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Integrated Arts Centre
The New Westminster arts community is in
need of an integrated arts centre. Such a facility
would provide studio space, art classes for all ages, and
public art display areas (see links to
other centres). The Arts Council of New Westminster has
been working towards such a facility for a long time.
The Importance
The arts are a vital part of communities.
They allow for personal exploration, self-expression, stress
relief, and a sense of self-worth, fundamentally enriching
the quality of life. Arts programs also attract business,
tourism, and new residents.
Current
Situation
We are lagging
behind neighbouring communities in the development of arts
facilities. Many of our local artists, finding inadequate
support in New Westminster, are turning to centres like
Burnaby's Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Coquitlam's Place
des Arts to showcase and develop their craft.
In 2005 the City approved the
construction an arts centre as part of the NWSS school
reconstruction project. Unfortunately, due to recent
financial constraints the City has been obliged to put the
arts centre project on ice.
Your Support
Needed
The Arts Council needs the help of the public to move this
important project forward:
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Please show your support for the need of
an integrated art centre in New Westminster (see
Letters of Support)
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We would appreciate creative suggestions.
For a centre to become a reality, we need a venue, money to
turn to venue into an arts centre, and to operate the
facility. {There is some one-time funding (approximately $3
million) available for upgrading a facility}.
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