We are honored and excited that the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Dept of the City of Vancouver, has contracted with us, theARTScentered, to develop and activate programing for the old library while they work on next steps for a future "arts hub" project. We believe this is an opportunity for both, proof of concept & gaining a better understanding of our diverse community's need for these essential spaces to practice, present, and pass on their cultural traditions and artistic expressions.
Why is this opportunity important?
Cultural Enrichment: By repurposing the old library building into a space for arts and culture, we contribute to enriching the cultural landscape of Vancouver. This endeavor ensures that the city remains vibrant and dynamic, fostering creativity, expression, and community engagement.
Utilization of Public Assets: Transforming public-owned buildings like the old library into cultural hubs demonstrates a responsible and efficient use of taxpayer-funded resources. Instead of letting such assets lie dormant, we activate them to benefit the community at large, promoting accessibility and inclusion.
Community Empowerment: Collaborating with the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Services Dept underscores a commitment to community empowerment. By involving local government entities, we ensure that the project aligns with broader municipal goals and priorities, amplifying its impact and sustainability.
Economic Development: Investing in arts and culture not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also contributes to economic development. A thriving arts scene attracts visitors, stimulates tourism, and supports local businesses, thus creating jobs and generating revenue for the city.
Long-Term Vision: Developing a plan for the initial use of the old library building lays the groundwork for a future arts center, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and cultural development. This strategic vision ensures that Vancouver remains a cultural hub for generations to come, fostering creativity, innovation, and community cohesion.
Questions? Reach out !!
Uphold the principle that art is stronger when shaped through divergent perspectives. Ensure that local arts/culture groups and artists, regardless of financial capacity, have equal access to the library spaces.
This commitment aligns with the goal of fostering an inclusive cultural community, where financial constraints do not limit artistic and cultural expression.
Support the reality that one size does not fit all, and provide customized support in terms of information, space, equipment, and other resources to meet the specific needs of each local arts/culture groups and artists.
This personalized approach ensures that cultural traditions are practiced and preserved according to the unique requirements of each group.
Establish direct and open communication channels with each arts/culture group and artist. Avoid using only standardized communication methods and instead provide options to meet them where they are comfortable. Foster an environment where all feel heard, understood, and supported.
This principle emphasizes building trust through personalized engagement rather than imposing rigid communication structures.
Recognize this initial activation as a unique and powerful opportunity for a “radical hospitality” approach to the stewardship of this building and the opportunities it can provide. Empower local arts/culture organizations and artists to actively participate in the use of these spaces so that they can play an influential role in shaping and informing the final design and purposes of the future arts hub project.
This principle acknowledges that theARTScentered is a temporary custodian of the space, and decisions will be made in collaboration with, and for the benefit of, the many communities, groups, and cultural traditions of Vancouver.
Embrace a collaborative approach to programing this initial activation of the building. Encourage continuous open dialogue and collaboration between our local performing/visual arts/culture organizations/artists, and with theARTScentered.
This principle ensures that decision-making is inclusive, valuing the input of stakeholders equitably.
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