716 JOHNSON STREET

What Will 716 Johnson St Be?

In collaboration with Fold Architecture, we will design a multi-use space that directly responds to the documented need for rehearsal and performance space in the capital region. The project will convert the existing building at 716 Johnson Street to create three new performance spaces and two new rehearsal spaces as well as office work spaces.

When we reach the design stage we will be engaging in conversations with the community about what the building should offer. Artists, arts organizations, businesses and members of the general public will be invited to participate in a series of community engagement activities that will define a framework for creating a welcoming and shared community resource.

The Vision

A strong arts community means a strong community, supporting businesses and individuals. A permanent home base for the performing arts to create and perform brings vitality to the downtown, supports economic growth and diversity and supports the city’s strategic plan.

This will provide a starting place for new and emerging artists as well as a place for new work to be created and presented.

As a hub, it will also be a place for all sectors of the community to come together. 716 Johnson Street will be a fundamental part of downtown’s economic, social and cultural vitality and will be designed to be a touchstone for the entire community. 

The Rationale

The Stage One report, published in December 2020, the Capital Regional District shared data collected about performing arts facilities. Of the 166 artists and arts organizations that responded, 69% indicated that they were ‘rarely or sometimes able to access’ affordable facilities for rehearsals and performance. 60% provided the same response when asked about accessing the right type of performance venue.

At the same time artists are bringing a significant amount of economic value to the community. The 2012 Greater Victoria Arts And Culture Sector Economic Activity Study (prepared by Dr. Brock Smith of the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria) studied the scope of that impact. The local economic activity generated by the Greater Victoria arts and culture sector in 2012 was almost $140 million in net income (GDP) activity. On average, arts and culture patrons spent $17.65 per person per event on pre and post event expenditures.

The Brass Tacks

716 Johnson Street was purchased at the end of 2022 for $2.4 million. The top floor is currently leased by Raino Dance who will remain a tenant for the foreseeable future.

The building was acquired with the help of a forgivable loan from an investor, along with funding from a variety of places. Due to an unexpected health issue that investor, unable to find proper health care locally, moved east and is now in complete health. While still very supportive of the project, they will not be returning to Victoria so are recalling the $1.8M loan. We are now raising funds to pay that back.

The Other Guise Theatre Society has a signed term sheet with Thrive Impact Fund, an impact investment fund which invests in and supports non-profit, co-operative and for-profit social enterprises in BC that generate social, environmental, or cultural benefits. Thrive’s Board of Directors has offered up to $400,000 in flexible debt financing to support the art hub becoming a permanent base for performing arts in Victoria.

“We’ve paid back $550,000 at this point, thanks to BC Arts Council, City of Victoria, and individuals in the community stepping up. If City Council approves an award of $250,000, that leaves us with a fundraising goal of $1 million, which we believe is an attainable goal, especially with Thrive now making a commitment to $400,000 of that $1 million,” says Matthew Payne, Artistic and Executive Director, the Other Guise Theatre Company. “We have a plan underway to raise the remaining $600,000 and several things are in the works to move us closer to our goal. Overwhelmingly we are hearing this is something that the community wants and believes in. And the research shows it is needed.”