The Prince George & District Community Arts Council has been in the planning stages of developing a new Creative Arts Hub in the heart of downtown
The City of
“I want to clarify the Creative Hub project was simply turned down from one funding source - there are plenty of other funding sources and ones that are probably more appropriate funding sources for what we’re doing,” Sean Farrell, CAC’s executive director, said.
One example of alternative funding is a Heritage Canada program that is specifically set to build creative hubs, Farrell added.
“I don’t think for a second this project is going to lose its life,” Farrell said. “We just need to pivot and look at other funding sources and there are funding sources out there for this project.”
The topic is a council agenda item set for Monday’s meeting where Farrell hopes council will direct staff’s efforts to continue seeking alternative funding to get this project moving forward in some form - whether it be to move the Community Arts Council downtown to the location of the current indoor Farmers’ Market at the corner of Third Avenue and Quebec Street in the old BMO building or to revamp its existing location at 2880 15th Avenue where the arts council has been happily ensconced for more than four decades.
“Things on the ground have changed over the last few years around downtown revitalization,” Farrell said. “It’s sort of shifted, especially in the last six months to a year. There’s also an opportunity - I think - for us to take a hard look at what are the expectations and goals for moving Studio 2880 downtown and have those shifted at all. Studio 2880 on
For now the Community Arts Council will stay where it is and continue its vision of ‘developing our community into a recognized centre of creativity,’ Farrell added.
That statement becomes more meaningful than ever, Farrell added, as the community needs a vibrant arts and culture sector to help bring about much-needed social healing and economic development.
As pandemic restrictions ease local arts organizations will be kicking off a new season of programming and events that are open to everyone in the community, he added.
“That includes concerts, plays, festivals, gallery and museum exhibits, classes, outdoor markets, workshops, child and youth programming, social enterprise initiatives, poetry and literature publications, library and literacy initiatives, in-school learning, healing arts activities, reconciliation collaborations, cultural tourism attractions, seniors programs, arts, justice, diversity and inclusivity initiatives, community broadcasting.and podcasting... and so, so much more,” Farrell said.
“We thank all our funders, members, board and staff, Studio 2880 tenants, partners, customers, and the City of