“Transforming Communities Through the Arts” Released

Toronto Arts Foundation released the results of a two-year study, ‘Transforming Communities through the Arts: A Study of Three Toronto Neighbourhoods’. The study, led by principal investigator Margo Charlton, Research Manager for the Toronto Arts Foundation, examined how residents engage with the arts at a community level, explored barriers to arts access and identified ways to strengthen local arts engagement in Malvern, St. James Town and Weston Mount Dennis.

The study, conducted in partnership with York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies and the Faculty of Fine Arts; OCAD University and Art Starts was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Director & CEO, Claire Hopkinson says “the Toronto Arts Foundation and its sister organization, the Toronto Arts Council are committed to moving forward with our partners to explore policy and funding for the three directions identified in this study.”

Improve communications within communities; strengthen connections between artists with the development of local arts networks.
Partner with settlement agencies to identify, support and connect newcomer professional artists with the cultural industries and arts sector.
Work with local organizations, city-wide funders and advocates to support the development of more spaces for arts activities and funding to support programs that serve neighbourhood needs.

The report was released at community events in the research neighbourhoods. The full report, along with community maps and resources, are available at www.torontoartsresearch.org

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Contact: Susan Wright, Director of Operations, susan@torontoartscouncil.org