UN-LEASED: TEMPORARY ARTIST SPACES RESEARCH PROJECT
The Un-Leased research project examines the opportunities and barriers around using vacant retail spaces for temporary artist studios. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of unoccupied commercial real estate across the city. Meanwhile, there is a mounting urgency and strong civic policy direction to unlock more physical spaces for both individuals and organizations in the culture sector.
This research project is a partnership between VMF x Hessey C+A
What if we could unlock 25,000ft² of temporary low cost/accessible artist studio space for BIPOC and emerging artists in Vancouver?
The Un-Leased research project examines the opportunities and barriers around using vacant retail spaces for temporary artist studios. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of unoccupied commercial real estate across the city. Meanwhile, there is a mounting urgency and strong civic policy direction to unlock more physical spaces for both individuals and organizations in the culture sector.
The locations explored in this study are situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
Phase 1:
Feasibility Study
Phase 1
We knew that artists needed space to work and that emerging artists could benefit the most from accessible temporary space and residencies. Phase 1 examined the opportunities and barriers involved through a feasibility study. Engagement sessions with artists, landlords and the City of Vancouver demonstrated the project’s value for each stakeholder group.
Research Results
During our phase 1 research we found that all stakeholders (artists, landlords and City of Vancouver) were aligned. Each stakeholder would benefit from the use of vacant retail as temporary space for cultural production. Artists benefit from access to space offered by landlords. Artists in vacant spaces helps build community, attract potential tenants for Landlords and aid with economic recovery within the city. Increased access to cultural production spaces supports City goals to create opportunities for artists, supports community economic development and COVID recovery.
Proposal: Residency program for artists in vacant retail spaces
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Affordability for Artists
Discounted space provided by landlords allows space to be made accessible to artists.
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A Clear Approvals Path
By tackling the approval process, Un-Leased aims to reduce the time, costs and expertise required by artists and landlords.
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Flexibility for Landlords
The program will allow flexibility for landlords to minimize any barriers to participation.
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Increased Capacity for Artists
The program can also facilitate career development, mentorship and community engagement opportunities for artists.
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Reduce Systemic Barriers
BIPOC and emerging artists can access studio and exhibition space aiding in the reduction of in-equity of opportunity.
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Space Activation
Temporary artist studios can create community engagement around otherwise vacant spaces, contribute to urban vitality and attract potential tenants for landlords.
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COVID-19 Recovery
Activation of vacant spaces, as well as support for artists, can aid community economic development.
Download Our Phase 1 Report
Download our 86 page report detailing findings from Phase 1. This study was conducted through interviews and research of publicly available information collected between the winter of 2020 through the spring of 2021.
Phase 2:
Pilot Projects
Currently In Progress
We’re developing a proposal for the residency program by selecting sites, identifying participants and creating a delivery plan. Next steps will be to test the residency program by placing artists in vacant retail spaces for 3-6 months.
Team
ADRIAN SINCLAIR
Project Lead
DAVID DUPREY
Studio Operator & Consultant
MATT HESSEY
Lead Researcher
MATTHEW RICHTER
Consultant
ANDREA CURTIS
Project Oversight
REIZA GABRIEL
Research Assistant
GERMAINE KOH
Artist Consultant & Outreach
Key Partner
Hessey specializes in Social Purpose Real Estate projects in British Columbia by providing project management services for social impact organizations.
Care and experience guides projects through research, development, design, and implementation. Hessey caters their services to each project’s needs in order to help maximize potential social impact.