Feasibility Study Update

The Feasibility Study is progressing: The first phase was all about Community Assessment. Stakeholder interviews were done to gather in depth feedback on the idea of a new arts centre in the Haliburton Highlands. Local concert promoters, performers, music teachers and community groups provided usage numbers to help determine scope. The team from Janis A. Barlow & Associates visited the county to perform interviews, to get familiar with the region and tour prospective sites. Finally, a public survey garnered over 300 submissions.

Support for a new arts centre is strong and comments delivered a clear message for what is important to the Haliburton Highlands. Phase 2 of the study is now underway. Numbers from the community assessment are translating into a functional program for an arts centre: Prospective sizes of performance and rehearsal spaces are driving the sizes of other parts of the building: lobby; intermission space; green room; washrooms; and more. Looking toward revenue generation, other public spaces are being considered: retail, cafe, arts-related tenants. Through strategic planning sessions with the board of directors, the consulting team is bringing the Foundation's mission, vision and values into focus. This phase will wrap up with the draft presentation of project priorities, design principles and building components. The board is looking forward to this as it will be the first visual glimpse that the Foundation will get to a potential arts centre.