Toronto School of Art Sculpts a New Future Thanks to Trio of Businessmen Artists
February 11, 2013
Authour: Kamilia Hinkson
Publication: The Toronto Star
A trio of Toronto businessmen have banded together to resurrect the Toronto School of Art.
The school will reopen May 4 at a new location after it abruptly closed late last year. Instructors were given less than 24 hours to pack up their supplies before the chair of the board confirmed the more than 40-year-old institution was bankrupt on Nov. 30.
That day, Brian Bradstreet and Sol Roter, both investors taking courses at the school, began talking about how to save it while recovering their projects from the building.
Aldo Cundari was working, so Bradstreet grabbed his work for him. When Cundari, who is also a businessman, dropped by Bradstreet’s house the next morning, they got to talking and the partnership was cemented.
Cundari has been taking sculpting classes at the school for four years and knew what the city would be losing if it closed for good.
“You feel that you’re amongst artists teaching artists,” said the chairman and CEO of Cundari Group Ltd., an advertising company. “It’s a great community.”
The school’s faculty, blindsided by the decision to close the school, have been actively involved in the renaissance. They’ve given new owners Bradstreet, Roter and Cundari a nickname: the three wise men.
The men bought the school’s assets, acquired the rights to the name and found it a new home on Dufferin St., just south of Bloor St. W.
The school lost its ability to give certificates and diplomas when it closed, and for now is focusing on offering single courses.
Diane Mohan was one of about 30 students enrolled in a program leading towards a diploma. She was half a credit shy of graduating when the school closed its doors.
She said it is the only school in the city that allows part-time study, and she would be “disappointed” if she were unable to get a diploma.
Tom Campbell, the faculty director, said they want to help students in Mohan’s situation.
“There is a feeling something has to be done for them,” he said.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities told the Star it is working with affected students to help them complete their diplomas.
The school is also working to regain its registered charity status, which it lost when it declared bankruptcy.
To view the spring 2013 course schedule and sign up for courses, visit www.tsa-art.com or call 416-473-7949.