About The SKETCH Home
SKETCH engages homeless and marginalized youth through the arts. Our programs have been recognized locally, provincially, and nationally. In 2019 our participant numbers surpassed 1,000.
But with skyrocketing real-estate prices, renting our 9,000 square feet of accessible studio space is no longer sustainable. In five years time, rent will be out of reach and SKETCH will need to disrupt programs to relocate into the broader GTA.
Support our campaign to purchase and secure a legacy space for SKETCH. Keep SKETCH in a neighbourhood youth can easily access, and keep young innovative artists and culture makers here in our Queen West community. Read more about SKETCH here.
SKETCH Programs Include
23 Years of Impact in Toronto
of studio and creative engagement spaces
youth participants
youth-led exhibitions, commissions, and events
volunteers
community partners
History of SKETCH
1996
SKETCH founded
1998
200 youth participants
1999
SKETCH opens in historic Great Hall in Queen West
2001
Not-for-profit status
2002
SKETCH transforms 6,000 sq. ft. century-old loft space into studios
2003
Charitable status
2011
Capital campaign launches to build new creative hub in Artscape Youngplace
2012
During construction, creates city-wide pop-up studios to reach broader community
2013
Moves into new 9,000 sq. ft. creative hub in Artscape Youngplace
2014
750 youth participants
2016
Celebrated 20th anniversary
2018
Over 1,300 youth participants
2019
Launch campaign to purchase creative hub from Artscape to ensure a space for the next 20 years
The Impact of The Purchase
Purchasing our space means more of our funding can:
Secure a legacy space for the next 20 years
Engage 1,600 youth a year to create, heal and lead through the arts
Provide free weekly skill-building workshops in several arts disciplines
Nurture an accessible, inclusive and creative community hub in the heart of Queen West
Provide mentors for the next generation of artists and leaders
I came from my home town in search of a place just like SKETCH. I’m glad I’ve found it. I’ve been coming here for years and it’s helped me in infinite ways.
Keep SKETCH going forever.
I’ve accessed an amazing community of friends and artists who have and continue to connect me to opportunities. They encourage my craft, and empower me to teach and share what I know.
I really wish there were more places like SKETCH. There are countless youth in our communities who would benefit from the abundance of opportunities here.
I’m beyond thankful for every day I get to work in such a creative and welcoming environment.
Campaign Target
We will finance $4 million through the following three sources:
in capital fundraising
in community impact bonds
in a traditional mortgage (equal to our existing rent payments)