Brief History
A Brief History of the regional Arts Centre project
In May 2008 the Town of Cochrane developed a Parks, Recreation & Cultural Facilities Master Plan. This Master Plan recommended that, "that an enhanced and expanded arts venue be developed in Cochrane" and "that a detailed feasibility study be undertaken" to ensure that the best options for proceeding with this initiative were clearly identified.
In consideration of the above recommendations, at the June 9th 2008 regular meeting of Town council, it was moved that Council amend the spring budget report to move $100,000 from the tax stabilization reserve contribution to the major facilities reserve with the intention of funding a facility feasibility report for a performing arts centre.
In the spring of 2009, the Cochrane Community Arts and Culture Committee (CCACC) proposed that the Arts & Culture Foundation of Cochrane (ACFC) spearhead a project to complete a Feasibility Study for a regional Arts Centre to be located in Cochrane. A committee was formed named IMPACT (Inspired and Motivated Performing Arts Centre Team) with the mission of finding a qualified consultant to conduct this study. The members of this group representing both the town and the various elements of the local arts scene included:
- Brian FitzGerald (Cochrane Valley Folk Club)
- Murray Mitchell (Chinook Film Group)
- Maihaa Rayne (Built Environment Action Group Member)
- JoAnn Ayotte (Vision Theatre Players)
- Maxine Herbert (Arts & Culture Foundation of Cochrane)
- Sandy Johnson (Cultural Program Coordinator - Town of Cochrane)
- Suzanne Gaida (Acting Manager of Community Services - Town of Cochrane)
Project Specific Goals
The first task for IMPACT was to develop a Business Case to define the project and to produce a Request for Proposal (RFP) in order to select a qualified consultant. This evergreen business case identified the following goals for the project.
- Contribute to the economic health of the community and region.
- Broaden participation in the arts and address social inclusion, sustainability, and diversity needs
- Engage with children and young people
- Support local artists and art form development
- Improve co-operation and co-ordination between the different sectors of the arts community
- Seek more efficient and cost effective methods of delivering arts services to the public
- Act as advocates for the arts
- Develop working practises that underpin these strategies
More Project Information
For more information on the Arts Centre project, please contact Brian FitzGerald at specialprojects@artsandculturecochrane.ca
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