On World Theatre Day, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is pleased to share the news that it has selected a new home for its operations effective this fall. TAPA, a leading not-for-profit arts service organization in Toronto that represents 107 professional theatre, dance and opera companies, will occupy a new space, “B Street”. Developed by B Street Collaborative, an arts incubator with the mission of providing Toronto artists with what they need to thrive, B Street is an innovative new culture space located at 1100 Bathurst Street. B Street will provide TAPA members with new creation spaces including a rehearsal hall, recording studio, self-tape space, community meeting space, green room, rehearsal storage space, a mentoring studio and two rooms for virtual meetings.
B Street Collaborative is the vision of Heather Jessiman, Founder, who is proud to partner with TAPA on this exciting new venture. “The arts are fundamental to the health and vibrancy of a community, and an area I am personally motivated to support. In TAPA, we have a top-notch strategic partner to execute our shared goal of providing performing artists with beautiful and functional spaces, all at a low cost.”
B Street will act as a new fully accessible community hub located downtown, close to public transit and with parking. Designed by architectural and planning firm SvN, known for high design and urban renewal projects, B Street will feature a contemporary aesthetic that reflects the Collaborative’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and community building. The lead architects for this project are Danielle Whitley and Mariella Amodio. Vaughan Build LTD, a full-service residential and commercial builder, is in charge of the construction of the project.
“TAPA is thrilled to partner with Heather Jessiman and to support our sector that is slowly emerging from the pandemic. We need to reimagine our future in this evolving new reality and B Street will provide tangible new resources to TAPA members and our community with much-needed affordable and accessible space for all arts workers,” says Jacoba Knaapen, Executive Director of TAPA. “Adding the B Street facilities will have a transformational effect on TAPA and its members and will enhance TAPA’s outreach to underserved and marginalized communities.” TAPA Board President Kelly Straughan adds “B Street allows TAPA to significantly enhance our operations and expand existing programs and services with sector-wide engagement, resource tools and accessibility that includes drop-in access for the whole community.”