Maison Toki and A257 join forces to build a sustainable creative community
In a world where creators are looking for spaces that are accessible, inspiring and rooted in the economic reality of their practice, a new collaboration is born: Maison Toki and A257 formalize a strategic partnership. This alliance marks an important milestone for the Montreal arts and culture scene, combining the strengths of an international agency and a multidisciplinary creative hub.
A space for creativity
Located in the heart of Saint-Henri, A257 is much more than just a rental space. It's a place designed to accommodate a diversity of artistic practices: photography, filming, fashion, music, installations, rehearsals and special events. Thanks to its Keyholder and Spaceholder members, the space has established itself as an incubator where artists and creative entrepreneurs find a professional, flexible and affordable setting.
The A257 approach is based on community: each member benefits not only from privileged access to the facilities, but also from advantageous conditions for co-producing events, renting equipment or reserving spaces adapted to specific needs. Far from being just a studio, A257 is an ecosystem.
Maison Toki: an international vision
Maison Toki, for its part, has forged a solid reputation as a creative agency and artistic representative. Active internationally, the agency brings together photographers, directors, new media artists, stylists and set designers. Its mission: to develop the careers of visual talents and connect them with the right opportunities.
With expertise ranging from project management and content production to contract negotiation and partnership development, Maison Toki is positioned as an engine of growth for artists. Its approach is based on a simple principle: offer creators the time, tools and platforms they need to devote themselves to their art, while ensuring a solid presence in the professional and media spheres.
Why this collaboration?
The idea of bringing A257 and Maison Toki together was a natural one. The two organizations share a common vision: to create an environment where artists can flourish without being held back by logistical or financial constraints.
During preliminary discussions, several common points emerged:
A shared need to optimize reservation and member management systems, to deliver a seamless and transparent experience.
The desire to strengthen Montreal's creative community, by bringing together a variety of profiles - photographers, stylists, make-up artists, musicians - around a common space.
The importance of a sustainable structure: the aim is not to create a one-off project, but to build a long-term partnership capable of supporting creators over the long term.
Maison Toki will provide its expertise in setting up and managing the reservation and membership system, covering the costs associated with this transition. The agency will also play a leading role in communication and community management, to bring more creators into the space and maximize its use.
What does this mean in practical terms?
For current and future A257 members, this collaboration will mean several improvements:
A centralized, intuitive booking system: no more overlaps and confusion, each designer will be able to book his or her space or slot clearly and quickly.
Expanded membership: in addition to the existing Keyholders and Spaceholders, new formulas for stylists, make-up artists and other fashion designers will be introduced.
Enhanced communication: thanks to Maison Toki's network and expertise, A257 will benefit from an increased presence on social networks and greater visibility among local and international artists.
Co-production opportunities: members will continue to benefit from preferential rates and co-production models that enable them to launch projects without having to bear the cost of a full rental alone.
A stronger community spirit: the aim is to encourage collaboration rather than competition, by encouraging creators to share resources, skills and opportunities.
A shared vision: Montreal as a creative crossroads
Beyond the practical aspects, this collaboration is part of a broader goal: to make Montreal a truly international creative hub. The city is teeming with talent, but sometimes lacks the appropriate infrastructure or international gateways.
By joining forces, Maison Toki and A257 aim to :
Providing affordable, professional spaces for artistic production.
Create synergies between different professions (photography, fashion, music, video).
Accelerate the visibility of local talent through media initiatives and events.
Building a sustainable model, based on solidarity and the pooling of resources.
A word from our partners
Jason Pitsillis - Toki House
a decisive step towards better integration of artists into a professional and humanly rich ecosystem.
Workshop 257
" Our mission has always been to create a space of freedom for artists. With Maison Toki, we're adding a dimension of structuring and outreach that has been missing from our equation. "
What next?
The next step is clear: the official launch of the membership and reservation system, scheduled for mid-October 2025.
Once this stage has been completed, the priority will be to develop the community, by welcoming new creators and multiplying collaborative projects.
Interested artists will soon be able to register directly via an online portal, discover the different formulas and start reserving their spaces. Maison Toki and A257 will also be publishing a series of contents to highlight members, their creations and the events that will enliven the life of the community.
Last word
The collaboration between Maison Toki and A257 is not just an announcement: it's the start of a movement. Together, the two structures aim to build an environment where designers can not only work, but also grow, collaborate and shine.
At a time when Montreal's art scene is seeking to assert itself internationally, this alliance embodies a strong conviction: the union of local creative forces is the key to building a sustainable, inspiring future for all.
