REQUEST FORPROPOSALS

OCCUPANTS &PROGRAM PARTNERS

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: July 19, 2017 5:00 pm

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1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSArtscape is currently seeking proposals from non-profit arts or cultural organizations or artists collectives/groups to become occupants and program partners in the Artscape Hub at Weston Common (The Artscape Hub). A central component of the Hub is two programming spaces: Studio 1 (1,351 sq. ft.) and Studio 2 (1,273 sq. ft.) that will be licensed on a multi-year basis at a deeply affordable rate as a basis for supporting arts and cultural opportunities in the Weston community and citywide. Proponents may submit proposals for Studio 1, Studio 2 or both studios. Details can be found starting on page 6. Proponents must be based in the space. Occupancy is expected for Fall 2018. Artscape will be accepting proposals until Wednesday, July 19th by 5:00 PM. Two Information Sessions will be held on Monday, July 10th.

The Artscape Hub at Weston Common will transform ground floor space in the podium of an existing high-rise apartment building, located just east of Weston Road between King and John Streets, north of Lawrence Avenue West. The project also includes the redevelopment of a surplus parking lot as public outdoor programming space. The Artscape Hub is part of a larger development by The Rockport Group, which will also see the addition of approximately 350 new rental homes to the site – together these new series of spaces will be called Weston Common. Weston Common was recently named Best New Community (Planned/in Development) at the 2017 annual BILD Awards.

The Artscape Hub at Weston Common will provide a place for the Weston community to gather, create, learn and celebrate – a dynamic place that will become the heartbeat of the community. The Hub will cluster creative people and organizations together in a facility which serves the community’s needs and aspirations, building on the rich culture that already exists in Weston to enhance neighbourhood revitalization and build community. The Artscape Hub is an exciting component of a major redevelopment that is central to plans for Weston’s long-term renewal. This community cultural hub project will leverage the power of arts and culture to support and catalyze social, cultural and economic revitalization.

The inaugural moment of shovels hitting the ground, hard-hatted Mayor Tory surrounded by project partners and community representatives at the Weston Common groundbreaking in 2016. Photo: Mauricio Calero

2 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

The Artscape Hub at Weston Common will consist of:

• An indoor programming space of approximately 8,200 square feet that will be operated by Artscape. The community cultural hub’s indoor spaces will provide a venue for public arts programming and space for non-profit arts and cultural organizations. The indoor programming space will include:o Two programming spaces (1,351 and 1,273 sq. ft.) for arts or cultural non-profit organizations or artists

collectives/groupso A multi-use fully-equipped performance & event space (1,820 sq. ft.) to provide a flexible, high quality

space for a wide variety of programming such as community festivals, cultural events, performances and art exhibitions

o A flexible studio space (785 sq. ft.) that will provide affordable access for creative and community use such as workshops, exhibitions, youth programs, auditions and events

o Supportive spaces including a community gallery/lobby(582 sq. ft.), a 10-person meeting room (225 sq. ft.), a green room (173 sq. ft.) and a shared kitchen (143 sq. ft.)

• An adjacent outdoor programming space of about 12,400 square feet that will be programmed by Artscape as well as its occupants and program partners. It will serve as a community gathering place, including for the organizers of the Weston Farmers’ Market and other groups planning community events/uses

• 26 affordable housing units for artist-led families, managed by Artscape

This Request for Proposals focuses on the first component of the Artscape Hub: two programming studios in the indoor programming space. Tenanting of the 26 affordable housing units for artists will be completed through a separate process, later in 2017.

Artscape will be the operator of the Artscape Hub. Project Partners for the Artscape Hub are The Rockport Group and the City of Toronto’s Affordable Housing Office. The Artscape Hub website is at artscapeweston.ca. A gallery of images can be found at: https://artscapeweston.ca/more-info/gallery/.

OPERATING MODELThe budget for the Artscape Hub is built on a social enterprise model and ongoing operations will not be City-funded. Artscape is fundraising to create a Hub Sustainability Fund that will support success to space and programming, thereby making the Artscape Hub a cultural resource for all community members. Artscape’s social enterprise model includes generating revenue from venue rentals to further enhance access to the spaces and activities of the Hub.

3 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

COMMUNITYLocated in Toronto’s northwest, near Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West, the Artscape Hub will serve the communities of Weston and Mount Dennis, as well as the larger district of York South-Weston. The Weston neighbourhood, where the Artscape Hub will be located, is a community of close to 20,000 people. Weston has a rich history, dating back over 200 years, and historic Weston Village remains at the heart of the community. The neighbourhood is also well-connected, served by several TTC bus routes, the Weston GO Station and a stop for the Union Pearson Express.

The Weston community is socially and culturally diverse, and has been a receiving and settling area for immigrants from across the globe. It is a community with many young people – there are close to 3,200 children and 2,400 youth living here. Weston has also been identified by the City of Toronto as a Neighbourhood Improvement Area, where many residents face inequities in terms of access and opportunity, and local vulnerable populations include single parent families, seniors 65+ and living alone, and households on social assistance.

The Weston community possesses a strong sense of identity and pride, and seeks opportunity and revitalization. The community desires more access to spaces that can house events, performances, exhibitions, classes, art studios and more. By attracting and anchoring a critical mass of creative people, organizations and activity, the Artscape Hub will play an important role in fostering positive change in the Weston community as it grows and transforms.

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4 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

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UP EXPRESS ROUTEUnion to Weston:

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Artscape Hub at Weston Common Walk Score

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The images on these pages illustrate some of the organizational and community assets near the location of the Artscape Hub, as well as transit, biking and walk scores.

5 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

PROJECT VISIONThe Artscape Hub at Weston Common will provide a place for the Weston community to gather, create, learn and celebrate – a dynamic place that will become the heartbeat of the community. The Hub will cluster creative people and organizations together in a facility which serves the community’s needs and aspirations, building on the rich culture that already exists in Weston to enhance neighbourhood revitalization and build community.

First and foremost the Artscape Hub will be a community space, accessible to a wide audience by offering sliding scale rates that will enable Weston residents to access the public event space at minimal or no cost.

Artscape has been developing the Artscape Hub’s vision in response to the needs, dreams and aspirations of Weston’s community stakeholders since the vision for a community cultural hub took root in 2010.

COMMUNITY'S VISION The community’s Vision for the Artscape Hub at Weston Common is listed below and should inform your submission:

• a gathering place that welcomes and is open to the whole of this community

• a platform for creative talent and participation, a supportive home for creative people and organizations and a place that celebrates and reflects this diverse community’s histories, cultures and traditions

• a vibrant creative community that stimulates economic revitalization and builds community pride and confidence

6 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

CommunityGallery & Lobby18'-6" x 29'-6"

582 sq. ft.

Jan.A/V

Room

Bar

Storage

Corridor

Fully-equippedPerformance &

Event Space60'-3" x 29'1,820 sq. ft.

Studio 228'x 42'-6"1,273 sq. ft.

Garbage Room

Storage

Studio 130'-6"x 42'-6"

1,351 sq. ft.FlexibleStudioSpace

18'-9" x 38'785 sq. ft.

Artscape Hub atWeston Common

GreenRoom

10'-9" x 14'173 sq. ft.

Women’sWashroom

Men’sWashroom

ArtscapeOffice

142 sq. ft.

SharedKitchen143 sq. ft.

Mee�ng Room18'-6" x 12'-9"

225 sq. ft.

Washroom

SPACES, USES AND FEATURESArtscape is seeking partners to 1) occupy Studio 1 and/or Studio 2 through a license or lease as yet to be determined and 2) support community access and community cultural animation of the full range of Hub resources.

Selected proponents will also work with Artscape to facilitate activities in the the 1,820 sq. ft. fully-equipped performance & event space, which can be sub-divided into two separate spaces (equipped with AV technology, lighting grid, a flexible stage configuration and seating); outdoor programming space; green room; two flexible studio spaces available for hourly, short-term use; a 10-person meeting room; and a community gallery/lobby.

7 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

STUDIO 1• AREA: 1,351 square feet on the ground floor (see floorplan on previous page)• LAYOUT: Open layout studio space. Any alterations are at the tenant’s expense• CEILING: Open ceiling with white vinyl face insulation• ROOM HEIGHT: Approximate ceiling height is ± 4.50m• WINDOWS: Transparent glazed curtain wall (floor to ceiling, height approx. 4.50m) with intermittent

spandrel panels. Glazed panels can be covered with translucent folio for added privacy upon request• DEMISING WALLS: 150mm drywall partition (floor to ceiling) with plywood back-up to allow for flexible

wall installations• FLOORING: Resilient flooring (linoleum)• KITCHENETTE: sink, ceramic tile backsplash, rough-in for dishwasher • HVAC: One fan coil unit provided per studio• ELECTRICAL: Outlets for general power provided as per building code. Emergency lighting/battery packs

provided as per building code• GENERAL LIGHTING: dimmable pendant lighting • COMMUNICATIONS: Phone and data outlets provided in studio• SECURITY: Card key/fob access provided to entrances to premises • COMMON AREAS: Full access to a shared kitchen and accessible washrooms

STUDIO 2• AREA: 1,273 square feet on the ground floor (see floorplan on previous page)• LAYOUT: Open layout studio space. Any alterations are at the tenant’s expense• CEILING: Open ceiling with white vinyl face insulation• ROOM HEIGHT: Approximate ceiling height is ± 4.50m• WINDOWS: Transparent glazed curtain wall (floor to ceiling, height approx. 4.50m) with intermittent

spandrel panels. Glazed panels can be covered with translucent folio for added privacy upon request• DEMISING WALLS: 150mm drywall partition (floor to ceiling) with plywood back-up to allow for flexible

wall installations• FLOORING: Resilient flooring (linoleum)• KITCHENETTE: sink, ceramic tile backsplash, rough-in for dishwasher • HVAC: One fan coil unit provided per studio• ELECTRICAL: Outlets for general power provided as per building code. Emergency lighting/battery packs

provided as per building code• GENERAL LIGHTING: dimmable pendant lighting • COMMUNICATIONS: Phone and data outlets provided in studio• SECURITY: Card key/fob access provided to entrances to premises• COMMON AREAS: Full access to a shared kitchen and accessible washrooms

8 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

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9 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

PROGRAMMING SPACE COSTSAs part of the 15-year operating strategy for the Artscape Hub at Weston Common, Artscape, with our partner The Rockport Group, is establishing a Hub Sustainability Fund. The Hub Sustainability Fund will support local arts and culture programming and build a thriving creative community in Weston by providing affordable access for community members and local organizations to the fully-equipped performance & event space; outdoor programming space; green room; two flexible studio spaces available for hourly, short-term use; a 10-person meeting room; and a community gallery/lobby.

The Hub Sustainability Fund is also enabling the project to offer the two studios at rates that are intended to sustain the spaces for arts and cultural programs while still covering a portion of the building operating costs and shared amenity areas, including access to the shared kitchen as well as circulation and washroom areas. To ensure development and continuity of arts and cultural activities, agreements will be structured on five-year terms. Base fees will be increased no more than 4.5% annually for the first five years, representing a commitment to deep affordability in order to support and sustain the partners in the tenanted spaces to achieve high-impact community programming.

Fees charged to the proponent will cover direct operable expenses related to the space including insurance, maintenance and utility costs. The Hub will be seeking a full property tax exemption on the basis of being a Municipal Capital Facility including the two programming spaces outlined in this Request for Proposals on the basis that they will operate for public and community arts uses. A final exemption would be issued after building opening so direct operable expenses in the first five years will include estimated amounts for property taxes. Selected proponents will pay for telecommunication and internet costs.

As part of the agreements, Artscape will provide the selected proponents with two free days of performance & event space use and will collaborate with them to provide programming in the community gallery/lobby as well as in the outdoor programming space.

Below is the estimated annual and monthly rates in year one. These estimates are modeled on a $1 per sq. ft. base rent, plus direct operating costs based on Artscape’s experience in its new buildings and incorporate the contribution of the Hub Sustainability Fund.

STUDIO 1 STUDIO 2Usable Square Feet ................................1,351

Total Estimated Monthly .....................$1,575

Total Estimated Annual ......................$18,900

Usable Square Feet ................................... 1,273

Total Estimated Monthly ........................ $1,485

Total Estimated Annual ......................... $17,800

10 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONProponents must be either 1) a non-profit arts or cultural organization or a non-profit organization with a strong arts and cultural program stream, or 2) an artists collective or group.

Proponents must be able to demonstrate that they can plan a substantial component of public programming in their space at Artscape Hub at Weston Common and that they will actively contribute to achieving the community’s vision for this facility.

Two information sessions will be held on Monday, July 10th, in the UrbanArts space at 19 John Street, directly across from the project site. The two sessions will be held at the following times:

Session #1. 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Session #2. 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

The information sessions will consist of:• A 30-minute presentation on the project context and the specific details of the two programming spaces

and the larger Hub facility• An opportunity to address questions regarding the Artscape Hub at Weston Common, the programming

spaces and the RFP process• A perimeter site tour (no boots or hard hats required)

To RSVP to attend an Information Session or to submit a proposal, please contact Georgia Cowan, Assistant Manager, Leasing & Tenant Services at gcowan@artscape.ca or 416-392-1038 x31.

All proposals should follow the questions as numbered below. If a collective is being proposed, please complete questions 1 - 6 for all group(s) or organization(s) and indicate a lead contact for the collaborative. The deadline for proposals is July 19, 2017 at 5:00 pm.

1. NAME OF COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION • Name and title of contact • Address, phone number, email • Number of years in operation • Names, emails and brief bios of primary staff and/or board members • Non-Profit Business Registration number • Brief narrative description of artistic practice

2. MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS • Please provide your group(s) or organization(s) mission statement, vision and goals

• Please highlight your objectives for the next 5 years with a focus on the quality and impact of your group(s) or organization(s)' programming

3. USE OF SPACE Please identify how you propose to use the space including regular staff or users, target participants, partners with whom you proposed to share the space or implement programs. Please indicate your preferred use of additional spaces at the Hub including the shared kitchen, meeting room, fully-equipped performance & event space; outdoor programming space; green room, flexible studio space and community gallery/lobby.

4. SPACE REQUIREMENTSPlease indicate if you have a preference for Studio (1) or (2). Please set out the modifications you are planning for the interior of the space and explain whether this be a primary location for the applicant or a satellite.

11 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON

5. ORGANIZATIONAL AND FINANCIAL CAPACITY Please provide financial statements for the past three years. Please also describe the experience your staff and/or board has had in marketing, revenue generation and fundraising over the past three years, including campaigns and events you have completed. Please also provide indication of insurance coverage.

6. COMMITMENT TO ARTSCAPE HUB AT WESTON COMMON’S VISION Please describe why you want to move to Artscape Hub at Weston Common and how your proposed use of the space will make a significant contribution towards achieving the community’s vision for this project.

Artscape is accepting proposals until July 19, 2017 at 5:00 pm. To RSVP to attend the Information Session or submit a proposal, please contact Georgia Cowan, Assistant Manager, Leasing & Tenant Services at gcowan@artscape.ca or 416-392-1038 x31.

7. SIGNATURE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO All proposal submissions from non-profit or charitable organizations must be signed by the Executive Director or CEO.

8. QUESTIONS Questions can be addressed to Georgia Cowan at gcowan@artscape.ca by Wednesday, July 5th, at 5:00 pm. Responses to questions received by this date, as well as to any questions raised at the information sessions, will be posted alongside the RFP information on the project website.

SUBMISSION REVIEW Following the deadline, Artscape will review all proposals in the context of the project vision and the potential for local impact:

VISION Is the submission consistent with the vision for the community cultural hub? • a gathering place that welcomes and is open to the whole of this community• a platform for creative talent and participation, a supportive home for creative people and organizations

and a place that celebrates and reflects this diverse community’s histories, cultures and traditions• a vibrant creative community that stimulates economic revitalization and builds community pride and

confidence

LOCAL IMPACT Does the submission respond to the social and cultural diversity of the community and the wider city in relation to its operations, program activities and approaches to community development/outreach? In particular, would the submission make a substantial contribution towards:

FEASIBILITY Does the proponent demonstrate a strong track record of program delivery, an ability to build and sustain the staffing and financial resources required, and accountable governance and systems for management and decisionmaking?

Artscape will reach out to all applicants with the results of the process by end of July 2017.