Broom Factory

2026年10月11日

The Broom Factory: A Historic Hub for Arts and Music in Kingston

The Broom Factory, located at 305 Rideau Street in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, is a significant cultural and historical landmark. Originally constructed in 1894, the building served as the factory for a broom manufacturing company. Over the decades, it housed various industrial businesses until the 1990s, after which it was abandoned. In 2015, the city designated it as a heritage property, and in 2016, it was purchased by RAW Design, an architecture firm that currently owns the building.

Today, the Broom Factory has been revitalized as a vibrant community hub, supporting film, music, design, and the broader arts. It hosts a range of events including live music performances, film screenings, and workshops. The venue is designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, catering to all ages and promoting a safe and welcoming environment. Its mission is to foster a space where everyone feels welcome, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

The building operates in partnership with the Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) and KPP Concerts, with RAW and KCFF utilizing the space as office premises during the day. The Broom Factory plays a pivotal role in Kingston’s live music scene, having hosted a variety of artists across genres. Notable performers include the Canadian punk band Propagandhi, indie pop band Dizzy, and folk-rock duo Whitehorse, among others.

The venue features a permanent stage measuring 17 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and 2 feet in height, with two conference rooms behind the stage serving as green room facilities. It is available for events after 4 p.m. and is licensed to serve alcohol, offering drinks, coffee, and snacks during events. The Broom Factory is equipped with modular equipment to support flexible event setups, including lighting systems, a projector, blackout blinds, a sound system, and a variety of microphones and DI boxes.

In terms of accessibility and sustainability, the Broom Factory is designed with non-gendered and wheelchair-accessible washrooms. Events are open to all ages and are encouraged to conclude early to maximize inclusion and artist health. The building itself is eco-friendly, net-zero ready, and non-reliant on fossil fuels. To promote sustainable transportation, a bike lock station is available on-site.

The Broom Factory’s transformation from an industrial site to a cultural hub is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving and repurposing historical structures. Its role in the arts and music scene in Kingston continues to grow, making it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.