La Mar Taylor In The Hxouse

Call it T.O., the 6ix or “Toronno” (as Torontonians are apt to do), this city along the northwest shore of Lake Ontario has established itself as a vibrant, diverse creative hub across industries ranging from tech and design to music, marketing and more. Far from being a regional player, Toronto can stand on its own next to New York, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, offering bold, new ideas on the world stage. In this special report, we’ll meet 33 key movers and shakers behind its success. Some of these folks fashion innovative brand campaigns and guide digital innovation, while others create chart-topping hits or craft cautionary tales that plumb the depths of our cultural soul. Many give back to the community as mentors, grooming the next generation, or raise big bucks for social causes. Collectively, they continue to push the city forward, raising the bar for artistry and excellence, giving Toronto a spirit and style all its own.

- David Gianatasio

As creative director for musical artist The Weekend, La Mar Taylor operates largely behind the scenes, setting the tone, style and strategy for high profile releases and tours by the music superstar and other acts signed to the artist’s XO label.

In the fall, Taylor steps out from behind the curtain to guide others into the limelight. That’s when he will launch Hxouse (pronounced house), a mentoring and incubator program to support artists and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in photography, music, film, digital design, fashion and marketing. He’s doing so inside Artscape Daniels Launchpad, a business and design hub located on Toronto’s waterfront. On-site facilities include a computer lab, sound and video recording units, editing booths, and photography and electronics studios.

The concept of Hxouse came from frustration,” says Taylor. “It came from hopes of fixing a broken system—a system that is supposed to propel creative, but only leads them to a wall. I felt like it was time.”

Initially, the incubator hopes to enroll 30 students. A No More Dreams Scholarship will cover the cost for candidates who cannot afford it. (The fee to access the facility ranges from $75 to $150 a month depending on the type of membership.)