Call for Rental Applications: Artist Studios at Industrial Arts, Markham

Studio with receiving door. Artist rendering

Large, Affordable Artist Studios at Industrial Arts – Coming May 2025

Application Deadline: April 9, 2025

What we are offering

Industrial Arts is proud to be providing three newly renovated work-only artist studios to established artists specifically in need of larger working space. These expansive, 750+ square foot studios in our professionally managed industrial building at 200 Steelcase Road East in Markham, are offered at below-market rates intended to support artists in their ongoing production of larger scale artworks.

Studios available as of May 2025. Apply below!

• Ground floor studios
• White walls, mix of reinforced drywall and concrete block
• 15′9″ and 12′5″ clear ceiling heights
• Slop sinks in each unit
• Drive in receiving door (direct access)
• Semi-private studios
• Shared kitchen, lounge, washroom
• Studios are accessible to persons with disability
• 24/7 access is possible
• Utilities included in rental rate
• Wi-Fi available
• Free parking
• Each studio shareable between 2 artists maximum

* Studios are well lit but there are no windows for natural light

Artists will have access to mentorship, promotion and programs through Industrial Arts’ programming arm, Steelcase Art Projects which is located on site.

Who we are looking for

• Individual artists looking for long-term, reliable work space in which to further grow their practice.
• Artists located near Markham/East end of Toronto or able to drive. There is free parking on site.
• Artists willing to contribute to our community through our Value Exchange Program (see below).
• No collectives, dance, theatre troupes or music rehearsal use.

What people are saying

“I love this place and it has TRULY been the greatest space I’ve ever worked…I am forever grateful for this experience and the opportunity to grow my practice, especially as a young Black woman in the arts.”
– Former tenant Esmaa Mohamoud

“My studio with Industrial Arts is big enough to give me the freedom to experiment, to push the boundaries of scale and to fully immerse myself in the making process. Having room to spread out my materials and see my work come to life in real time is invaluable.”
– Current tenant Xiaojing Yan

Middle studio. Artist rendering

What is the Value Exchange Program?

The Value Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for artists to enrich the community. As part of their application, artists are required to propose an occasional program they are willing to undertake, facilitated together with Steelcase Art Projects (SAP) and Industrial Arts management. This proposal should outline how the artist might contribute, demonstrating creativity, feasibility, and a commitment to fostering artistic growth and engagement.

Examples may include:

• Artist Talks – Share your creative process, inspirations, and career journey with the community.
• Workshops – Lead occasional hands-on sessions to teach skills or techniques related to your practice.
• Open Studio – Make your workspace available to visitors and/or management on occasion.
• Collaborative Projects – Work with other artists, community groups, or organizations to create new works or experiences.
• Community Engagement – Connect with local schools, organizations, or underserved groups to foster creativity and artistic appreciation.

Studio Information

Studio 01

• Area: 750 square feet
• Key Amenities: Direct access to drive-in receiving doors (10 x 10 ft) and main studio entrance. One reinforced drywall wall. Clear ceiling height: 15′9″.
• Monthly rent: $1212, including HST and estimated utilities

Studio 02

• Area: 750 square feet
• Key Amenities: Middle unit, one reinforced drywall wall, one non-reinforced drywall wall. Clear ceiling height: 15′9″.
• Monthly rent: $1212, including HST and estimated utilities

Studio 03

• Area: 888 square feet
• Key Amenities: Air-conditioned unit, white painted ceiling, direct access to shared kitchen and lounge, one reinforced drywall wall and one non-reinforced drywall wall. Clear ceiling height: 12′5″
• Monthly rent: $1435, including HST and estimated utilities incl. air conditioning

* Each studio is shareable between 2 artists maximum.

How to Apply

Your Application Material must include:

1. C.V.
2. Application letter (PDF, max. 250 words) Explain why you specifically the studio and how it will benefit your practice.
3. Outline your proposed Value Exchange Program (PDF, max. 250 words)
4. Portfolio – up to 5 images of your work (jpeg format, max 5MB each image)
5. Indicate if you intend to share the studio or not, and if so, with whom. Your co-tenant must also submit an application although only one of you will sign the lease.

* Applications that do not include all 5 of the above items will not be considered.

Submit by Email to steelcaseartprojects@gmail.com no later than April 9, 2025.
Subject Line: Artist Studio Application – [Your Name].

Assessment process

Applications will be reviewed and short-listed applicants only will be contacted directly.

• Successful applicants will be notified by mid-April.
• Further information will be made available to successful applicants.
• Studios will be ready by May 2025.

For additional information or questions, please contact:
steelcaseartprojects@gmail.com

Industrial Arts
200 Steelcase Road East, Unit 3
Markham, Ontario
Website | Instagram

Accessibility: The space is accessible.

Industrial Arts is a 3-building industrial site in Markham, hosting a community of creative tenants in partnership with our not-for-profit Steelcase Arts Projects that transforms the industrial realm through artistic collaborations, commissions and projects.