YouTube Canada announced plans on Friday to shut down their only permanent Canadian studio.
The media powerhouse sent their online community of creators an email announcing plans to shutter their Richmond St. E. studio by the end of the year.
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The 3,500 sq. ft. studio opened in 2016 and provided local YouTube creators with equipment, workshops and studio space to create within.
In place of the permanent creator space, YouTube personalities were told the company has plans to roll out "pop-up" locations across the country.
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With more than 160,000 YouTube creators in Canada, multiple studio locations are welcome, but the loss of a permanent location is devastating to local creators. Fortunately, there are other creative studios in Toronto worth checking out. Here are some of our favourites:
Free - 300-68 Claremont St.
This 6,500 sq. ft. studio is more than just a creative workspace, it's a community. Join the global community of photographers, filmmakers and local artists to expand the reach of your creative. Nestled in Toronto's creative core, Free offers local creators access to their top of the line film equipment, imaging technology and studio space. It also includes a co-working lounge, cafe, and plenty of events and exhibitions.
MUCH Digital Studios - 277 Queen St. W.
Join the ranks of Jus Reign, The Danocracy and ThatdudeMCFLY and join the MUCH creator group. MUCH creators get access to the Much royalty-free music library, Much creative studio spaces, access to exclusive event and content opportunities and, of course, the support of the Bell Media empire. Studio space is only available to MUCH content creators.
Artscape Daniels Launchpad - 130 Queens Quay E.
Another members-only space, Artscape Daniels Launchpad is a whopping 30,000 sq. ft. creative space on the waterfront. Members of the space get access to educational programs, meeting rooms, and creators lounges including fully-equipped production studios. The creators' hub is also an incredible venue for networking with artists of all kinds congregating in the space. Membership to the space can be purchased on a monthly or yearly term.
Pie In The Sky Studios - Various Locations
Working on multiple projects? No problem. You can choose between seven studios with Pie In The Sky. Each studio includes equipment and lighting. The facilities also include working and resting areas, access to a musical library, prop rooms and parking. And, if you prefer to film at home, Pie In The Sky also offers equipment rentals.
HackLab TO - 1677 St. Clair Ave. W.
This community space offers memberships to all types of creatives including artists, film producers, web designers, and computer programmers. Visit the HackLab on St. Clair for workshops, studio space or just to hang out with your fellow creatives. Members get 24/7 access to the facilities, opportunities to host events and guests, storage space and full use of HackLab resources.
