CINECYCLE

Hidden down a lane-way at the rear of 129 Spadina Avenue is the unassuming coach house of 401 Richmond St (a historic warehouse in downtown Toronto and home to over 140 cultural producers and micro enterprises). This is the home of CineCycle, a bike repair shop, DIY music venue, and most importantly, a long-running, underground cinema all rolled into one. Established by film and cycling enthusiast Martin Heath in 1991, it has been a staple of the Queen West arts scene with its experimental and political programming.

It may not look like much from the outside, but CineCycle is home to an impressive collection of films, and as its name suggests ,with row upon row of film reel canisters stacked from floor to ceiling. Its walls are decked with movie posters and bicycle art forms and a large 9 by 12 foot projection screen hangs from the ceiling at one end of the room. Beyond film screenings Cinecycle has hosted numerous live shows, exhibitions and of course late-night after hours house, techno, disco, and hip hop parties.