On May 24th, Toronto Artscape Foundation is pleased to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the newly announced “next-generation accelerator,” HXOUSE, co-founded by La Mar Taylor, Creative Director of XO Records and The Weeknd, and Ahmed Ismail, Founder of Influencers PR. Together, these two organizations have created HXOUSE@LAUNCHPAD, a multidisciplinary talent incubation space to be housed within Artscape Daniels Launchpad, and No More Dreams, a mentorship program that will support up-and-coming creative talent in the GTHA, enabling them to stop dreaming and start activating their career ambitions.
No More Dreams is inspired by the experience of Mr. Taylor and Mr. Ismail, who grew up disadvantaged in Toronto, along with their lifelong friend Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and rose to fame despite their circumstances. The program aims to accelerate the creative careers of young artists, especially those in underserved communities, by providing access to learning, networking, funds, production and partnership opportunities.
The program will be a powerful combination of elements, pairing the creative genius of the HXOUSE co-founders and their global network with the state-of-the-art creative facilities and resources that will be available to members at Artscape Daniels Launchpad. No More Dreams will engage 30 young artists a year, leading them through an intensive and immersive four-month program of mentorship and coaching, with Mr. Taylor directly involved in the operations. Program participants will be selected through an application process from a pool of Launchpad members.
Both HXOUSE and Artscape Daniels Launchpad—Artscape’s first-of-its-kind, 30,000 sq. ft. creative entrepreneurship centre designed by Quadrangle set to open in November 2018—are located within the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts complex (130 Queen’s Quay East).
May 24th also marked Artscape Daniels Launchpad’s membership kickoff. Membership in Launchpad will offer access to a one-of-a-kind facility, complete with resources, tools, equipment, creative production studios, tailored programs, a digital media lab, mentorship and coaching services and collaboration spaces when the facility opens later this year. Interested creators can sign up for a tour of the space and learn how to apply at www.artscapedanielslaunchpad.com.