The Brantford Centre for the Arts
A new 20,000 square foot community arts centre in Downtown Brantford

Brantford Arts Block Announces Major Growth Milestone:

Signing of Lease Launches the Brantford Centre for the Arts

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BRANTFORD, ON - Monday, August 8, 2011 - The Brantford Arts Block is pleased to announce that it has signed a lease with Union Gas and King and Benton to establish  the Brantford Centre for the Arts in the former Union Gas buildingat 315 Colborne Street in downtown Brantford. This 20,000 square foot building is almost seven times larger than the Brantford Arts Block's current facility and is expected to house a 150-200 seat black box theatre, an art gallery, a gift shop, a cafe/bar, a rooftop garden, office space, community meeting space, a dance studio, rehearsal space, classroom space, a recording studio, a video/photography studio, a computer lab, a pottery studio, painting studios, a textile studio, a print making studio, a woodworking shop, welding booths, and more.

"Although we have a lot of great ideas, nothing is carved in stone at the moment," said David Borenstein, Chair of the Brantford Arts Block board of directors. "The idea is to develop organically with a lot of community input and community involvement. The Brantford Arts Block's vision is to be a centre for creative activity in Brantford and surrounding communities that inspires, stimulates and encourages imagination and artistic growth. It makes sense for this project to reflect that vision by drawing on the creative energy of the community to design and develop the space. On a practical level, this approach allows us to work in phases. Phase One is to have a clean, warm, dry, functioning space much like our current location. Phase One has already begun with a major cleanup scheduled for the weekend of August 13th and 14th.  We expect to complete Phase One by November, 2011. Phase Two and Phase Three will be to equip the theatre and cafe and build the various studios throughout 2012.  

The Brantford Arts Block has discussed partnerships with a number of organizations. Mohawk College came forward early on as a major partner in the project. We're excited to be working with Mohawk College on this transformational project," said Josh Bean, Executive Director of the Arts Block. "Partnerships have played a critical role in developing the organization, but this one promises to be quite exceptional."  "As part of Mohawk College's ongoing transition of programs to downtown Brantford, Mohawk is partnering with the Brantford Arts Block to offer a number of Mohawk's most popular part time programs in the areas of pottery, ceramics and jewelry making.  Mohawk is also planning to transition the School Within A College program to the Brantford Arts block location in order to continue to provide opportunities for local students to complete their high-school credential and access post-secondary education.  The School Within a College program is offered in partnership with both the Grand Erie District and Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Catholic District School Boards. Students from the School Within a College program will participate in construction and renovations, providing real life learning opportunities, which is a priority of the Mohawk College Strategic Plan." Said Paul Armstrong, Dean, Community and Urban Studies and Dean, Health Sciences.

The Brantford Arts Block has also been developing partnerships with other arts organizations and potential end users. "We are also hoping to work closely with Six Nations on this project," said Josh Bean.  "Six Nations is integral to the history and fabric of this community and has such a rich artistic and cultural heritage. We think the new Brantford Centre for the Arts is a great opportunity to bring Native and non-Native communities together to share our creativity and learn from each other."

The Brantford Centre for the Arts is a major milestone for both the Brantford Arts Block and the City of Brantford. The building is being leased long-term for one dollar a year.  While the donated building has an estimated value of $2 million, its contribution to community growth is priceless," said Josh Bean.  "Our mission as an organization is to educate the public about the importance of the arts, and this new facility will provide us with the resources to do that.  We could not have reached this goal without King and Benton, and Union Gas, who have worked tirelessly with the Brantford Arts Block to lay the framework for the Brantford Centre for the Arts".

John Bonin, Manager, Government and Aboriginal Affairs with Union Gas said "As a Partner of Choice withinour communities, Union Gas has three focus areas - education and workforce development, community vitality and employee support and volunteerism.  The Brantford Centre for the Arts Project spans the areas of focus that Union Gas is committed to, and because of this we are proud to support this initiative".

Steve Charest, King and Benton's President said, "I've been following Josh and the Brantford Arts Block for a while now, watching the work they do in our community.  Sustainability is key to business success, and the Brantford Arts Block is demonstrating that the not-for-profit sector can also be sustainable with the proper support.  This project will add to the vibrancy of our community and will make it a more attractive place to do business, and we're proud to contribute to it."

There are a variety of ways members of the public can get involved in the project.  You can volunteer to help on one of the six project teams.  Individuals and businesses can support the project with donations (including in-kind contributions) and sponsorship opportunities.  For more information contact Josh Bean at

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Click over to Brant News or pick up a copy of Thursday August 11th's Brant News for a full feature article on the project. 

Contact Us

phone: 519-753-9400
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website: www.brantfordartsblock.com