Neubacher Shor Contemporary, a new 3,000-square-foot art gallery and event space, opened its doors in Parkdale last week. Tucked in an alleyway on Brock Street at Queen, NSC is a collaboration between local art enthusiasts Manny Neubacher and Anya Shor, who partnered with Eatertainment director Sebastien Centner to promote the space as a venue for everything from formal dinners to fashion shows.
The former warehouse underwent a six-week renovation, the result being an open loft space with reclaimed-wood ceilings, exposed brick walls and duct work, steel beams, and polished concrete floors. It can be used as one large room, or divided into different areas (including two completely separate rooms) using four white movable walls. A large garage door on the west side of the building can open the venue to the outdoors or be used as an alternate entrance.
Other event-friendly amenities in the space, which can hold 250 people for a cocktail party or 150 seated, include outdoor customizable LED lights, a built-in sound system, a mezzanine, and a full kitchen. Centner says because of the gallery's location and focus on contemporary local art, it was important it remain accessible for arts groups to rent out; it will play host to a Contact Festival exhibition next month.
Despite Eatertainment's involvement with NSC, Centner says other caterers are welcome to use the space for events. Exclusive Affairs and The Butler Did It are the venue's sole preferred providers of rentals and staffing, respectively.
