253469 began as an art space at Bloor and Lansdowne, Toronto in 2009.  Initially called "Fountain253", and run by Wesley Rickert and Maggy Perry, the space opened with a group exhibition of "Ladies and Gentrification".  In the fall of 2009, the space renamed as 253469 and was run by Wesley Rickert and Kathleen Reichelt.  During the two year occupation, the duo focused on creating abstract, absurd and irreverant installations, exhibitions and events. 

In 2011, 253469 started using alternative spaces for events, exhibitions and studios, including Kensington Market's Garage, Fountain Enterprises by Maggy Perry, The Trash Palace, Art Zoo, The Garrison, CineCycle, box truck rentals, alleys and Sterling Road studios. 

In 2014,  the first feature length art film "Cold Iron Is A Titanic Comedy" toured across Canada.  That same year the founders of 253469 moved to eastern Ontario and set up multiple studios for film, editing, audio, recording, painting, collage, writing and performance.  253469 continues as a umbrella to multiple projects including The 1000 Islands Film & Stage Artist Residency, Gallery Beat, Burning Iceberg, and multiple film, stage, recording, audio and performance projects. 

Wesley Rickert is a writer, sculptor, film maker, performer and painter.  Selected works can be found here.

Kathleen Reichelt is a collage artist, sculptor, painter, writer and performer.  Selected works can be found here.