Former Island School turned Artist Residency and Event Space

This year, Doors Open Toronto invites you to step inside Gibraltar Point a vibrant space where creativity, community, and culture come together. For one special weekend we celebrate and highlight the spaces, their histories and most importantly the people who bring the hubs to life.   

Located on the Toronto Islands,  Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts is home to a welcoming artist community, an artist residency centre, and stunning event spaces! Known for its creative energy and unique island setting, the hub plays an important role in supporting Toronto’s creative ecosystem. 

What's happening that weekend at Gibraltar Point

Open Studios:

Visit the studios of Gibraltar Point tenants including artists Alastair Dickson, Julie Pasila, Cathryn MacFarlane, Mitchell Fenton and Karen McKinnell, and Fake Art School.

Art Exhibitions:
Gibraltar Point Hallway Gallery - Featured artists include Hunter Sanassian, Malak El Sharkawy, Nancy Correia, Bobby Gadda, Michael Badour, and Rawan Hassan.

ANALAGOUS Group Exhibition & Reception - This group exhibition presents works that have analogue processes (traditional and alternative darkroom, pinhole, paper negatives, etc.) as a key component of their narrative. The images explore concepts of place, identity, belonging, and fragility. Featured artists include Mario Cerroni, Ann Ellis, Therese Kirchner, and Ruth Less.

Art Installations:
Julie Pasila's Island Obscura is a functioning camera obscura located outside the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts. During daylight hours, visitors can step inside the camera to see an image of the outside world appear before their eyes. On the exterior of the camera is an exhibition of solargraphs showing the passage of the sun over the island in exposures ranging from 6 to 18 months. Together, the images and camera of Island Obscura invite visitors to engage with photography in its most elemental form.

Artist Talks:

Island Obscura led by Julie Pasila

Live Music:
Showcasing ambient and experimental music from Toronto-based artists.

Garden Tours:

The Gibraltar Point grounds are surrounded by vibrant gardens. Maintained by onsite staff, seasonal gardeners, and community members, the gardens provide a respite space for artists in residence and visitors. Join us for a tour to explore our organic vegetable garden, pollinator garden, natural dye garden, and greenhouse.

Want to see what other ArtHubs spaces are doing? Visit our other sites to meet our tenants, support local makers and learn about the worlds within our hubs. More details below. 

Planning Your Visit

Location: Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, 443 Lakeshore Ave, Toronto Island

Dates and Hours: May 23 & 24 10AM - 4PM

Admission: Free 

Getting here: Gibraltar Point is a 20-minute walk/roll/scooter away from Hanlan's Point or Centre Island. Visitors can access Hanlan's Point or Centre Island by ferry or water taxi.

By Ferry:  The Toronto Island Ferry can be boarded at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, at the southern end of Bay Street and Queen’s Quay. Take the ferry to Hanlan’s Point for the dock closest to Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts. Ferry details can be found here.

By Water Taxi: There are several water taxi options to get to and from the Toronto Islands. Visit their website to book.

For more information on getting to Gibraltar Point visit:
Getting Here | Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts | Toronto

Gibraltar Point is one of four ArtHubs locations participating in Doors Open Toronto, alongside Youngplace, Wychwood Barns, and Daniels Spectrum. 

Consider visiting more than one location to experience what all our spaces have to offer. 

See you there!