ArtHeart’s History

Originally called A Home for Creative Opportunity,  ArtHeart was founded in 1991 by Seanna Connell and a group of dedicated volunteers, including the homeless, community residents and families from the inner-city community of Regent Park, Toronto, Canada’s oldest and largest Government Housing Project. This group believed that an inner-city arts centre could be an oasis for learning and creativity in an under-resourced and under-serviced neighbourhood.

For over 25 years, the organization has worked with four generations of families and has consistently grown and set its roots deep in the community. It has established numerous community partnerships, from the Art Gallery of Ontario, to the local K-Club, to Toronto Artscape.

ArtHeart became incorporated as a not-for-profit charitable organization in 2003, and in 2004, it moved from its original studio, 40 Oak Street, into a new space two blocks away. In August 2012, ArtHeart moved into the new, wheelchair accessible, Daniels Spectrum to become part of a dynamic arts and cultural centre. ArtHeart continues to be an anchor in a community going through dramatic change and revitalization.