Scott Massey's Aurorae in the windows of the Contemporary Art Gallery / photo courtesy of the artist and the CAG
The initiative was created in collaboration with MYIE Developments and Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing, with the studio space due to be located at Collection 45, a six-storey Mount Pleasant condo development.
In a release, the CAG stated that the studio space is due to open in spring 2014. The artist selection process will begin this month, with prospective finalists—most likely artists out of school for at least five years—announced in fall 2013.
“Such opportunities for artists are rare,” CAG executive director Nigel Prince said in the release. “[Art Studio 45] allows the CAG to return to its founding roots in providing direct support to the artistic community at the point of production. Our role in fostering and nurturing local talent is key to our mission.”
Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive housing market, and the CAG’s own space was created via the City of Vancouver’s Cultural Amenity Bonus Program in 2001.
The CAG is also involved with other affordable studio space initiatives in the city, including the Field House Studio Residency Program and adjudication of the Artist Live/Work Studio Program for the City of Vancouver.
