Island Getaways

Performing Arts & Entertainment in Canada, Autumn, 2001

When you think of the downtown Toronto arts scene, you probably think of brick, glass, concrete and other contingent attributes of urban living. Think again. A few minutes away from King and Bay lies Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, an idyllically tranquil studio and meeting space for artists, administered by the not-for-profit agency Toronto Artscape.

The building, on the north shore of the Toronto Islands, is a former school that has been converted for use by artists in many disciplines, as well as for other non-profit, charitable, educational and public sector endeavors. The atmosphere is cottage-like (think of an artsy Meach Lake). It adjoins a quiet beachfront and is surrounded by lots of semi-natural parkland. Gibraltar Point is the year-round home for an assortment of artists and arts organizations, but it's also set up to accommodate guests for meetings or retreats. One of its most exciting aspects is the Artist Residency Program, which offers one month of inspiring accommodation to artists who ar e in the research-and-development phase of their work. Those accepted into the program receive living space plus access to work studios, computers, a baby grand piano, drafting tables and a small darkroom, depending on their needs. The site has already hosted artists from across Canada, and international artists are welcome to apply. Application information for Gibraltar Point is available at www.torontoartscape.on.ca.