The following is a throwback to ULI Toronto’s Fall 2009 interview with ULI member Tim Jones, President and CEO of Artscape.

Following Artscape’s inception in 1986, the Toronto not-for-profit organization has become a leader in making space for creativity within communities, with the aim of transforming them into hubs for arts and culture.

Since this interview was first published in 2009, Artscape has opened Daniels Spectrum, Artscape Youngplace, Artscape Sandbox, Artscape Lofts at Simcoe, Artscape Lofts and Pace projects; and is currently developing Artscape Weston Hub in the northeast section of the city, and Artscape Launchpad and Artscape Bayside Lofts on the east waterfront. It has also opened its first affiliate organization, BC Artscape, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Please note that portions of the interview have been edited to reflect recent developments.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: I studied French and Political Science at the University of Western Ontario in London.

Q: What is your work background?

A: While in London, I worked as an usher at a theatre and immediately got sucked into the professional art world. I held this job while I was studying and, once I finished school, I worked as a manager and building facilitator for an independent theatre. After that, I took a position as a grants officer with the Canada Arts Council. With that job came the “appreciation” of bureaucracy. From Canada Arts Council I made the move to be where I am today with Artscape. When I had applied for my position at Artscape, friends asked me what I was thinking moving from a position with a national scope to a two person operation. I thought it was a great opportunity to combine my interest in politics with the arts and building cities. I had a vision for the organization and have been seeing it through since the late nineties.

Q: Why is Artscape a member of ULI?

A: As a corporate member, we have witnessed our networking base increase as a result of the affiliation. In addition, membership provides us with access to research and information pertaining to new and existing developments.

Q: What was your perspective on the Artscape Wychwood Barns Tour?

A: I was thrilled that ULI’s Young Leaders toured the Artscape Wychwood Barns. The idea for the barns started with hosting several design charrettes where we engaged the residents in the surrounding community to find out what they wanted the Barns to be used for. Out of these meetings we achieved a plan that would use each one of the five Barns for a range of different applications. This included: artists’ live/work space, a greenhouse, open space for community events like the weekly Farmers’ Market and even outdoor park space, offering the public an opportunity to skate in the winter and play volleyball in the summer.

Q: From beginning to end, what major changes occurred in implementing the plans for the Barns?

A: The cost of construction changed drastically from the forecasted numbers. Initially we estimated the cost of one million dollars per barn and, in the end, we raised a total of $23 million for the project. It was a hard sell because the vision for the Barns was a difficult picture to paint; how can one place incorporate housing for artists, space for urban farming as well as room for theatrical performances? Today, that vision is a reality and the money spent to make it happen was well worth it.

Q: What new projects is Artscape working on?

A: Artscape has over 30 projects we are currently working on. We’re developing plans for a cultural centre in Regent Park at Dundas and Sumach Street (now known as Daniels Spectrum). We are also pursuing the Shaw School for cultural uses, just north of Queen on Shaw (now known as Artscape Youngplace). Our Triangle Lofts at Queen and Dovercourt is an interesting project. The developer and the City increased the original height and density of the project in order to maintain profits while still being able to partner with Artscape. Of the 70 units Artscape purchased from the developer to house artists, 48 will be offered for sale and 20 for rent at affordable rates; it’s a win-win situation.