Recently, I met up with a friend of mine at her pottery studio. She is an emerging ceramics artist, and has a full time job as an engineer. The studio is located inside a local nonprofit that provides affordable studio space and equipment to local artists, organizes exhibitions, sales and networking events, and offers free classes to local communities from time to time. As my friend showed me around her studio, she told me that since it is operated by a nonprofit organization, she is able to access shared studio space at a much cheaper rate than commercial studios, and the networking events and exhibition opportunities have been immensely helpful for her career. She also noted that she feels lucky to have a studio conveniently located in her neighbourhood, giving her more time to work on her art after her full time job.
Just like my friend, many artists need access to affordable, accessible and appropriate space to live, work and share their work. This is just one example of the importance of community spaces owned and operated by nonprofits. These spaces facilitate community development, enhance social interaction and engagement, and generate economic revitalization.
The sports league in your neighbourhood, the affordable child care operated out of your local church or community centre, the orchestra, or other nonprofits in your neighbourhood that provide essential social services and programs like mental health and addictions programs, child care, shelters – they all need space in order to deliver their services.
Unfortunately, these spaces are struggling and slowly disappearing, and nonprofits are being squeezed out of their neighbourhoods. Skyrocketing real estate prices and rapid gentrification have made it increasingly difficult for community organizations to find stable, affordable, accessible and available spaces. Those who currently have access to space are at risk of losing it due to rising rent prices. The lack of nonprofit property ownership and control makes it even more challenging to preserve existing community space.