On Tuesday, February 11, a presentation was made to RMWB Mayor and Council regarding the future of performing arts infrastructure in our region. Several questions were asked about the status of the Arts INCubator Project and the facility’s design plans. We are taking this opportunity to clarify the function of the Arts INC creative campus and its relationship to arts infrastructure in the region.
Arts Council Wood Buffalo is dedicated to building a thriving community through the arts. We are concerned by the dismantling of dedicated arts spaces and the overall lack of arts infrastructure in our region. The arts are integral to a remarkable quality of life and contribute to mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, as well as a strong, diversified economy. Accessing purpose-built arts infrastructure has already been identified as a barrier within our region. Multiple studies, including the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Culture Master Plan, have shown that infrastructure to support all artistic disciplines is critical.
Thanks to the support of the RMWB, Arts Council is leading the development of a purpose-built creative campus in the downtown area —the Arts INCubator (Arts INC). This facility is the culmination of years of research and engagement within the community and is designed to complement existing arts infrastructure. It will include myriad spaces designed to accommodate an array of multi-disciplinary practices, particularly geared to supporting small and medium enterprises. These spaces include:
The Performance Space, an intimate, 34 seat theatre designed to support small, independent productions, artist talks, music recitals, film screenings, and more. This space is equipped with storage, a green room, and backstage space.
The Birch Mountain Enterprises Adaptable Space, a versatile studio equipped with audiovisual equipment and designed to accommodate rehearsals, classes, meetings, events, and small performances.
The Bouchier Teaching Circle, an interactive workshop space designed for groups to gather and learn together.
The Music Space, a community of individually sound-proofed music rehearsal spaces, designed to accommodate individuals, small groups, and private lessons.
And many other specialized spaces designed specifically for the arts. Arts INC is purpose-driven to be the home of community groups, small to medium local businesses, arts educators, artists, and Arts Council Wood Buffalo programs and operations.
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo has a demonstrated lack of arts infrastructure for large-scale art productions in any discipline, exacerbated by the elimination of post-secondary arts education. Even as Arts Council successfully moves forward with the development of Arts INC, once it is fully realized, it will be the only standalone arts facility in the region. As we work together to retain residents and create social cohesion, filling these gaps in education and opportunities to connect with arts and culture remains integral to the growth of our region. Investing in the arts ensures that this is a place for people of all ages to call home.
We are grateful for the support we have received from our partners and we are confident that the community shares our understanding of the urgent need to invest in the arts.
“The arts play a critical role in supporting the development of a healthy community and a diversified economy,” says Liana Wheeldon, ACWB Executive Director. “While our region’s creatives have made multipurpose and makeshift spaces work in the past, it’s vitally important our community continues to invest in purpose-built arts infrastructure – spaces designed to intentionally and safely meet the unique needs of artists. We need more arts infrastructure, not less.”
The arts matter and have the potential to contribute in meaningful ways to all residents and visitors to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. Arts Council encourages our community to speak out on the importance of championing the arts today and everyday.
