The TDSB's ArtsJunktion program provides schools with access to materials and supplies to enrich art programming, and is an innovative solution for recycling and reusing materials.
Given the TDSB's current budget realities, the TDSB is in the process of finding new ways of delivering this service. As a first step, responsibility for ArtsJunktion has been transferred from the Arts Department to the Sustainability Office, which operates the TDSB s EcoSchools program.
Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2019, staff from within the Sustainability Office will operate ArtsJunktion on Mondays from 1 to 5:30 p.m. in its existing location at Ossington/Old Orchard Junior School (380 Ossington Avenue - Basement). At this time, ArtsJunktion will be open for staff to pick up currently stocked items for use in schools. We will not be accepting new donations until at least January, at which time we will re-evaluate our capacity to receive new items.
The Sustainability Team will also be undertaking a review of the program to re-vision ArtsJunktion to ensure that we retain its strengths while also exploring options for:
- Making the program more financially sustainable through external funding and partnerships;
- Improving accessibility and increasing operating hours;
- Finding a location with a loading dock and increased storage capacity so that a broader range of materials can be made available; and
- Creating an online catalogue where donated good can be posted for all to see remotely.
A survey of current and future ArtsJunktion users will soon be available. Please watch for the survey, which will be posted to the TDSB website and shared across the system.
Since staff resources are very limited, and workloads are significant, we ask for patience, particularly in the short term while options are explored to make ArtsJunktion more sustainable over the long term.
Donors are welcome to contact Richard Christie, Senior Manager of Sustainability, at richard.christie@tdsb.on.ca.
