The Problem

An evolving need.

The Museum of Contemporary Art first opened its doors in Toronto 21 years ago, and was known for its longstanding Queen West location up until 2015. In its lifetime, it has become a local staple, defining the city’s contemporary art scene and acting as a hub for creative exchange. 

In 2018, MOCA approached NetGain for help in filling an administrative gap. The staff and artistic director were both in need of extra support, while more up-to-date and frequent communication needed to take place with the board of directors. However as operation stabilized, it was realized that MOCA would also need assistance with its facility — the museum’s lease was expiring. 

NetGain responded with support in sourcing a location, financing, securing a lease agreement, and overseeing architecture and construction of the final space.

Finding and Defining Opportunity

A different way.

The transition to a new location meant new opportunities for MOCA to do things differently. For example, it’s more common practice for an arts institution to purchase property rather than lease. However for funders of MOCA, it was understood that nothing is permanent, and it was more efficient to improve things in the meantime.

The museum then opted to lease a new space, allowing them to reduce up-front costs so they could direct funds towards enhanced programming and accelerating their move. 

Rising to Challenges

Navigating tensions.

Everyone engaged on the MOCA project was enthusiastic with the best intentions; but regardless, any collaboration of such scale with private, non-profit, and government stakeholders is going to face some tensions. In our case, these tensions manifested in miscommunications, directional misalignments, and mismatched paces of work.

All of this was enveloped in a work process that required slow and thorough approvals from a full board of directors, and the added time-sensitivity from the in-progress construction taking place.

Results and Final Takeaways

Major accomplishments inside and out.

The greatest compliment a consultant can receive is when a client feels as though they got to the results with you; they feel involved in the throes of the process and can take ownership of the final outcome with you. The ultimate success is when the client no longer needs us, and has the tools to continue thriving independently, which is exactly what happened with MOCA.

With the help of NetGain, a beautiful building came together that is well-loved by the community and serves a multitude of artistic needs. Meanwhile, MOCA as an institution has attained the scale of operation and international recognition it had long sought after.