FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2019
CONTACT:
Kate Taylor, Chair, Artists Network
Kate_taylor@rogers.com
416-271-9078
TORONTO, ONTARIO. The Artists’ Network, a Not-For-Profit organization committed to supporting visual artists, is pleased to announce that a permanent home has been secured for the Network at 1158 Queen Street East, otherwise known as Leslie Grove Field House. Artists’ Network has been in the Riverdale area of Toronto for the past 20 years; however increased rent and the gentrification of the area meant that the organization has had to move three times in the last five years and was faced with an unaffordable market in the east end.
“We cannot express how grateful we are to Councillor Fletcher for intervening on our behalf and finding us a permanent home,” said Kate Taylor, Chair, Artists Network. “The Artists’ Network is run primarily by volunteers and it has been very stressful and disruptive for the organization to have to move so often. We can now concentrate on delivering educational sessions and exhibition opportunities to our member artists and to the community. This could never have happened without the support of Councillor Paula Fletcher, who worked very hard to help Artists’ Network remain as a valuable part of the Riverside and Leslieville community.”
Over the past year, Councillor Fletcher, uncovered suitable underutilized city properties, and introduced a Motion to Council to grant a lease to Artists’ Network as well as funding for renovations. The Leslie Grove Field House is being transformed and will provide space for the organizations, exhibitions, education seminars, administrative offices and committee and leadership meetings beginning in October, 2019. Artists’ Network intends to work together with the Leslieville and Riverside communities, providing open gallery shows, education, mentoring and community events.
“I am committed to working with Ward 14 residents, business owners and community agencies to build vibrant, healthy and inclusive neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Paula Fletcher. “The Artists’ Network has played an important role in the community for the past 20 years, organizing the annual Riverdale ArtWalk, a popular outdoor art show. This will enable the organization to remain in the East End and to continue providing critical support to artists.”
The Artists’ Network is also thankful to Streetcar Developments, who provided the organization with wonderful space for more than two years. The Streetcar Gallery allowed the organization to host many group and solo shows, and Artists’ Network will continue to provide unique display opportunities for members and other arts groups.
“It took extraordinary effort and vision to ensure that Artists’ Network remained in the East End. We are thankful to Councillor Paula Fletcher, her assistant Susan Serran, the City of Toronto and to all of the City employees that were instrumental in making this happen,” said Taylor.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS NETWORK:
The Artists’ Network is The Artists’ Network is a Canadian, member-led, non-profit organization
dedicated to supporting visual artists in their business practice. We promote professional development
and entrepreneurship by providing educational seminars, juried exhibitions and networking
opportunities. For more information, please visit www.ArtistsNetwork.ca
ABOUT CONCILLOR PAULA FLETCHER:
Paula Fletcher, Toronto City Councillor Toronto-Danforth has served Toronto-Danforth residents for
several years, becoming involved as a leader in the East End Parent Network, then working as Public
School Trustee. For more information, please visit www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca