OUR TEMPORARY HOME AT 651 DUFFERIN STREET
On April 27, 2009, Workman Arts will embark on a new journey in its already incredible history by temporarily moving to St. Anne’s Parish Hall at Dufferin Street and Dundas Street West where it intends to make this transitional space an artistic hub.
The Hall was completed in 1912 and accompanies the St. Anne’s Anglican Church, a National Historical Site containing the only religious art of members of the Group of Seven.
Workman Arts will have 12,000 sq. feet of exclusive space in the Hall that includes 3100 sq.ft of training and program space, a 900 sq. ft artist’s studio, a 5400 sq. ft. theatre and booth, storage and office spaces. The location ensures Workman Arts can continue to provide quality programs and services to it’s members and the public.
The Hall is also home to Roseneath Theatre, a not for profit charitable organization that creates and disseminate quality Canadian theatre to young audiences and their families and St. Anne’s Church administration and meeting space.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Why are you moving?
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is redeveloping the property at 1001 Queen Street West. WA will be at 651 Dufferin Street for 3-5 years while a new facility will be built on the Queen Street property.
Where will the Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival be?
The 2009 Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival (RWM) will be held in the Workman Theatre at 1001 Queen Street West with some screenings at the 651 Dufferin Street location. This will be the final RWM held in the Workman Theatre and new locations are being researched for 2010 and beyond.
What is happening to Being Scene?
The Being Scene Exhibition, which ends in mid-June, will no longer take place at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Artists and buyers will be called to pick up their works at 651 Dufferin Street at our new location when the works come down.
Workman Arts is looking for alternative spaces to showcase artists work and this may take some time. Artists will be notified by mail when we have a new venue.
Is there an Artist studio?
There is an artist Studio in the new space at 651 Dufferin Street. It will open May 19, 2009 to artists wishing to apply for the session. As the space is somewhat different, it will be a test run for the first group of artists. Artists will be chosen on the basis of past experience in the Jean Simpson Studio.
Where is 651 Dufferin Street located?
651 Dufferin Street is the location of St. Anne’s Parish Hall, one-half block north of Dundas Street on the east side of Dufferin Street. It is accessible by TTC streetcar and bus. Parking is limited and guests will be referred to street parking.
Is WA no longer a part of CAMH?
Workman Arts remains a proud partner of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. CAMH has provided the funds for moderate renovations of the space rented at 651 Dufferin Street and to lease the temporary space.
What will the hours of operation be?
Regular hours of operation will continue to be Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Training programs, productions and special event times will vary depending on their specific schedules.
From Monday, April 27- Friday, May 1 the office will not be open to accommodate the move and unpacking. WA will reopen at 9:00 AM Monday, May 4.
When are you moving?
Workman Arts will be moving on Monday, April 27, 2009. From Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1 staff will not be answering phone calls or responding to emails.
Is there a theatre at the new space?
There is a 5400 square foot theatre with a booth for the two 35mm projectors, sound and lighting equipment for film screenings, live theatre, and other performances and events.
Is the phone number going to change?
The phone and fax numbers will remain the same:
Phone (416) 583-4339
Fax: (416) 583-4354
Will there still be training programs offered?
Yes there will still be training programs offered. WA will continue to have programming sessions in the fall, winter and spring in addition to some open stages and workshops during the summer months of 2009! More information to come so stay tuned…
When do you move back to Queen Street?
Workman Arts will move back to the Centre for Addiction for Addiction and Health once the Centre for Discovery is built which is expected to take place within the next 3 to 5 years.
Is the Board of Directors involved?
Yes, the Workman Arts Board of Directors have been involved since the Site Redevelopment plans were announced. The Board supports the temporary relocation.
As a member, once WA moves in May, will we still use the space at 1001 Queen Street?
The Workman Theatre and parts of 1001 Queen Street West will continue to be used until the end of November 2009. A Nuit Blanche event will take place in the administration building’s Queen Street lobby and Rendezvous with Madness screenings will use the Workman Theatre in November. Our training programs and artists studio will be moved to 651 Dufferin Street the week of May 11, 2009.
Will Workman Arts continue to provide art sales opportunities? (e.g. Queen West Art Crawl)
WA is continuing to explore new spaces and events which allow artists to sell their work. WA will be involved in the September 2009 Queen West Art Crawl and will notify artists on it's planned event.
Will Workman Arts continue to rent the Workman Theatre to the public after you move?
The Workman Theatre at 1001 Queen Street West will be available for rental until August 31, 2009. Contact David Sweeney at 416 583-4339 for availability.
Will Workman Arts be renting the theatre at your new location?
The agreement with St. Anne’s Church limits the amount of rental time for non Workman Arts/CAMH activity.
When can we see the new space?
Workman Arts will host tours of the space during an official Open House week June 15 - 19, 2009. An event to launch the space will take place in the fall of 2009.
Do you need help moving?
Movers have been hired to do the actual moving but if you have time and want to help us with unpacking, cleaning and communicating our move please call the office at 416 583-4339 for a volunteer opportunity.
Where do I send RWM submissions?
Continue mailing RWM submissions to Workman Arts at 1001 Queen St. West. All festival submissions will be forwarded to the new location. After May 19, 2009 RWM submissions can be dropped off in person at 651 Dufferin Street at the new Workman Arts Offices in the St. Anne’s Parish Hall.
For further information on the site redevelopment visit Transforming Lives Here.
