Luminous Bodies programmed art residency includes shared art studios, resident artist talks, gallery tours, guest artist talks, workshops, and individual and group critiques, and exhibition (or open studio if preferred). Artists are responsible for their transportation, food and art supplies, including projectors, dongle & speakers.
Artscape Gibraltar Point (AGP) offers rich potential for the creation of corporeal artworks amongst its blue-flag beaches (Hanlans Beach being clothing optional) and natural surroundings of Lake Ontario, forests and gardens filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables. On the island, there are tiny quaint homes, a hobby farm and antique carnival grounds. The Toronto city core is just a 15-minute ferry ride away. Read more about Artscape Gibraltar Point here. For a greater sense of the island itself and it’s community, check out Friends of Toronto Islands or Toronto Island Community.
Facilities include a large communal kitchen, artist studios with high ceilings and tall windows, extra-large common rooms (when available), photo darkroom (chemicals not supplied), woodshop, small library, onsite coin-operated laundry, and free wi-fi. The communal kitchen is stocked with cooking utensils, some spices, and a limited supply of tea and coffee. Artists are given storage spaces for their (dry, refrigerated and frozen) foods in the communal kitchen where they cook their own meals. There is a pantry with non-perishable foods that previous artists leave behind. Artists are welcome to take from the pantry. More details about facilities are available here.
There is no grocery store on the island, but Kitchen Table (small grocer) and Farm Boy (large grocery store) are walking distance from the ferry dock, and Loblaws (large grocery store) and St. Lawrence Food Market (farmers market) just a bit further. Essence of Life (health food store) is more easily accessed by cycle/transit. It is suggested to bring a few food essentials for your first night, then complete major grocery shopping after settling in.
There are some restaurants on the island, here. Most are 30-45 minutes walking distance, or 15-25 minutes cycling, from the art centre.
Some art stores in the city core include Currys, Above Ground and Gwartzmans. Photography stores include Henry’s and Downtown Camera. The Gorilla Store offers some odds and ends for arts and science projects.
Advance shipping of art supplies or packages can be sent through Canada Post’s FlexDelivery, to your choice post office in Toronto.
Accessibility: AGP is a barrier free and inclusive environment. The ferry docks, ferry boats, and island roads are wheel chair accessible. There is a boardwalk ramp that leads into the entrance of Hanlans beach.
Bicycles can be rented from the islander and local bicycle smith Manuel Cappel (older bikes) by texting 416.804.0571 or emailing mandrasca@gmail.com, or through Bike Share Toronto‘s day pass (must lock up every 30 minutes to avoid surcharges).
Getting there:
We are looking forward to your visit at Artscape Gibraltar Point! If you are visiting us, please RSVP to info@LuminousBodies.com.
- AGP (Artscape Gibraltar Point) is located at 443 Lakeshore Avenue, Toronto Island. We are approximately a 25-minute walk from the Centre Island or Hanlans dock. But, the most convenient way to travel on the island is by bicycle, which are allowed on the ferry boats and water taxis. The island pathway signs will guide you here. Click here for Map of Artscape Gibraltar Point.
- Jack Layton Ferry Terminal has ferry boats to Toronto Island, and is located at Bay Street and Queen’s Quay West (10 min walk from Union Station). The two 15-minute ferries that get you closest to Artscape Gibraltar Point are Centre Island and Hanlans. However, only Wards is available during the fall/winter season. Once you are on the island, it will take apx. 25 minutes to walk to Artscape Gibraltar Point. The fare for the ferry is approximately $9 return for adults. Expect large crowds on hot sunny days and weekends. To by-pass the long ticket lines, there is a ticket booth under the concrete canopy (on the right), which is not so busy. Click here for the ferry schedules. For more information on the ferries, call 416-392-8193. Public transit to Jack Layton Ferry Terminal includes the #509 or #510 streetcars. For information on connecting routes, contact TTC at 416-393-4636 or visit TTC Trip Planner.
- Public parking near the ferry dock is available one block north at Lakeshore and Bay, one block west on Queens Quay between Bay and York, and one block east opposite Toronto Star building.
- Pearson International airport to the ferry dock’s fastest transportation is the Union-Pearson Express train, which takes you to Union Station. From Union Station take the #509 or #510 streetcar to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The most economical route is the #192 Airport Rocket bus from Pearson to Kipling subway station, then a subway ride from Kipling to Union station, then board the #509 or #510 streetcar to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
- Billy Bishop airport to the island ferry terminal is easy. Just walk north to the corner of Queens Quay and Bathurst St., and board the #509 Harbourfront streetcar eastbound. Get off at Bay St., which is at the ferry dock.
- Union Station to the ferry terminal is walking distance, but you can also take the #509 or #510 streetcar for one stop to Queens Quay Station, right across the street from the ferry dock.
- Water Taxi: From April to October, water taxis leave apx. every 10 minutes from the foot of Spadina or York streets, and cost about $10 per person. You can also call a water taxi (more costly if only few passengers) at 416-203-8294 (York St.) or 647-347-8454 (Spadina St.). Custom drop offs, such as to Artscape Gibraltar Point lighthouse (right at Artscape Gibraltar Point), will be more expensive.
- Tender Boat: A tender boat costing about $10 each ride (capacity for 22 people), leaves York Street to Toronto Island Marina at the following times. The marina is a 20-minute walk to Artscape Gibraltar Point.
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