Turret Arts Space Society taking big steps toward redeveloping historic building as community space
News release
Government of Canada helps bring beloved art facility back to Downtown Halifax
February 28, 2023 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced an investment of $200,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Turret Arts Space Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support will help the Society finalize its plans for redeveloping 1588 Barrington Street (formerly the “Khyber building”) into a multipurpose arts space. The Turret Arts Space will preserve the heritage elements of the building while ensuring the space is fully accessible. The business plan will focus on programming for local artists, with an emphasis on social purpose. These plans are phase one of an extensive redevelopment project. The finished facility will be physically, financially, and culturally accessible, keeping in line with the building’s legacy of inclusion for equity-seeking artists and communities.
Quotes
“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces like the Turret Arts Space in Halifax helps revitalize local arts communities, provides accessible programming for youth, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Art plays a unique role in bringing people together to exchange ideas, see new perspectives, and celebrate communities’ diverse cultural heritage. Art also creates jobs and generates local economic growth. The Government of Canada is supporting Turret Art Space because it will provide an inclusive space for experimentation, creativity, and multidisciplinary cooperation in a historical building whose storied past is fundamental to Halifax’s vibrant art scene today.”
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“We’re thrilled that the Turret Arts Space is gaining momentum. It’s wonderful to get traction after years of keeping the dream alive for a multipurpose arts space in downtown Halifax.”
- Emily Davidson, President of Turret Arts Space Society
Quick facts
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The Turret Arts Space Society (formerly the 1588 Barrington Building Preservation Society) is a registered charity, started in 2015 by members of the Khyber Centre for the Arts, Friends of the Khyber, Neptune Theatre, and a range of artists and community professionals who are dedicated to restoring the Khyber building.
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Once renovations are complete, the building will have a fully accessible entrance, gender-neutral and barrier-free washrooms, and elevator-access to all floors. Its varied spaces will include a large multipurpose room, an artist-run gallery, meeting rooms, and creation spaces for artists and non-profit organizations.
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The Khyber Centre for the Arts currently operates at 1880 Hollis Street. It is artist-run and has continued delivering arts programs since 1588 Barrington Street closed in 2014. It is a confirmed tenant of the Turret Arts Space.
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The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:
- adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
- building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions.
Associated links
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Emily Davidson
President
Turret Arts Space Society
902-422-1405
Emily@AllCapsDesign.com
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