This initiative responds directly to member feedback, which, across disciplines, outlines a lack of adequate studio spaces to create, rehearse, and share work.

A recent survey of New Brunswick’s arts and culture professionals found that over half of respondents are either “dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied with the availability and affordability of studio or rehearsal space, as well as the availability of exhibition or performance spaces (Hill Strategies, 2025).

Long term, we hope to increase studio and co-working spaces on a wider scale; in the meantime, a flex space like ArtsLink NB’s Community Studio is needed. The significance of basing this initiative in Saint John is in response to Fredericton and Moncton already having municipal arts centres with low-cost studio rentals available for local artists, which is currently lacking in the Saint John region. This is of particular concern in Saint John where there are no artist studios within community spaces, such as those at Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton, and Aberdeen Cultural Centre in Moncton.

Members who book ArtsLink Community Studio will have full access to the space for self-directed projects in any discipline on a first-come-first-served basis. Perfect for carrying out work that cannot, for whatever reason, be completed at home.

The ArtsLink Community Studio will also serve as an additional programming and event space for certain ArtsLink initiatives, such as Lending Library demos and workshops.