What’s Happening?

It is with a heavy heart that we announce on October 31st Dope Chief Studios is set to permanently close its doors.

Our straightforward ask, we need $7000 by the end of October in order to keep our doors open. I know this it is not an insignificant amount of money to ask for but if you're a patron of the arts and are able to help support financially every dollar will go towards keeping the studio open. Even if you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this project and getting the word out is extremely valuable as well.

Our Story

In 2020 Hamilton artist Dope Chief opened his studio in Jackson Square days before the pandemic. What started as his own personal studio quickly became the home for dozens of creatives over the past 7 years.

In 2021 Dope set out to create a space which valued the pursuit of community through creativity. He made the decision to open his space to new artists and not charge any fees, commissions or take a cut from whatever they made putting community over profit. Opening up the studio meant artists who couldn't afford space elsewhere had a place to start.

Since 2021 Dope Chief Studios has had over 40 unique creative members develop and contribute to the studio.

Every year the studio has developed and morphed into a new version of itself, from physical re-models, new members joining, to large installations and stage design for ambitious events. Dope Chief Studios has produced more artwork and welcomed more artists every year of it’s existence.

Why is THIS Space Important?

In recent years Hamilton has experienced a sharp uptick in interest when it comes to the Arts. While at the same time creative spaces in downtown Hamilton are disappearing.

Online, the future of what art may become has never been more uncertain than it is now. How Artists are paid, credited or employed has also never been this unstable. Artists and creatives across the board are feeling isolated, defeated and alone.

The importance of this space is to help support these artist. So that we can better feel connected to the world around us by investing in real art created by the artists who are our family, friends, and neighbours.

Dope Chief Studios is a place that tackles these issues by providing artists a real place in our community. One where growth, experimentation and collaboration are encouraged highly. We say the studio is a “safe space for better ideas” because the goal of being in this community is helping each other improve and grow as artists.

Where Your Support is Going

By donating to save the studio your support will go towards immediately creating a stable foundation for the space by covering our outstanding overhead while also helping us build longevity moving forward.

We hope you will be able to help save one of Hamiltons few creative spaces downtown before it’s gone. If you are not able to contribute financially if you could share this campaign with anyone you think would be willing to help that would be invaluable.

For the bottom our heart. Thank you.