Howe Sound Studios, a 10,800-square-foot artist production facility, located in downtown Vancouver is now open. 221A, a Vancouver non-profit cultural organization, will operate the studio as a shared artist production facility for more than 20 artists. It is Vancouver’s first city-owned studio space.
The new cultural space will be used predominantly for visual arts production. Designed by Merrick Architecture, it includes two kiln compatible studios, and two sound-isolated studios designated for audio practices.
“221A’s vision for the facility is to support the re-emergence of viable working spaces for artists within Vancouver’s downtown core, with a focus on artists who have traditionally been disadvantaged from access to public resources,” said Brian McBay, director of 221A. “Earlier in the season, 221A convened a Peer Assessment Committee to assess applicants on the basis of economic need, material suitability, as well as quality and contribution of the tenants’ artistic work in the field and the city.”
This new facility was developed and provided to the city as an in-kind Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) by Howe Street Developments Limited Partnership, as part of a mixed use development that includes a 41-storey residential building. CACs play an important role in the delivery of public amenities and infrastructure, such as affordable housing, childcare, parks, cultural facilities, and community facilities, accommodating growth while ensuring the city’s livability.
“Howe Street Developments is proud to provide the City of Vancouver with this much needed artist studio space as part of our Tate Downtown project,” said Tracy McRae, vice president development of Bonds Group of Companies. “We look forward to watching the local art community flourish in this rare and innovative studio production facility for years to come.”
Artists occupying the studios are in commercial sublease agreements for a 3-year rental term, with options to renew through the peer assessment process.
An artwork by Germaine Koh has been commissioned for the interior façade called Set Pieces. It features a series of theatrical curtains and scrims made of materials typical to the neighbourhood: domestic curtains, office blinds, construction mesh, fishing nets, and a green screen backdrop. The various layers are mechanically raised and lowered in a changing interactive display, animating the daily activities at Howe Street Studios, visible from inside and out.
