Fort Qu’appelle’s new Centre for the Arts

This weeks SaskScapes podcast was recorded in Fort Qu’appelle’s Old Central School. This grand piece of architecture was slated for demolition in 2011. You’ll hear my guest Doreen Evans share the story of when she cornered Jim Harding, the mayor of Fort San, in a local coffee shop and said “Jim, you’ve got to help save the school”. You’ll also hear my other guest, Jack Lowe share stories of being a student in the school.

The great news is that the school was saved, and is now home to the Fort Qu’appelle Centre for the Arts. I had a chance to tour the building and the work they are doing is remarkable. The dedicated committee is making every attempt to maintain the original interior fixtures where possible.

There are big plans for this centre, which will house dance studios, rehearsal, performance and gallery spaces as well as visual arts workshops. There is a call for emerging and established artists and craftspeople to come and show their work on either a short-term or long-term basis.

The team is so committed to bringing this vision to life, that a few dedicated souls are donating their time and skills to do some of the renovations themselves.

This is a true community effort, all in the name of creative arts.

In the next SaskScapes podcast you’ll have an opportunity to hear my conversation with mayor Jim Harding who shares with me how this dream began, and the plans for the future. I’m always so excited when I learn that Saskatchewan has a new arts centre for all to enjoy.