Temporary studio space fosters creativity, community, and cross-sector partnerships
At 440 Dufferin Street, Choice Properties turned a 5,000 SF vacant unit into a temporary studio for Why Not Theatre. From August to November, 2025, the space offered more than 1,500 hours of free rehearsal and studio time for Toronto’s dance, theatre, music, and visual arts communities.
Empowering Artists and Community
Choice’s support allowed artists, especially BIPOC creators, to access resources that directly put funds back into their work while activating underutilized urban space.
“This project is a game changer and a lifeline for dance in this city.”
Brandy Leary
Artistic Director, Anandam Dance Theatre
Strategic Partnerships for Impact
Partnering with Anandam Dance, Choice Properties demonstrated that temporary tenancy can generate cultural production, economic redistribution and civic belonging. It emphasizes the alignment of values: over 1,700 hours of free space valued at $80,000 were provided to support independent artists.
“I am so grateful to all of the team at Choice, for believing in this idea. For working so hard to figure out ways to make it happen. And for them to leverage their resources to support the arts.”
Ravi Jain
Founder + Co-Artistic Director, Why Not Theatre
A Model for Temporary Arts Spaces
By providing spaces like this, Choice Properties and Why Not Theatre are reshaping urban development. Temporary studios expand opportunities for artists, encourage creative placemaking, and strengthen the city’s cultural ecosystem while supporting community-focused placemaking.
Looking Forward
These collaborations prove what’s possible when private spaces support public arts. Choice Properties continues to explore temporary and flexible tenancy models to invest in Toronto’s creative future.