Dear Residents of Ward 43,
On November 29th a meeting on Arts Programming at the Guild Park and Gardens took place. The meeting was very well attended and it was evident that the community were all excited for the renovations of the programming buildings. View presentations here http://bit.ly/2gbpxqR
The arts community being the most probable group to use the new facilities has a common theme found within their input. Most of the community would like to see rental work space, gallery showing space, and possible lecture times. Others have indicated what would be useful to have within the given space, such as ventilation, running water, good lighting and flexible spaces.
The youth are quite excited as well. There are not many art focused schools in Scarborough therefore a cultural and arts centre like this will be a great addition for those hoping to pursue a career in the arts. “Scarborough has many talented artists but no real hub.”
The centre currently known as “building 191” needs a proper name! 154 submissions have been submitted and will be reviewed. The arts program vision is to create a dynamic public place activated by arts and culture for programs with space for residents and artists.
The Guild Park and Gardens covers over 88 acres on the Scarborough Bluffs. Originally the home of the Bickford Residence built in 1917, the property is a cultural and artistic central zone of great significance to the City. The Park and Gardens hosts many weddings, photography and annual events such as the Guild Alive with Culture Festival, historical walks, live theatre and many community run events.
The restoration of the Bickford Residents including the restaurant along with the new banquet facility are earmarked to be complete in the spring of 2017.
Sincerely,
Paul Ainslie