Studio 2880 is relocating to a new home and it has big plans for the future.
The Community Arts Council of Prince George and District (CAC), the entity behind Studio 2880, has announced plans to build an arts-based community centre, also known as a “Creative Hub”, at the corner of Quebec Street and Third Avenue.
This would serve as a new home for the organization and its members.
1310 Third Ave. is currently home to the Prince George Farmer's Markert. (via Hanna Petersen).In order to figure out if this would be feasible in Prince George, the CAC has to do some leg work.
That’s why it is planning to proceed with a feasibility study of the site concept as proposed, as well as evaluate the viability of financing and operation models.
Although initial cost estimates to complete renovations are up to $12 million, the study would identify the capacity of the community and other funders to provide financial support for the proposed uses.
“While the proposed new site is a substantial upgrade in terms of location, it falls far short of space and the building will require an extensive addition and renovation to suit the needs of the CAC and the community,” says Linda Rempel, CAC President in a news release.
“Our goal is to move into the new facility in 2021 and operate this innovative new destination attraction, designed for 21st century creative and cultural activities and programming, all the while playing a significant role in downtown revitalization efforts.”
The CAC has been operating at its current complex, known as Studio 2880, at 2880 15 Ave. for more than 40 years.
Both the 1310 Third Ave. location and the old 15 Avenue sites are owned by the City of Prince George.
“We have been working with the City of Prince George and the federal Ministry of Heritage in preparing to do a Feasibility Study on our initial findings, and our expectation is to be ready to report back to our members and stakeholders before the end of 2019,” says Sean Farrell, CAC executive director in the release.
“Our vision is that this new Creative Hub concept will work to ensure Prince George retains or improves its existing level of cultural activity, which contributes to the local economy, and family, personal and social development, helping to make Prince George a healthy, sustainable, dynamic, and exciting place to live.”
CAC was established in 1968 to respond to a growing need to expand the reputation of artistic endeavours in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG).
As of this year, the CAC is the umbrella organization to 240 members, comprising professional and emerging artists, performers, ensembles, artisan guilds, and cultural organizations.
