On Tuesday November 29th approximatly 100 Guildwood Residents attended a Meeting with City Councilor Paul Ainslie and city staff for an update on the development of an Arts Building on the Guild Grounds.
Susan Kohler, the Senior Arts Consultant for the City of Toronto's Economic Development & Culture Department commented on the evening, "(The) Manager Arts Services, Nadira Pattison presented the outcomes of community consultations on arts programming over the past year and participants were asked for input on an evolving vision statement for the future arts centre. Capital Assets Supervisor Jo Ann Pynn provided an overview of the Building 191 capital project and introduced the architectural team. Taylor Hazell Architects showed examples of their work and presented inspirational and informative images leading to an interactive design activity around eight thematic tables and an "art buffet": Light, Seasons, Welcoming Spaces, Event and Creativity Spaces, Display of Art, Meeting Places, Flexibility, Colours & Materials. The cafeteria was humming with positive energy and ideas for the architects to take away as they begin their transformation of Building 191."
Update: December 2nd 2016 @ 9:15pm
John Mason President of Friends of the Guild Park and Gardens also commented on the meeting "Bringing arts programs and arts facilities back to Guild Park & Gardens would build on “the site’s cultural and environmental legacy” as Canada’s historic Guild of All Arts, a unique arts community that operated from 1932 to 1995. A new report by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture division identified a series of key themes and priorities for the 88-acre park. The information was released at a public meeting on Nov. 29, 2016. The report, Arts Programming at Guild Park & Gardens – Community Consultation 2016, was based on consulting with more than 300 people and groups, including Guildwood residents, youth, artists and residents. In addition to being guided by Guild Park’s past, the report looked ahead by identifying the following key themes and priorities for a future arts and cultural facility at Guild Park, Become a Scarborough hub for artistic expression and development; Operate to be collaborative, accessible and inclusive for a range of ages, interests and abilities Include a combination of flexible and specialised art spaces and programming. According to the report, a new arts centre at Guild Park would support activities such as: professional studio facilities for artists, creating digital art, visual art and crafts, plus arts programs and residencies, exhibitions, talks, meetings and small performances. An online summary of the report is now available at http://www.paulainslie.com/files/2016/Arts%20Services%20Guild%20Presentation%20Nov%2029.pdf"
Stay tuned for another Open House in march 2017
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