The Arts Factory has won the right to lease a 21,000-square-foot city-owned warehouse at 281 Industrial Avenue as part of the city's plan to expand artist studio spaces in industrial districts.
A source at city hall told Business in Vancouver that the city will not subsidize the rent, which will amount to $7.50 per square foot annually with inflationary increases.
The news comes as the city moves ahead with its plans to expand its zoning bylaw to allow for "work-only" artist studios in industrial districts.
The Industrial Avenue site is expected to house the Great Northern Way Scene Shop and the Arts Factory Society.
"There is a huge need for affordable artist space in Vancouver, and this new project led by the Arts Factory is a great opportunity to build a unique creative hub in Vancouver," said Mayor Gregor Robertson.
"The mix of an established arts organization with new, emerging artists is an exciting opportunity, and we're thrilled that the City can partner on this new facility by leasing what was an underused building."
The Arts Factory will primarily be geared to serving professional artists requiring industrial fabrication such as large-scale sculptures, set-building, painting, fabric, wood and ceramics.
The industrial warehouse will include multiple artist studios, shared production space for large art projects and space for local and visiting artists. Once complete, the building will be home to up to 100 artists.
Aside from welders and some other exceptions, artists are currently not eligible to rent space in some of the city's industrial zones.
That policy could be changed in the next few months.
