A proposal to turn the old RCMP station into an artists’ incubator is stoking the hopes of local artists and getting rave reviews from councillors.
Put forward by Mayor Nolan Crouse Monday night, the notice asks for a report by January 16, 2012 on the possibility of turning the Hemingway Centre into an “incubator for visual arts entrepreneurs as its first priority of use.”
The proposal also asks for space to be included for entrepreneurs in the botanical arts, space for art classes for individuals with developmental disabilities, and that different models of management — including NABI, the artists themselves or the city— be examined.
Crouse also stipulated he doesn’t want any capital dollars pumped into the Hemingway Centre in 2012 under the plan and that regular maintenance be provided “as with any other civic building.”
“We’ve probably got an opportunity here so perhaps an artist-run facility makes sense,” Crouse said, explaining the lack of a plan for the building almost 11 years after the RCMP detachment vacated it bothers him.
“I’m just not satisfied that we don’t have a plan yet,” Crouse said.
Members of the Visual Arts Studio Association (VASA) and St. Albert Painters’ Guild turned out in numbers to encourage councillors to follow through with the mayor’s proposal.
“We could make significant contributions to the activities in and around the downtown core,” Pat Wagensveld, speaking for VASA, told council. “It can become a vital side in the city’s cultural master plan.”
Peg McPherson of the painters’ guild was equally supportive.
“An artist-run centre would provide a location for the painters guild and VASA to share ideas and work together,” she said. “It is very difficult to meet with a variety of young artists and work together. The time we have and the space is limited.”
Councillors were equally effusive in their praise of Crouse’s idea.
“This motion is absolutely excellent,” said Coun. Roger Lemieux. “The building has been a sore spot with me and the ability to utilize it is exceptional.”
The city had tossed around the idea of using the Hemingway Centre as office space for the RCMP, who are facing a space crunch at their Boudreau Road building. Earlier this year, council decided to abandon that proposal and look elsewhere for space for the RCMP. While the building has been used to house organizations such as the 55 Plus Games and Special Olympics, there is no permanent tenant.
Any use that would require renovations to the building would likely cost millions of dollars as the building is still insulated with asbestos in some places. Administration has said the carcinogenic insulation does not threaten current occupants so long as the asbestos is not disturbed.
