Insprirations Studio

Inspirations Studio is an art-based incubator and social enterprise initiative that utilizes a self-employment model that focuses on building women’s capacity to supplement their income and enhance their livelihoods thought arts/craft training, production and business development. The participants are low income women who have been impacted by poverty, homelessness, trauma and displacement. Located on Queen West, Inspirations Studio offers individual or small group instruction in art, primarily ceramics, painting/print making and jewellery making.

Inspirations Studio is an integral part of Sistering, a multi-service women’s organization that offers practical and emotional support to women through programs that enable them to take greater control over their lives.

History

Inspirations Studio has its genesis in craft groups started at four hostel and drop-in settings in 1994, sponsored by the Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses. The leadership was later transferred to the 761 Community Development Corporation. Making craft products, members participated in off-site market places on a regular basis. In 2001, Inspirations members asked Sistering to assume responsibility for the project after 761 Community Development Corporation closed. The enterprise has received funding from the Toronto Enterprise Fund since 2001; in that time it has evolved to a professional training and production studio.

Who are the members of Inspirations Studio?

Inspirations Studio works with low income and marginalized women who have been impacted by poverty. Most of whom have experienced homelessness, or are at risk of homelessness, struggle with mental health issues, have histories of trauma, displacement and addictions, all of which are complicated by deep poverty. Most of the women are in receipt of social assistance or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Inspirations Studio has been growing both in numbers and reputation as the word spreads about its impact and benefits. Currently, the project supports an active membership of 50 women.
In 2008, Inspirations accepted six new members plus 5 returning ones. New members begin by developing skills in painting, ceramics or jewellery making. Once they have created a viable product, they develop their business plans, investigate the costs of production, determine how to market their product, identify competitors in the marketplace, explore a variety of venues for selling their work and develop a portfolio with the support of the Inspirations staff.

The artists develop skills in artistry and product development and a connection to more established artists in the Queen West community. They also develop a sense of community and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. They generate supplemental income from the sale of their products, and some members teach drawing, painting and jewellery-making to their peers at the Salvation Army, Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, and Sistering.

Staffing

A Program Director at Sistering oversees the enterprise while two full time staff, both professional artists, work out of the studio. The staff teach all aspects of art making and business development. Professional artists are invited to help members learn specific techniques. 

After each Inspirations Studio sale, staff provide constructive customer feedback to the women on the quality of their products as well as helping members assess which shows are worth attending. Social supports are offered, as necessary, through Sistering.

How does Inspirations Studio generate sales?

The artists working at Inspirations Studio are self-employed and make an income from the sale of their own work. Inspirations Studio makes sales through custom orders from non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals, which are sub-contracted to the members. The Studio also charges a fee for use of the materials to members as well as other arts organizations who work with the same population. In 2008, the business generated about $4,700.

The studio is open 30 hours per week, with a core group of women who use the studio for 15 to 30 hours weekly.  Many of the women also work in their own home studios. From April to December, the participants spend 2 to 16 hours every weekend attending sales events.  The women earn between $50 and $500 monthly. In 2008 participants generated $ 36,298.65 collectively in sales, exhibitions and commissions. The intention is that these women, who have numerous physical, mental health and life challenges, will generate 20% of their income through the studio.

Who are Inspirations Studio’s Customers?

Inspirations Studio members sell their art through retail businesses, community art fairs and community businesses and the Inspirations Studio website. Inspirations Studio has a website with photographs showcasing its members’ work. The studio sells on consignment at three stores in downtown Toronto and through sales held during festivals and at organizations such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the United Way, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Alterna Savings Credit Union, Metro Hall, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and through other trade sales. Inspirations staff help members assess which shows to attend. 

Lessons learned 

Focus - Inspirations learned over the years that a clear separation between art therapy and art as a business was necessary: in the early days, this lack of clarity created tension between participants who came to make art to sell and those making art for therapeutic purposes. Currently the Studio only accepts women who demonstrate the capacity to make saleable products. For those women looking for art therapy we refer them to more appropriate art studios.

Space– The Studio surpassed its optimal membership and space usage some time ago. We were reluctant to reduce our numbers and turn women away but on account of health and safety concerns we have had to stop accepting new members. We have also recently invested in renovations in order to accommodate more storage area for art and a healthier work environment for our current members

To visit the Inspirations Studio website, please click on http://www.inspirationsstudio.org/