City of Powell River council confirmed its support for a public art gallery at its meeting on Thursday, March 2.
Council voted unanimously to establish the Powell River Art Centre on the second floor of the new public library building on Alberni Street. The location’s annual $38,000 lease will be paid for by an in-kind city grant-in-aid. It will be operated by Powell River Council for Arts and Culture in association with Malaspina Arts Society.
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said the centre has been a long time in the making.
“A number of cultural reports over the years have had recommendations for an arts centre and a public gallery space,” said Leishman. “It’s just so needed.”
The 1,800-square-foot, multi-use space will allow for a wide range of artistic development while also providing residents and visitors a place to engage in a distinctly Powell River cultural experience, city chief administrative officer Mac Fraser said at the meeting.
Fraser added that the city is committed to supporting and enhancing the arts locally.
