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Arts Council looks for local input on former cinema as arts incubator

Last Updated Sep 16, 2020 at 7:03 pm MDT

PHOTO. The former Landmark Cinemas 6 Building in downtown Fort McMurray. MYMCMURRAY/Phil Wood

The future of the old Landmark Cinemas 6 Building is the focus of Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB).

The non-profit arts society invites artists, performers, residents, businesses and industry to take a short survey and share feedback on a proposed arts incubator facility.

Sharon Heading, ACWB Special Projects Manager, said the artists would be able to gather and work in the purpose-built space.

“But it’s much more than that. We envision it as a venue for performances, workshops and showcases, as a community gathering space, and as a place to host events and festivals that offer a broad opportunity for engagement with the arts.”

Heading said feedback will help inform plans on remodelling the former cinema into a place that can serve a diverse range of arts and culture.

It will also complement strategic goals and priorities for downtown revitalization and provide more local options for education and entertainment.

Executive Director, Liana Wheeldon said work began with Akron Engineering on a feasibility study early in 2020.

“Funding has been provided by Community Foundations of Canada via the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) to determine if and how the cinema building could be repurposed for an arts incubator. Now we’re ready to engage with the public to get feedback on the project and evaluate the benefits for everyone in our region.”

Calgary, Alta., and Cape Breton, N.S., are examples of arts incubators in Canada.

Participants may take a short survey, provide feedback, and learn more information about the proposed arts incubator facility.

The survey concludes on Oct. 6, 2020.

ACWB said they cannot include feedback made on social media channels.

Results of the survey will be available on the ACWB website.