ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
CALL FOR PROPOSALS Re-Issue Date: May 2, 2012 Submission Deadline: Before 5:00pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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a. introduction _____________________________________________
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B. The OPPORTUNIT Y _________________________________________
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c. rent __________________________________________________________
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d. space description _______________________________________
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e. FLOORPL ANS ________________________________________________
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f. qualification & selection process ________________
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G. prepare and submit an application ________________
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H. background _____________________________________________
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I. limitations ______________________________________________
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
A. INTRODUCTION Artscape is currently accepting applications from non-profit or charitable arts and cultural organizations interested in leasing ground floor public access space for performance and/or public programming activities at the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space (Working Title), Artscape’s latest development in the Entertainment District. The space is approximately 6,250 square feet, including a mezzanine level that offers space for technical, storage or administrative uses. The application submission deadline is June 14, 2012. In 2011, Artscape partnered with The Daniels Corporation and the City of Toronto on a new ground floor performance space at the base of Cinema Tower, along the John Street Cultural Corridor. The space will be owned and managed by Artscape and designed by Kirkor Architects. Cinema Tower is a 43-storey condominium development located on the southeast corner of Adelaide and Widmer Streets, just north of the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Currently under construction, the space is expected to be complete in late 2013. This new performance space represents a unique opportunity to be part of the lively Entertainment District. This neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s most popular arts and cultural destinations, home to established cultural institutions like TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, OCAD University, Roy Thomson Hall, the National Film Board of Canada, Canadian Broadcast Centre and the Princess of Wales Theatre. In addition to these attractions, the Entertainment District is home to many cultural and creative sector workplaces and a growing residential community. The vision for the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space will be determined through a competitive tenant selection process.
Cinema Tower Map courtesy of Daniels Corporation. Illustration is artist’s concept. Map is not to scale. E.&O.E.
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
B. THE OPPORTUNITY One space of approximately 6,250 usable square feet is currently available for rent on the ground floor of Cinema Tower for performance and/or public programming uses. The Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space is available for rent by a not-for-profit arts or cultural organization on a long-term basis for the purpose of rehearsal, small scale performance (100-150 seats), public programming or exhibition uses. This space includes lobby, studio/office and public presentation areas. The mezzanine level offers additional space, ideal for technical, storage or administrative uses. The space is clear span with 23 foot ceilings and offers the selected tenant the opportunity to fitout the space to their needs. Applications from individual organizations or a consortium of organizations with one lead applicant will be considered. The occupant of the space is encouraged to rent their space to other organizations, community groups and individuals when not in use for their own programming. Please note that dimensions, specifications, layouts and materials are approximate only and are subject to change without notice. Actual usable floor space may vary from the stated floor area. Sizes and specifications subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. (Errors and Omissions Excepted).
C. RENT Base rent paid is projected to be $9 per sq. ft. per annum and will escalate at a rate of no more than 4.5% per annum over the term of the lease, which is expected to be a minimum of 5 years. Additional rent is projected to be approximately $6 per sq. ft. per annum during the first year of operation. Additional rent includes expenses related to the operation of the building such as building maintenance, building insurance, utilities (gas and water) and a proportionate share of common area expenses. Property taxes will be billed separately and the rate is dependent on the nature of use. If the use of the space is performance based, the proponent may qualify for a property tax exemption. Charitable organizations may be eligible for a 40% rebate on paid property taxes from the City of Toronto. The tenant will be responsible for paying all taxes until such exemptions are in effect. Not included in the Base or Additional rent are hydro, internet/phone/cable and liability/contents insurance. The selected organization(s) will be required to sign a lease agreement that confirms the terms of their tenancy. These projections are still preliminary and subject to change.
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
D. S PAC E D E S C R I P T I O N The following is a general description of the building amenities and features as well as the individual unit features and finishes. The selected tenant will be responsible for the leasehold improvements to the space beyond what is provided in base building, as described below.
Building Features and Amenities
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Ground floor main entrance on Adelaide Street City of Toronto parkette located at main entrance Fully accessible Shared loading area 24/7 access for tenants Public parking located below space; residential parking lot above Close proximity to public transit
Individual Unit Features and Finishes
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Rough-in for three accessible washrooms Ceiling heights range from_approximately 10’ – 23’ (Main Space: 23’, Lobby: 10’, Mezzanine: 11’) Lobby and washrooms designed as separate from performance space Ramp access to space provided 8’ wide direct access hallway to shared loading area and garbage room Concrete ceiling, floors and walls Unit controlled heating and air conditioning HVAC ducting stubbed at mezzanine Thermal, glazed windows Fire alarm and sprinkler system, tied into main building systems Individual metered 200 amp electrical service, with opportunity to upgrade Base building floor is not raked, but raking is possible as part of tenant fit-out Potential for exterior signage and banner on building Additional improvements required for the successful operation of the space are the responsibility of the selected tenant
Leasehold Improvements Leasehold improvements that the tenant is responsible for may include: demising walls, final washroom design/ installation, mechanical and electrical distribution, voice/data distribution, floor coverings, curtains, lighting, seating, sound abatement, lobby millwork and furniture, signage, audio visual equipment, etc. Artscape recognizes that the successful operation of the space for performance use will require a substantial investment in sound abatement, lighting, seating and staging equipment and systems (estimated to be approx $750,000 depending on the extent of the fit-out required by the tenant). Artscape will use its best efforts to support the tenant in their fundraising efforts to appropriately equip the space for their use.
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
Ground Floor
widmer street
E. FLOORPLANS
N adelaide street
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
widmer street
Mezzanine
N adelaide street
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
F . QU A L I F I C A T I O N &
SELECTION PROCESS
The goal of the qualification and selection process is to find a tenant for the space who has the: 1) vision, 2) programming and/or artistic practices, 3) interest in engaging audiences and/or community and 4) leadership and financial capacity that will be key to its success. The qualification and selection process will determine the order of priority in making leasing opportunities available to interested parties. As with other Artscape projects, a Community Advisory Committee has been formed to help shape the vision for the project, advise on community and stakeholder relations and assist with the prioritization of tenants. This group is comprised of representatives from the local neighbourhood, Artscape tenants and the Toronto arts community at large. The Community Advisory Committee will review each submission against the eligibility and assessment criteria listed below and develop a consensus about which submissions are best suited to rent the space. Short-listed applicants will be asked to participate in an interview process as a final step in the selection process.
Eligibility To be eligible to rent the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space, applicants must be a non-profit or charitable arts and cultural organization. As a first step in the evaluation process, applicants must: i. ii.
Be an incorporated not-for-profit organization or registered charity Demonstrate evidence of at least two years of sustained activity
Note: If the submission is from a consortium of organizations, the applicant must provide the above eligibility requirements for all parties.
Assessment Criteria The second step of the qualification and selection process involves determining which applicants: are best suited to the vision, will make the strongest contribution to their audience and/or the community, and have the leadership and financial capacity to do what they propose. In this stage of the evaluation, the Community Advisory Committee will assess applications against the criteria below. A. VISION i. ii. iii. iv. B.
Is the submission rooted in a strong programming vision? Does the vision include partnerships with other organizations and the community? Is the vision appropriate to the location along the John Street Cultural Corridor? Will the applicant foster innovation, advance new artistic forms and practices, and/or promote the development of new ideas?
COMMUNITY/AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT i. How will the applicant contribute to the John Street Cultural Corridor and the Adelaide/Widmer streetscape? ii. How will the applicant seek to engage local audiences/communities in their work and who are the applicant’s intended audiences? iii. How will the applicant seek to collaborate with other creators, producers and artistic disciplines in the community?
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
iv. What existing relationships does the applicant already have in the community? How does the applicant propose to build new relationships and partnerships within the community? v. How will the applicant engage the community in behind-the-scenes creative processes, specialized training activities and/or entrepreneurship skills development? vi. How will the applicant contribute to a socially inclusive community? vii. What is the applicant’s history of service to the local community and commitment to provide programming to animate the site? C. CAPACITY i. ii. iii. iv. v.
Does the applicant demonstrate the necessary level of leadership and management experience to deliver on their vision for the space? Does the applicant have the financial capacity to deliver on what is proposed in their submission? Does the applicant have a strong track record of financial and organizational health? How does the applicant propose to raise the capital required for their leasehold improvements? Include a proposed timeline. Does the applicant demonstrate the required fundraising capacity and demonstrate the experience required to deliver on their capital needs? Have they outlined their plans for capital fundraising?
G . P R E PA R E A N D S U B M I T
A N A P P L I C AT I O N
Please prepare a submission which addresses the areas outlined below: 1.
Completed Application Form Visit www.torontoartscape.org/adelaide-widmer for a downloadable application form.
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Statement of Interest (2 pages maximum) • Why is the applicant interested in space at Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space? • How will relocating to the site enhance the development of the applicant? • Why is this the right place and right time to make this move?
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Organization History (4 pages maximum) • A mission statement and brief history of the organization, including years in operation • Provide information on any awards, successes and relevant impact statistics • Describe the applicant’s current programming, services or community outreach activities • Provide the size of the current location and the monthly rent
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Proposal Addressing Assessment Criteria (4 pages maximum) • To assist the Community Advisory Committee in evaluating the submissions, applicants are encouraged to formulate their proposals in response to the sections and questions listed in Assessment Criteria on page 8
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS
ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
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Outline of Space Requirements • What is the proposed use of the space? • What modifications is the applicant planning to make to the interior of the space to make it usable? • Will this be a primary location for the applicant or a satellite?
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Financials • Provide audited financial statement for 2 years and a current year internal financial statement • Describe the organization’s proposed financial operating plan for the first 3 years at the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space • Provide evidence of sustained public sector support
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Supporting Documents • Biographies of key personnel • List of Board of Directors
Schedule Call for Proposals Released_________________________________ Information Session & Tour #1______________________________ Information Session & Tour #2______________________________ Call for Proposals Submission Deadline______________________ Expected Occupancy______________________________________
May 2, 2012 Tuesday, May 15, 4:00 pm Tuesday, May 15, 4:40 pm June 14, 2012, by 5:00pm Late 2013
Artists and organizations submitting proposals are encouraged to attend an information session. Two tours of the Adelaide/ Widmer Arts Space have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 15 – the first at 4:00pm and the second at 4:40pm. Space is very limited so we ask that each organization send only one representative. Participants will meet at the Daniels Construction Office to be outfitted with hard hats and boots before walking over to the construction zone. The information session will cover the information contained in the Call for Proposals, including the vision for Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space, space design, floorplans, the qualification and selection process and details on submitting a proposal. Applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the session. To RSVP for one of the information sessions, click on the link below.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Tuesday, May 15, 4:00pm or 4:40pm Cinema Tower Construction Office, 86 John Street (just north of Festival Tower/TIFF)
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Submission Deadline Submissions must be received by 5:00pm on June 14, 2012. Late or facsimile submissions will not be accepted or considered. Send ONE original printed copy with signature and supporting documentation and ONE electronic copy with documentation to: Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space Call for Proposals Attn: Christine Paglialunga, Interim Director of Tenant Services, Artscape 171 East Liberty Street, Suite 224, Toronto, ON. M6K 3P6 T: 416-392-1038 x21 E: christine@torontoartscape.on.ca
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Next Steps Following review of submissions, Artscape will notify applicants of the results of the Call for Proposals. The selected organization will sign an Offer to Lease and work with the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space project team to refine the design of their space. Artscape reserves the right to further refine and develop the operating model, including the rental rates, prior to finalizing a lease. Public acknowledgement of Artscape and donors of the project will be determined at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions All questions concerning the proposal should be directed by email or telephone to Christine Paglialunga at: christine@torontoartscape.on.ca or 416-392-1038 x21. All questions and answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at http://torontoartscape.org/adelaide-widmer/call-proposals/frequently-asked-questions. Questioners will not be identifed.
Confidentiality Artscape respects your privacy. The information submitted to this Call for Proposals is collected and used for the administration activities related to the rental opportunity at Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space. At all times it will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
H . B A C KG R O U N D About Artscape Artscape is a not-for profit urban development organization that makes space for creativity and transforms communities. Artscape operates as a social enterprise and is comprised of 3 not-for-profit organizations: a development arm, a charity, and a housing provider. Artscape projects provide affordable space for creativity while generating positive cultural, economic, social and environmental impacts. Since its inception in 1986, Artscape has transformed a portfolio of underutilized buildings across Toronto into dynamic community assets that serve to enable innovation and creativity, including the award-winning Artscape Wychwood Barns and multi-tenant arts facilities in the Queen Street West, Liberty Village, Toronto Island and Distillery Historic District neighbourhoods. Collectively, Artscape manages 10 buildings for 863 artist and cultural worker tenants and owners in 417,000 square feet of space. In addition to the Adelaide/Widmer Arts Space, Artscape is currently developing Artscape YOUNGplace, a 75,000 square foot centre for creative collaboration for artists and arts, community and social mission organizations in the West Queen West neighbourhood, and the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre, a 60,000 square foot new-build project located in the heart of the Regent Park community revitalization project. While Artscape’s development work is focused in Toronto, it shares its expertise with communities across Canada and internationally through its Knowledge Exchange program. This program delivers tools, expands thinking and inspires action in communities large and small through mentoring and coaching, conferences, workshops, research and reports, publications, and online resources. For more information on Artscape, visit www.torontoartscape.org
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ADELAIDE/WIDMER ARTS SPACE
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
I . L I M I TAT I O N S This is a Call for Proposals only; it is not a procurement document. The information contained in this Call for Proposals is intended for information purposes only to assist interested parties in assessing whether or not to respond to such request. No representation or warranty express or implied, is made by Artscape or any of its agents, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. Neither Artscape nor its agents will be responsible for, and hereby expressly disclaim, any and all liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in connection therewith. In its response to this Call for Proposals, the Respondent must disclose to Artscape, any potential conflict of interest that might compromise this process. If such a conflict of interest does exist, Artscape may, at its discretion, refuse to consider the response in question. The Respondent must also disclose whether it is aware of any Artscape employee or Board of Directors member with a financial interest in the Respondent and the nature of that interest. If such an interest exists or arises at any point leading to the selection of the successful Respondent, Artscape may, at its discretion, refuse to consider the response, or proceed with the Respondent any further in this process unless and until the matter is resolved to Artscape’s sole satisfaction. All information provided by or obtained at any time from Artscape or its agents in any form in connection with this Call for Proposals that is not publicly available (i) must be treated in a highly confidential manner; (ii) is not to be used for any other purpose other than responding to this Call for Proposals; (iii) must not be disclosed to any other person without the prior written authorization of Artscape; and (iv) shall be returned to Artscape immediately upon the request of Artscape. This exercise is not a request for tenders. This is a request for information only and no legal obligations will arise hereunder in any circumstances. Artscape reserves the right to amend the scope of this Call for Proposals, and to carry out discussions with one or more prospective Respondents at any time, or from time to time, for the purpose of attempting to finalize an acceptable agreement, at all times without recourse against Artscape and its agents, should no such agreement be concluded. Artscape may proceed as it determines in its sole discretion, including to discontinue or invalidate this Call form Proposals and including to re-issue or proceed with a further Call for Proposals and Artscape will not be responsible for any losses or costs incurred by any Respondent as a result thereof. Artscape has the right not to respond to any report or request made by a Respondent and not to distribute copies of any reports or requests received from a Respondent and responses thereto, to the other Respondents. Where Artscape, in its discretion, considers that such report or request necessitates a change to this Call for Proposals, Artscape will prepare and issue an appropriate addendum to this Call for Proposals. Artscape reserves the right to terminate this Call for Proposals at any time for any reason.
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