You know...I wouldn't mind if we built a new art gallery here. This would be a very good location to build a really large one. It could house a permanent collection of older, modernist and contemporary works. It could hold multiple galleries allowing for a constant rotation of different exhibitions, as well as a performance space and an auditorium for things like lectures or film screenings, a library for art and cultural books and media, perhaps classrooms to teach youth and adults various programs relating to art, restaurants and shops as well as a well designed public square that could act as an expansion of Victoria Park. The region could hire a really good architect to create a one of a kind building too, using a nice contemporary style that could maybe go on to win awards and recognition.
I know we have a few galleries across the region already. And one might argue that the Centre in the Square already fulfils the role of a large gallery and performance space, but it's getting old. The region is projected to hit 800'000 people by 2040 although I am very certain we'll hit that much sooner since the region has consistently hit population projections years before the actual projection dates, so we're going to need a larger space at some point. Waterloo Region doesn't have a very strong arts and culture scene and that's a real shame. Now that we're a rapidly growing region and a very important one at that, we ought to ensure our arts and culture grow and evolve along with us. A well designed, expertly directed gallery is a must in any important city and what better place to build one that in the heart of the main downtown next to city hall, a pedestrian street, 44 Guakle which already acts as an arts studio space and a beautiful city park.
I know we have a few galleries across the region already. And one might argue that the Centre in the Square already fulfils the role of a large gallery and performance space, but it's getting old. The region is projected to hit 800'000 people by 2040 although I am very certain we'll hit that much sooner since the region has consistently hit population projections years before the actual projection dates, so we're going to need a larger space at some point. Waterloo Region doesn't have a very strong arts and culture scene and that's a real shame. Now that we're a rapidly growing region and a very important one at that, we ought to ensure our arts and culture grow and evolve along with us. A well designed, expertly directed gallery is a must in any important city and what better place to build one that in the heart of the main downtown next to city hall, a pedestrian street, 44 Guakle which already acts as an arts studio space and a beautiful city park.