CSI Announces the End of the CSI Community Living Room Project at Daniels Spectrum

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On February 2nd 2023, Denise Soueidan-O’Leary, the Director of Projects and Partnerships with the Centre for Social Innovations (CSI) announced the end of the year-long CSI Community Living Room project located on the first floor of the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre. This represents the end of CSI’s long-time presence in the Daniels Spectrum Arts Centre as previously they managed the third floor, CSI coworking space.

The first floor Community Living Room, initiated by CSI with the support of Artscape, was a barrier-free lounge area that was comfortably furnished and allowed community members free access to relax, read, work and play. For example, residents could use the Community Living Room to hang out, to eat, to use the free internet to do homework, to read any of the books provided, to chat with friends, hold birthday parties and meetings, organize events, or for childcare. Just like your living room at home - the space was a community living room for residents and groups to use however they imagined. Unfortunately, CSI has announced that due to a lack of financial resources, they will be ceasing operations at Daniels Spectrum and will turn over management of the Community Living Room to Artscape as of March 1, 2023. It remains to be seen if Denise Soueidan-O-Leary will continue managing programs in Regent Park.

In a follow-up email sent to the community, Farid Jalil, Hub Manager of the Daniels Spectrum, informed the community that Artscape plans to continue the Community Living Room legacy, using the space as an accessible hub for community events and activities for social interaction, cultural exchange, community wealth building, and providing a safe space for youth. On behalf of Artscape, Farid offered his heartfelt gratitude to the CSI team for their years of dedicated service to the Regent Park community, and a special thank you to Denise Soueidan-O’Leary, the CSI Director of Community Wealth and Special Projects, who has been instrumental in the Community Living Room project since its inception.

A celebration and Wrap Up Impact Party for CSI was held on February 23rd in the CSI Community Living Room.

  By Adonis Huggins

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