Why We’re Buying a Building: The executive director of Studio Two Three on anchoring the arts in an era of condos.

Kate Fowler (Director of Development & Community Partnerships), Christopher Mackenzie (Board Chair), Ashley Hawkins (Executive Director) & a Big Old Building Contract at closing

STYLE WEEKLY, November 22, 2022

I co-founded the studio 13 years ago with the belief that, with the right resources, Richmond could be an anchor for artists to stay rather than a gateway to someplace bigger. I believe that the diversity and hyper-local nature of Richmond culture is what makes this place special. 

For Richmond to retain its vibrant, remarkable local culture, we need to prioritize spaces that support new generations of makers, builders and dreamers. We need places where people can experiment and fail safely, and apply those lessons forward as they grow. When the costs associated with renting a space are daunting, failure often means closure - or not getting started at all. Studio Two Three has always been committed to providing an affordable space for creative risk taking. This is why we purchased our own building.