Until Monday: Centre for Culture and Leisure No. 1

Created by local artist Brian Joseph Davis and his partner-in-art, writer Emily Schultz (whose recent novel Joyland, about coming of age during the mid-80s birth of the video game era is mesmerizing), the CCL1 is tucked away just a few steps south of Queen Street in the heart of Parkdale, at 83 Elm Grove Avenue. For exactly one year, Brian and Emily have converted half of their home into an exhibition space, where artists and curators have been invited to explore, experiment, and create, all for free.

The space is commercially zoned, but CCL1’s creators are mindful of respecting their residential neighbours - so don’t expect loud DJed parties. Instead, the space has hosted lectures, scavenger hunts & instant-band workshops, as well as more standard exhibits of visual art. Since they’ll only be open for one year, they’re not taking submissions, so if you love this idea, they suggest you “start your own open format project and art centre”.

In February, look for local curator Alissa Firth Eagland to transform the space with her unique vision. Alissa and fellow curator Johan Lundh will be moving their studio into the CCL1 gallery space, and, as researchers-in-residence, investigating the “landscape between public, private, work and leisure zones". Their specific plans haven’t been unveiled, but with a background in video, performance art, and cross-disciplinary work, the show surely won’t disappoint. To keep up with the comings and goings at The Culture & Leisure Centre No. 1, check their calendar.

Thursday, February 8 - Thursday, March 1, hours TBD. 83 Elm Grove Avenue, Toronto Centre for Culture and Leisure No. 1

By Katrina Collins, Until Monday (www.untilmonday.com)