| City council may help fund Vertigo Mystery Theatre’s ambitious plans to build two new performance theatres downtown next year, but first it plans to examine how it funds city arts initiatives.
Several aldermen suggested the theatre only be funded through the Calgary Regional Arts Foundation – the body that distributes $2.2 million of city money to local arts groups. Others say the project should be given special consideration because it could benefit the downtown, especially in the Calgary Tower Centre mall where the theatres will be located.
Vertigo is looking to convert the space into two performance theatres that will be used by 17 different theatre companies. The group has already received $2 million from the provincial government, $2 million from the federal government and $2.5 million from the community, and is seeking about $875,000 from city council.
"The Tower Centre has long been a wasteland downtown…. We talk of economic development – this is one area we can help business downtown and provide a home for 17 arts groups," says Ald. Druh Farrell.
However, some aldermen who support the idea say proper procedure must be followed.
"If we do this, we open up the floodgates for everyone to come after us for capital funding," says Ald. Ric McIvor. "It’s not a lack of support at all. It’s the wrong time and the wrong process."
Council directed administration to try and come up with a fair funding mechanism through its existing arts funding. A report will be produced by April. |
