Our Story
B Street Collaborative Founder Heather Jessiman grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba immersed in—and inspired by—art.
From visual arts to music to theatre, Heather was profoundly impacted by art’s capacity to create joy, to connect people, to build community, to activate and to heal. Once an aspiring musical theatre superstar, Heather’s career highlight came when she played Ms. Adelaide in the Balmoral Hall School production of Guys and Dolls. When this triumph did not lead to immediate offers from Broadway, she decided it may be in her best interest to support the arts rather than perform.
Heather relocated to Toronto,
where she emerged as a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist, supporting a variety of arts organizations.
For several years she has sat on the board of Crow’s Theatre, where she received incredible mentorship and encouragement to pursue her arts passion project. Heather previously chaired the Opening Night of Art Toronto, where she developed meaningful friendships and gained a vital understanding of the visual arts in Canada. Fusing her passion for both the visual and performing arts emerged as a theme in future pursuits.
In 2018, Heather served on the Economic Development and Culture Committee of the City of Toronto. She found herself surrounded by impassioned arts leaders campaigning for a healthier, more vibrant, more sustainable cultural sector in Toronto. They expressed an urgent need to respond to the relentless economic pressures that artists face, due to the soaring costs of living and the lack of affordable creative workspace. The committee shared their deep concern about Toronto artists either leaving the city, or abandoning their dreams altogether.
Heather became determined to respond to this trend by pursuing an initiative that would make artists feel valued, supported and encouraged.
Setting out to create a space designed specifically to support artists—spatially, financially, and holistically—Heather’s dream for B Street Collaborative began to take shape.
Heather immersed herself in the world of urban development, community organization, and arts advocacy. She networked with other philanthropists and studied successful models for arts hubs and creative incubators. Through these efforts she forged alliances with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for the arts.
While her initial instinct was to purchase a warehouse space in the Junction area of Toronto, there was a former bank building in her beloved Annex neighbourhood that inspired her.
In the spring of 2022, Heather purchased the old bank building on a bustling and eclectic corner of Bathurst and Dupont. The appeal of a corner lot, a solid mid-century building and access to transit in an area in transition appealed. While lacking a formal business plan or artistic partner, Heather jumped in with two feet and an “if you build it they will come” mentality, initiating her own “Field of Dreams.”
Heather found an artistic partner in Toronto actor, director and educator Dylan Trowbridge.
Together, they collaborated to forge a vision for The Bathurst Street Arts Hub.
Through months of research and consultation, Heather and Dylan laid out the groundwork for an artistic headquarters that would offer inspiring, affordable studios, rehearsal spaces and co-working areas.
The initiative would also bolster artists through providing a variety of mentorship programs, residencies and philanthropic support.
Heather engaged the remarkable teams from SvN Architects + Planners and Vaughan Build, and the design and renovation process began.
And, as the blueprints were being drawn up, Heather recruited the creative dynamos at Quake to lead the branding process.
While Heather and Dylan were brimming with enthusiasm, they were a bit daunted at the prospect of running a facility on their own. When Heather mentioned this to Crow’s Executive Director Sherrie Johnson, Sherrie made a brilliant suggestion: Heather should meet with Jacoba Knappen, Executive Director of The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA).
TAPA is “the voice of theatre, dance and opera in Toronto.” Led by Jacoba Knappen, this organization has been the most passionate of advocates for arts and culture in Toronto.
TAPA represents over 100 professional theatre, dance and opera companies, and a multi-facility hub space would enable them to accommodate the diverse needs of their membership. B Street Collaborative’s partnership with TAPA would provide the new organization with artistic and administrative expertise and access to the exact community they were looking to serve.
A partnership emerged between B Street Collaborative (BSC) and TAPA.
Headquartered at The B Street Arts Hub, the two organizations offer artists affordable space, a sense of community and a variety of training and mentorship initiatives.
The B Street Arts Hub officially opened in the autumn of 2023, and BSC expanded their team to include Executive Assistant Cathy Nissen.
B Street Collaborative
Today
With TAPA leading the day-to-day operations of the arts hub, BSC has the opportunity to pursue projects that go beyond the walls of the space. The organization exists as an arts catalyst, emboldening artists to create their most impactful work. They pursue this mission through subsidizing creative workspaces, bolstering a sense of community, facilitating mentorship opportunities, advocating for artists, and investing in innovative artistic projects.