Accessibility • Creativity • Community

Our space is located at 119 Wyndham St N on the ground level.

The Workshop Space

Also referred to as the “Make a Mess” space, a creative area equipped for hands-on art-making, collaborative projects, community-led workshops and programming.

  • Modular tables

  • Height-adjustable tables with open base

  • Different seating options including:

    • Padded chairs without armrests (800 lbs weight capacity)

    • Bariatric seating

    • Ergonomic chairs on casters available upon request

  • Access Basket: fidget toys, kick bands, adaptive artist tools and

    equipment, ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones

  • Floor level slop sink

  • Rope drawer pulls

Total Capacity: 75 People (Applies to entire space), 25 people fit comfortably

Size: 454 square feet

The Gathering Space

A dynamic space designed for gatherings, events, performances, screenings, and community-driven activities. Its adaptable layout supports a range of creative and collaborative experiences.

  • Modular seating for an adaptable space

  • Access Basket: fidget toys, kick bands, ear plugs, noise cancelling

    headphones

  • Varied attendance options:

    • Standing

    • Cozy floor seating on rugs and floor pillows

  • Different seating options including:

    • Padded chairs without armrests (800 lb capacity)

    • Ergonomic chairs with casters available upon request

Total Capacity: 75 People (Applies to entire space), 50 people fit comfortably

Size: 678 square feet

Rental Pricing Guide

All rentals include access to the Community Kitchen. 

Additional rates apply for usage of our A/V equipment.

To book, please contact:  facilities@artnotshame.org

Getting Here

We recommend giving yourself extra time when making your way downtown Guelph as there are multiple phases of construction and road closures, including Wyndham Street.

Bike Parking

There are a couple bike parking stations on Wyndham St, make sure to lock your bike.

Public Transit

We are just up the street from the downtown bus and train station with both Go Train and Via Train service.

Car Parking

There is free 2-hour street parking downtown. You can also park for the day on many side streets surrounding downtown.

The nearby Market Parkade also offers paid parking:

  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., $3 per hour, maximum $24 per day

  • Saturday: $3 per day, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Evenings, overnight and Sunday: $3 flat fee

Ensuring that the places where we gather are accessible is a key element to fostering spaces of community care. Our efforts to create a community space that is truly accessible will be ongoing and ever-evolving to meet the needs and desires of our community members.

Our Inclusion Practices

During your visit, please respect those sharing the space by:

  • Providing trigger and content warnings

  • Respecting others’ pronouns

  • Remembering not to interact with service animals unless given permission by their handler

  • Being open to using alternative communication methods, such as written notes, translators or digital aids

  • Waiting for people to finish communicating before responding

  • Giving personal and physical space to those around you

  • Keeping pathways clear to support easy movement

  • Seeking consent before offering any form of assistance

  • Keeping noise to a considerate level

  • Not moving others’ personal belongings without asking

  • Asking for others’ consent when recording video, audio or taking pictures

Our Policies

Chemical fragrance-free: We maintain a chemical fragrance-free space to ensure that our environment is safe and welcoming for everyone, including those with chemical sensitivities, sensory sensitivities, scent-triggered migraines, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Fragrances and scented products can trigger severe health reactions. While at Art Not Shame, please refrain from wearing scented products such as perfumes/colognes, hair products, cosmetics, and scented lotions. Please also avoid using scented soaps, shampoos, and detergents prior to your visit.

Masks: Masking is highly encouraged if and when you can (we always have masks available for use). While COVID-19 remains a concern, masks also help protect against other airborne illnesses and are especially important for keeping immunocompromised individuals safe. Additionally, we have HEPA air filters in place to further ensure a clean and healthy environment. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and inclusive space for all.

Smoke-free: We are a smoke and vape-free space as per the Smoke-Free Ontario Act of 2017.

Substance use: We do not permit the use of substances on our premises, with the exception of prescriptions and alcohol at licensed events.

At Art Not Shame, we prioritize mutual respect and consideration. This is a safe(r) space, and we do not tolerate harassment or bigotry of any kind directed towards our volunteers, staff, or guests. Art Not Shame prohibits discrimination based on age, race, religion, disability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and substance use. Access entails the mutual respect and safety of all participants, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

  • "I came here for the first time with no artistic talent, only my colouring book, and I was still welcomed with open arms. This was a cozy space with accepting and kind people, and I loved every minute of it."

    Community Member

  • "Art Not Shame is a natural home for Guelph Film Festival screenings. The Gathering Space is a beautiful, accessible venue, with a complete sound system and an atmosphere that is perfectly suited to film screenings. Having access to the Workshop Space for our pre-event gathering and box office also allowed everything to flow seamlessly. Our organizations share a belief in the power of art to bring people together, spark meaningful conversation, and build a stronger, more connected community. We especially value the opportunity to support and collaborate with another local arts organization doing such thoughtful and important work."

    The Guelph Film Festival

  • "The Art Not Shame space is perfect for small to medium arts events like Guelph Fringe. It comes with all the tech and seating we need, and the staff and volunteers are welcoming and accommodating."

    Guelph Fringe Festival