BC Artscape Opens in Vancouver Today

Artscape, the award-winning not-for-profit organization that has pioneered a unique approach to urban development called "creative placemaking", announced today that its first independent but affiliated organization, BC Artscape, will be established in the city of Vancouver. The 27-year old Toronto-based social enterprise has been sharing its knowledge with cities around the world for a decade and is now beginning to play an active development role in other cities. An event celebrating the official launch of BC Artscape will take place today, December 3, 2014 at MakerLabs, 196 Kingsway from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, with remarks at 7:20 pm.

"Artscape's work happens at the intersection of arts and culture, urban development, community and neighbourhood activism, public policy and philanthropy," said Tim Jones, President and CEO of Artscape. "We will aim to partner with others on innovative real estate projects that that serve the arts and catalyze community transformation in British Columbia."

Artscape has an 8-year history of involvement in the Vancouver area. The organization was hired as a consultant by the City of Vancouver in 2007 to assist with the development of its Cultural Facilities Priorities Plan and has shared its expertise locally through workshops on creative space and placemaking. Over this period, Artscape has become increasingly familiar with the people, issues, challenges and opportunities in British Columbia's multi-dimensional arts and cultural community.

BC Artscape will leverage Artscape's talent and track record in an effort to significantly accelerate cultural facility development in Vancouver and beyond. A pool of start-up capital has been secured to seed the initiative. It will operate as an independent, local affiliate of Artscape governed by a local Board of Directors and staff. Board recruitment is currently underway along with a search for its President. A number of capital project opportunities are under exploration. The organization's funding partners, program and project priories will be announced at the December 3 launch event.

ABOUT ARTSCAPE: Artscape is a not-for-profit urban development organization that makes space for creativity and transforms communities. Its work involves clustering creative people together in real estate projects that serve the needs of the arts and cultural community and advance multiple public policy objectives, private development interests, community and neighbourhood aspirations and philanthropic missions.

Since its beginning in 1986, Artscape has become recognized as an international leader in creative placemaking, a practice that leverages the power of art, culture and creativity to catalyze change, growth and transformation in communities. The organization achieves its mission through developing and managing unique cultural facilities -- including community cultural hubs, multi-purpose creative spaces and artist live/work projects -- and delivering programs and services that promote creativity and cultural space development.

Artscape makes space for creativity to flourish. Every day, the 387,000 square feet of Artscape's portfolio come alive with the energy, ideas and passion of the 2,400+ people who work and/or live in its properties, and the people taking part in programs and events on offer -- who numbered 230,000+ in 2013. Every year, the organization delivers many savings and benefits shared by the Artscape community, such as:

• $3 million in savings on annual commercial and residential occupancy costs
• Average commercial rents equal to 45% of gross average rates in downtown and midtown
• Over $565,000 in annual subsidies to access Artscape event venue spaces

Artscape's success is driven by its ability to work effectively across disciplines to align values, leadership, investment and public policy. The organization works constantly to expand its portfolio, share its expertise and advance the field, offering training, mentoring and coaching, and learning opportunities through its Creative Placemaking Lab and tools and resources on the www.artscapeDIY.org website.

For more information about Artscape, visit www.artscape.ca.