It is grant writing season and Cranbrook and District Arts Council (CDAC) is working to make their vision of a permanent home come true. The location identified as the best location is the historic Fire Hall No. 1.

“There is much work to do and we are committed to see this project through to completion,” said Sioban Staplin, CDAC President. “We have long held the vision of a professional gallery and cultural centre for Cranbrook.”

The council is well positioned and has the capacity to complete the centre.

Building Committee chair Bill McColl said, “The CDAC is the city’s best bet for a partner to turn the fire hall into a Cultural Centre for Cranbrook. We are already running most of the programs such a facility would present and we can do much more in a larger space. In addition, as a Registered Society, we can bring major grant funds into Cranbrook and save the taxpayer money.”

The Arts Council is just putting the finishing touches on a comprehensive business plan that will clearly show that the centre will be self-sustaining within a short timeframe.

“We hope to enter into a lease agreement with the City at a reasonable rate of rent. Our income projections are conservative and our expense estimates are based on solid figures. We will be operating on sound business practices,” said Staplin.

“Along with Cranbrook Farmer’s Markets in Rotary Park, the Studio Stage Door, The Railway Museum, SummerSounds, Key City Theatre and a proposed museum in the Ktunaxa Nation Government Building , it is our vision to make downtown Cranbrook the place to be for arts and culture,” said building committee member Jenny Humphrey.

Arts organizations have a long history in Cranbrook. After many years of operating programs that covered many facets of the arts, the Cranbrook and District Arts Council incorporated as a society under the leadership of Muriel Baxter in 1953.

The society changed its name and reformed in May of 1973 as the Cranbrook and District Arts Council. In recent years the society has provided the community with many art exhibitions, workshops, and events. In 2013 the society celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a gala performance featuring many talented local artists.

The Arts Council also administers flow-through grants, provides office space for the Symphony of the Kootenays, and facilities for singers, writers and workshops. Emerging and professional artists all have the opportunity to show and sell their work in the many exhibits held throughout the year.

Cranbrook and District Arts Council has assisted many arts and culture organizations in Cranbrook over the years and will now focus their efforts to become the ‘Voice of Culture’ in Cranbrook.

Through advocacy, education and collaboration, Staplin hopes to bring together and support all of our arts, culture and heritage organizations and to help build their capacity.

“The cultural sector provides significant economic and social benefit to our community – providing quality of life, jobs and spin-offs to many businesses in the area. The Cranbrook Cultural Centre will be a major attraction in our downtown core providing a professional level gallery, artisan gift shop, performance area, workshop and meeting facilities that the whole region can enjoy,” she said.

Lead image: The CDAC board of directors for 2015. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW

CDAC

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