‘The future of a vital and integrated cultural educational centre in and for Niagara needs our community care right now.’
By Julia Blushak
Posted October 31st, 2016 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – A wind of change rattles the windows at Rodman Hall Art Centre in St. Catharines and now gathers with some menace––to upset the very structure and spirit of what many consider a respected grand dame for culture in Niagara.
Rodman Hall Arts Centre in the Niagara, Ontario community of St. Catharines
Since Brock University’s public announcement to ease away from its contractual management responsibilities in 2023, a behind the scenes series of meetings of the Brock Board of Trustees, the Burlington PR firm Interkom and community stakeholders drafted 3 options to initiate a transitional plan for Rodman Hall’s survival.
Last week, and with short notice, a series of four public consultations began as part of this solution seeking process. Those in attendance at the Niagara Artists Centre and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts were briefed and welcomed to offer suggestions that speak to sustainability, capital investment and alternative solutions to address bricks and mortar issues.
My experience at both consultations to date compels me to call out for more public support and deeper dialogue around the stark options presented.
The future of a vital and integrated cultural educational centre like Rodman Hall Art Centre in and for Niagara needs our community care right now. Please bring your voice and passion to the upcoming meetings.
You may also sign a petition by clicking on. https://www.change.org/p/brock-university-board-of-trustees-save-rodman-hall?recruiter=1212047&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive .
Upcoming Meetings – Only Two Left –
Wednesday, November 2, 6:30 to 8 pm – Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre – target: Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce)
RSVP here: http://interkom.ca/rhacconsultation/gncc/
Thursday, November 3, 6:30 to 8 pm, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (target: Brock students, hosted by Professors Shawn Serfas and David Vivian) Location: MW211 @Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, near the Heritage Entrance at the foot of stairs descending from St. Paul and James Street. See here: http://interkom.ca/rhacconsultation/miwsfpa/
For the consultations at the School PLEASE REGISTER FOR A FREE RSVP TICKET on this page. (so we have an appropriately sized venue ready for your attendance). You may also register at the interkom RSVP form and leave a message for the consultant and his team: http://interkom.ca/rhacconsultation/miwsfpa/
Julia Blushak is a communications and community developer with interests that range from social change, creativity, recovery and mindfulness practices. Julia’s PaperFang editorial illustrations work in the corporate and not for profit sectors,as well as for newspapers such as The Globe and Mail, The Hamilton Spectator, and numerous magazines and journals. For more information visit | www.paperfang.com | facebook – Julia Blushak
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Rodman Hall and the Barlow Report
Oddfellows Hall, Dec. 7, 7:00pm
This event is an opportunity to learn about what has come to be known as The Barlow Report. At recent community consultations conducted on behalf of Brock University, it appears that this report has been disregarded, despite it having been approved by Brock Board of Trustees in September 2015.
The Barlow Report offers a clear alternative to the controversial notion put forth by Brock’s consultant that a new art gallery to replace Rodman Hall should now be considered.
The report proposed to cultivate partners for Rodman’s four core businesses (public art museum; learning centre; historic site; public gardens) to sustain future operations, develop an endowment, and safeguard Rodman’s assets and enable fundraising through establishment of a community property trust.
This event is an opportunity to listen to consultant Janis Barlow review the report, ask questions and engage in a community discussion about its recommendations.
https://www.eventbrite.com/invite-friends?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-source=strongmail&eid=29696097828
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