MUSIC INCUBATOR GETS HOME IN HEART OF DOWNTOWN YONGE

MUSIC INCUBATOR GETS HOME IN HEART OF DOWNTOWN YONGE

Heritage Building at 21 Dundas Square hosts launch of Artist ManagerProgram 

Toronto’s new Music Incubator will be setting up shop steps away from legendary musical landmarks, the Downtown Yonge BIA announced today. The incubator will start with a 2,000 square foot pop-up space in a heritage building at 21 Dundas Square.

“This is a perfect location – geographically and historically,” said Downtown Yonge BIA Executive Director Mark Garner. “For generations Yonge and Dundas has been a music destination – from shopping at Sam the Record Man to hearing live music at Friar’s and The Nickelodeon, which today are the Hard Rock Café. Now it will be a launch pad for the next generation of emerging artists and managers.”

The new incubator location will be operational as of November 3, starting with the launch of Artist Manager, a professional development program for emerging artist managers, in partnership with Canada’s Music Incubator and Coalition Music.

“We are excited about having a presence at 21 Dundas Square along with all of the opportunities and possibilities that come with working in the heart of Downtown Yonge,” said Vel Omazic, Executive Director of Canada’s Music Incubator.

Supported by the City of Toronto, the music incubator on the southern side of Yonge-Dundas Square is the first step toward the Downtown Yonge BIA’s plan to create a permanent urban music incubator providing mentorship, professional development, studio space, education, networking and collaboration for emerging artists, managers, producers and industry professionals.

"The City of Toronto is proud to support the Downtown Yonge BIA as they launch a new Music Incubator, creating high-value jobs in a key economic sector. Their innovative partnership approach to launching the Music Incubator will build on the cultural, social and economic vibrancy of Toronto's music scene,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee and Co-Chair of the City's Toronto Music Advisory Council.

In addition to being near historical music landmarks, the building that will house the music incubator is itself historic. Owned by HNR Properties Limited, it has been nominated for a 2015 Heritage Toronto Award for its redeveloped art deco façade.

“We believe strongly in developing communities that are vibrant and interesting, and we are delighted to welcome the music incubator to our historic building at 21 Dundas Square,” said HNR Properties Chief Operations Officer Najib Rahma. “It will fit in perfectly and add to the excitement of the area.”

The music incubator is a key component of the Downtown Yonge BIA’s Music Strategy. Launched in June 2015, the Music Strategy is an ambitious, multi-pronged plan to re-establish the area as a central hub for Canada’s music industry. October 13, 2015

In recognition of their contribution to the music industry, Garner and his Downtown Yonge BIA team recently received the first-ever President’s Award from Music Canada.

The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area (DYBIA) is a catalyst for creating vibrant urban experiences and events in the heart of downtown Toronto. Representing more than 2,000 businesses and their employees, as well as the broader community of residents, students and visitors, the DYBIA champions attractive public spaces, popular events, safety and cleanliness. It plays an active role both at street level and in boardrooms, advocating for a thriving and diverse community of retailers, restaurants and services.