Keep Print Alive!
SUPPORT OPEN STUDIO!
You can still be a part of our Save Open Studio campaign (see appeal letter below). Our plan to downsize and reopen is contingent on many factors such as pending grant applications. In the event that we are unsuccessful securing additional funding from these sources, we may yet face difficulties in reopening in 2025. This is why we are still working to build out our fundraising as much as possible, as we simultaneously celebrate the achievement of our short-term fundraising goal!
- Donate: Please consider becoming a dedicated monthly donor.
- Support our upcoming online fundraiser, FUTURE PROOF 2024, running from May 2nd to May 9th.
- Purchase artwork through our online shop. Proceeds from sales are split between artists and Open Studio, and all proceeds from newly added archive prints go directly to Open Studio. Payment plans are available.
- Visit us in person at 401 Richmond St.W, Suite 104 to purchase artwork and merchandise.
- Come see the space in person to stay connected and understand the impact of your support.
- Explore Open Studio’s gallery while the studio space is transitioning. The galleries will feature fundraising efforts, including displaying art for sale from Open Studio’s extensive archive (with permission).
- Learn with us: We are offering one last round of printmaking courses before our planned closure period. Register here.
- Share this appeal with fellow supporters of printmaking and the arts in Toronto and beyond.
Save Open Studio Campaign
Dear Open Studio Supporters,
We are writing this letter to share difficult news about the future of Open Studio.
For over 50 years, Open Studio has opened the door to printmaking. Since 1970, Open Studio has offered subsidized studio rent, educational access, and free dynamic print-based exhibitions. We have established ourselves as one of the oldest and largest print studios in Canada and we are extremely proud of how far we’ve come.
However, due to mounting economic pressures, Open Studio is months away from closing permanently if we continue in our current form. We have been severely impacted by funding cuts, the pandemic, and the rising cost of maintaining our 7,200 sq/ft space in downtown Toronto. We recognize the loss of our space and programming would be deeply felt and would immensely affect our current and former members, countless artists, and the broader arts community we have worked with for 54 years. For this reason, we are determined not to give up on Open Studio.
After careful consideration of our finances, we believe we can adapt, but we must do so quickly and make serious changes now. We plan to downsize, restructure, and optimize our existing space for Open Studio’s survival as an inclusive cultural hub.
To achieve this, we will temporarily pause access to the studio, classes, and workshops as of June 28th, 2024. We hope to relaunch in January 2025 for Open Studio’s 55th anniversary. This can only happen with your help.
If you care about accessible and innovative arts organizations, or have acquired art from Open Studio, visited our galleries, participated in workshops and events, received residencies, scholarships, exhibitions, or employment opportunities through Open Studio – we need your help. We are appealing for your support to get us through this difficult transition. Our goal is to raise $75,000 by June 28th, 2024.
Donate link HERE. View our list of supporters HERE. We will strive to provide fundraising updates every other business day.
🙏❤️ Funds raised allow us to sustain operations until the end of June, and any extra funds raised will help us plan for the future as we work towards reopening our studio space in 2025. Thank you!
One-time or repeat donations of any size will go directly to continuing our work as a creative space that inspires, supports, and celebrates printmaking. In the tragic event that we do not reach our goal, your donations will assist with the closing of Open Studio responsibly, including the proper care of our staff and print archives.
Other ways you can help:
- Support our upcoming online fundraiser, FUTURE PROOF 2024, May 2-9.
- Purchase artwork through our online shop. Payment plans are available.
- Purchase artwork & merchandise in person at 401 Richmond St.W, Suite 104.
- Visit Open Studio’s gallery while the studio space is transitioning. The galleries will be dedicated to fundraising efforts including displaying art for sale, with permission, from Open Studio’s extensive archive.
- Circulate this appeal to fellow supporters of printmaking and the arts in Toronto and beyond.
Our vision is for a vibrant, sustainable space that fosters contemporary printmaking for decades to come. Your help is essential for that future. Thank you for any and all support during this time of change. You can reach us at office@openstudio.ca.
Sincerely,
The Open Studio Board
You can also donate over the phone by calling 416-504-8238. All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt for their donation. Charitable Registration #11906 8823 RR0001. To view a list of our supporters, click here.
Securing the Future of Print
Thank You FOR BELIEVING IN PRINT!
Open Studio would not be possible without our generous community of supporters who directly impact our ability to continue our mission of supporting artists in the creation and exhibition of contemporary prints. We operate as a charitable non-profit dedicated to offering accessible, inclusive, and affordable printmaking facilities, programs, and services for artists and the public from across Canada and abroad.