Why Not Theatre Relaunches Space Project
January 20, 2025 – Toronto, ON
Why Not Theatre is pleased to announce the next phase of its Space Project – an initiative that facilitates greater access to space for artists who need it most by activating underutilized temporary and meanwhile spaces in the real estate market.
In previous iterations, Why Not focused primarily on the needs of performing arts practitioners within Toronto, however, this year’s pilot welcomes artists from all disciplines residing in cities across Canada.
In collaboration with Lead Researcher Mass Culture and seven Project Partners – Aluna Theatre (Toronto), ArtsBuild Ontario (Kitchener), Capsules Artist Resources Inc. (Toronto), Common Ground Arts Society (Edmonton), On Cue Performance Hub Inc. (Regina), SURmUN (Hamilton), and Terrarium Studio (Toronto) – Why Not will explore the impact of providing free space on artists and their communities. A particular focus will be placed on the benefits of dismantling barriers to space for equity-seeking communities, including racialized, Queer, Deaf, and disabled artists.
Over the course of one year, participating artists will share their experiences with accessing fully-subsidized space through a series of questionnaires and surveys. This research will then be compiled into a final report to share with stakeholders and funders.
Through this research, the project aims to put more money in the pockets of independent artists, activate underutilized urban spaces, increase the number of arts development spaces in participating cities, shift the paradigm from permanent space to temporary spaces for artists, and ultimately enable government funders to better support independent artists in a meaningful way.
“Artists are among the working poor in cities across Canada,” remarked Why Not Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Ravi Jain. “Every year more and more artists are being driven out due to the rising cost of living. Yet their contributions to urban space are vital. Artists reignite neighbourhoods, boost economic growth, and make cities a more communal and livable place. As we continue to grow and develop cities like Toronto or Edmonton, we are starving out the very people who make these cities great. Why Not wants to find ways to change that; to value these artists by finding cheaper, more innovative, and more sustainable ways to support them. Giving artists access to free creative space is one way to do that.”
“The Space Project exemplifies how arts and business can unite to create transformative opportunities for artists and communities alike,” commented Mass Culture’s Robin Sokoloski. “Why Not Theatre’s innovative approach not only addresses the urgent need for accessible creative spaces but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing artistic growth. At Mass Culture, we’re proud to contribute through research and evaluation, ensuring the impact of this community-driven initiative is well-documented, understood, and inspires others across the country.”
Why Not’s Space Project was featured in The Globe and Mail on January 18th, 2025. Click here to read Josh O’Kane’s story.
Space Project has been generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and Metcalf Foundation.
For more information about the project, visit: https://whynot.theatre/work/space-project/
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Mary Anderson
Space Project Lead Producer
[email protected]
About Why Not Theatre:
Founded in 2007, Why Not Theatre is a Toronto-based theatre company with an international scope. Dedicated to rethinking how stories are told and who gets to tell them, Why Not has established a reputation for inventive and cross-cultural collaborations. Over 16 years, Why Not has developed 55 new works, which have toured to over 40 cities and 81 stops, including the world-wide hit A Brimful of Asha, performed more than 300 times globally, and the critically-acclaimed Mahabharata. The company is led by Co-Artistic Directors Miriam Fernandes and Ravi Jain and Executive Director Karen Tisch.
2024-2025 Project Partners
Aluna Theatre (Toronto, ON)
ArtsBuild Ontario (Waterloo, ON)
Capsules Artist Resources Inc. (Toronto, ON)
Common Ground Arts Society (Edmonton, AB)
Mass Culture (Toronto, ON)
On Cue Performance Hub, Inc. (Regina, SK)
SURmUN (Hamilton, ON)
Terrarium Studio (Toronto, ON)
