Survey shows Fredericton artists require adequate affordable spaces for their creative practice

CreativeSpaces–Fredericton’s snapshot survey report,Assessing Fredericton Artists’ Need for Affordable Studio Space,examines the current challenges faced by city artists regarding having access to studio space in which to conduct their creative practice. CSF conducted the survey in the fall of 2024.

Of the 31 artists who participated in CSF’s survey, 28 respondents—or 90.3%—indicated that having a dedicated studio space would be preferable to what they are currently using: homes, garages, church basements and university classrooms. As one survey participant noted:

“This has been a problem for many years. We are not treating the arts like a business...I am working with newcomers and established art educators, and none can find adequate consistent space to work and rehearse.”

— Laura Beth Bird, arts administrator

CSF’s survey indicates the diverse artistic disciplines of Fredericton’s artists needing creative spaces, and that the three main types of studio spaces required are: individual private artist space, collaborative studio space, and rehearsal/production studio space.  The survey also presents the sizes of studios artists require; what price per sq. ft. they are willing to pay; the timing of their need for space; and what further supports would assist their creative practice.

CreativeSpaces–Fredericton believes its snapshot survey reflects just the tip of the iceberg as to how many emerging and professional artists in the city require studios, and that the sheer lack of them is only undermining Fredericton artists’ ability to earn their living and play an integral role in the city’s creative economy. The survey concludes it is time for the City of Fredericton to address this long-standing arts issue by pursuing some of the successful creative placemaking methods and collaborative approaches being used in other Canadian city centres to assist artists in having affordable studio spaces.