Nestled in the old Metchosin School building, the Metchosin Arts and Culture Centre is slowly building and growing into a community hub.

The Happy Valley Road centre is volunteer-run and rents cheap studio space out to artists and crafters so they can produce their wares. The space also has a gallery, drop-in rooms for rent and is home to a seniors centre. Supplies, furniture and volunteer time are regularly shared between the buildingB次元官网网址檚 various users.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a very symbiotic place, everyone helps each other,B次元官网网址� said centre treasurer Gail Nash.

While the centre benefits from community support, it also needs financial support.

The building is rented from the District of Metchosin and studio space is rented out at reasonable rates to local artisans, musicians and crafters. Some of the smaller studios go for as little as $120 a month. At those prices the studio space is in demand from people across Greater Victoria B次元官网网址� but preference is given to Metchosin artists.

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During the pandemic the centre shut down for a month and didnB次元官网网址檛 charge rent to artists during that time. One or two had to give up their studio spaces due to pandemic-related issues, but there is always a waiting list.

Betty Hildreth, who acts as a liaison for the centre, said the demand doesnB次元官网网址檛 just come from the modest prices, it has come via the building of the centreB次元官网网址檚 credibility.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 gradually built up. They made a few mistakes in the beginning, financially,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭hey had a pretty high end art gallery, there was a paid curator, and so they went broke and had to go public for funding, just to get out from under it.B次元官网网址�

Low prices are great for the artisans, but rent doesnB次元官网网址檛 bring in much cash for the centre. The rest of the money comes from grants, from local organizations and federally.

Nash said the centre has learned to live frugally, especially with a number of improvements needed on the building.

Hildreth added the higher expenses from the last couple of years are starting to slow down, B次元官网网址渂ut it was to maintain and repair the external shell.B次元官网网址�

Significant projects such as reconstructing the fire escape and the front staircase to the building took a large chunk of the centreB次元官网网址檚 funding. ThereB次元官网网址檚 a list of other projects they hope to get done, but theyB次元官网网址檒l need to be spread out over time and done when funding allows, Hildreth and Nash said. TheyB次元官网网址檙e working on securing some compensation from the district for covering the costs of maintaining the building.

As for the near future, Nash said a Christmas craft fair is being planned at the centre, COVID-19 restrictions allowing. After that planning for 2022 events will begin.

bailey.moreton@goldstreamgazette.com
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