ARTWORD THEATRE
Toronto, Ontario
Artword Theatre has been operating successfully for five years in a small, attractive 60-seat theatre at 81 Portland Street in the heart of Toronto's downtown. Over those years, Artword has presented five seasons of rich, varied and innovative programming, including theatre, music, dance, multimedia, storytelling and visual art – altogether over 100 events involving more than 250 performers and artists. Artword has also published a visual art magazine over a span of seven years. MORE >
When a neighbouring garment factory relocated its operations to Etobicoke, the opportunity arose to create a larger, more versatile theatre space and art gallery at 79 Portland Street. The new facility had a seating capacity of 150 and was fully barrier-free accessible. The new location, in addition to providing some on-site parking, offered a strong and inviting street presence.
Unlike most other non-commercial theatres in Toronto, Artword has never sought support from government. Tight budget constraints required that the theatre, production and office spaces be constructed with the cheapest available materials and using unskilled labour. Further enhancements were made over the years as funds became available.
Unfortunately, the building at 79 Portland was sold to a developer and the theatre had to look for a new home, currently in Hamilton, Ontario. A condominium tower has now replaced the theatre.
