MABELLEarts was founded in 2007 to offer opportunities for residents to reimagine public spaces in the neighbourhood in collaboration with artists and other professionals. Since then, we’ve evolved into a strong, entrepreneurial charitable organisation with an innovative approach that is redefining the role of art in low-income communities. Our growth trajectory continues with a projected operating budget over 1 million projected for 2021-22.

 

MABELLEarts continues a growth trajectory with revenue growth of 365% over the last ten years.

 

Mabelle Park: from Shortcut to Destination

“Before MABELLEarts, the park was just a shortcut.”

– Resident, youth leader and MABELLEarts staff member Tasmeen Syed

In 2007 we turned our attention to a small greenspace in the center of the community and began delivering community programming there. What is now known as Mabelle Park was once a neglected thoroughfare - the quickest way to the local school and TTC station. Mature trees grew without basic care over the years and branches literally fell around us as we delivered community programming. A lack of lighting made the park a dangerous place at night - avoided by most residents. Decrepit benches, rusted and broken fencing, a defunct water fountain and crumbling hardscaping were all features of the park in those days, but they did not deter us.

The centrality of the park and its full public view to the four TCH high rises on the street struck both artists and community leaders as full of potential. We rolled up our collective sleeves and set to work. We have set out below some of the highlights of the Park’s transformation, including the investments we have already secured for Mabelle Park.

Since 2007, MABELLEarts has:

  • Catalyzed over $300,000 in investments in the park and invested those funds in hard infrastructure, such as lighting, drainage, tree care and hardscaping.

  • Since 2007, $908,604 in Mabelle Park programming funded by a range of public and private Funders.

  • Created over 29,400 unique community engagement experiences (average 70 workshops, performances, events/year X 30 tenants/event X14 years) valued at $882,000 (unique engagement experience X$30).