c h apter 4 : the hunt: finding your ideal space
or condominium unit and using part of the space for your
out, and can be a great
work. Either way, be sure to familiarize yourself with the
resource.
zoning rules (see the section on Zoning below) so that you don’t run into trouble trying to use a space for something that is not permitted under residential zoning. For example, you may not be allowed sell your work out of a residentiallyzoned space, or offer music classes in a residential unit unless it is in a detached house.
Arts organizations are a good resource and many post ads for studio space (for sale or rent) on their websites. You can also visit the offices of arts organizations and buildings with a high number
D) FINDING SPACE ON YOUR OWN Once you have settled on the type of space you want and have identified a few neighbourhoods where you’d like to look, you have two options for finding your space. You can use the professional services of a realtor (also known as a real estate agent) or undertake the search on your own. Be prepared: finding space can be a long, laborious process filled with dead ends.
of artist tenants to look at
BIAs (Business Improvement Areas) can help you find space because they have an interest in filling vacant commercial space in their neighbourhoods.
bulletin boards and notices advertising space for sale, for rent or to share. As always, Artscape cautions you when reviewing and using certain websites, not to disclose personal information. These links are only provided as a convenience and they are not endorsed by Artscape and these websites are not controlled by us. We are not responsible for the contents of these linked sites, and we make no representation or warranty
“I found my studio space by walking around the neighbourhood I wanted and calling every number I saw on a “For Lease” sign on any building. I’d see a number on a building and call and ask if they had any smaller spaces. You can call any place – call the building manager if there’s a building you like. Be pro-active about it. They might have other spaces for rent besides the sign you see.” There are a number ways to search on your own. Walking through a desired neighbourhood and looking for ‘For Rent’ or ‘For Sale’ signs is the most straightforward . Taking advantage of arts contacts and word of mouth in the arts community can be helpful as well. You could put the word out through online social networks like Facebook or Twitter or post an ad on craigslist or kijiji. The best way to get a true feeling for any of these areas, however, is to walk the streets and talk to local realtors and businesspeople. Use the knowledge and expertise of area residents as you explore a neighbourhood to decide if it suits your needs. Don’t forget to use the services of local community groups, such as Business Improvement Areas or economic development agencies. Although their resources are limited to a designated area, they know that specific area inside
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regarding any linked site or the information, products or services appearing on them. Artscape is not responsible or liable in any way for the accuracy, relevancy, copyright compliance, legality, or decency of material contained in any site linked from this publication, but we provide these websites as suggested resources for you. Online and newspaper listings: \\ Canadian Real Estate Association’s Multiple Listing Service \\ craigslist online classifieds \\ kijiji online classifieds \\ Instant Coffee: subscribe to the email list for information \\ Viewitbiz.ca: to view commercial real estate for lease \\ Viewit.ca: to view apartments for rent \\ NOW magazine: a free weekly publication, in print and online \\ The Grid: Toronto city news and event listings \\ The Toronto Star: Toronto’s daily newspaper
SQ UA R E FEET : T H E ARTIST’ S GUI D E TO RENTING OR BUYING creativ e SPAC E