:

  • 140,021 Community members attended and participated in programs, events and workshops;
  • 5,849 Volunteer Hours;
  • 576 Volunteers;
  • 408 Artists and performers contracted to showcase their work at local community events;
  • 140 Partnerships developed;
  • 124 Programs, events and workshops produced;
  • 5 research projects conducted with NYA’s participation;
  • New office hub established at the Toronto Centre for the Arts in 2014.

 

WHAT IS A LOCAL ARTS SERVICE ORGANIZATION?

Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs) are a group of organizations funded in part by the City of Toronto to serve geographic areas outside the downtown core. LASOs provide inclusive and affordable opportunities for local residents, artists and arts organizations, promote inclusion and equity, support healthy social change, and help create arts audiences for the future. They are important building blocks for healthy and cohesive communities and serve as hubs for community arts programs. 

There are six LASOs in Toronto: Arts Etobicoke, East End Arts, Lakeshore Arts, North York Arts, Scarborough Arts, and UrbanArts. For more information about LASOs, visit the City of Toronto website.