CULTURAL SPACE

ADSBC Cultural Centre

A cultural space dedicated to African Descent culture is a must. A place to gather, for our youth to learn and grow and be mentored; for us to spread African Descent awareness; for our artists to have a space to develop is important. 

Our community was once displaced, and as a result, has not been able to regroup and unite as  strong community, advocating for ourselves again. A cultural space would help to begin the process.

The ADSBC is currently seeking a grant or donations for the ability to conduct a study on our arts and cultural space needs. The project aims for planning studies and research for acquisition of arts and cultural space for African Descent Society to carry out of our programs to be able continue and establish our central community connection and bring communities together.

The ADSBC seeks funds in order to hire an expert consultant who will assist in conducting the study. The ADSBC has sought two local, experienced arts and cultural space consulting firms who agreed unanimously to carry the project and help to build ADSBC’s capacity to acquire a cultural space in Vancouver.

ADSBC board members and volunteers have been working in a busy arts and cultural space for five years and have gained a wealth of experience relating to space management and operation. The Board of Directors of the ADSBC is also made of accomplished and competent individuals from different sectors including the arts, research, academic and business management sectors. They will also play a lead advisory role to the management team and the consultant. The project is anticipated to start as soon as funding is made available in the planning and research acquisition of new space.

While the ADSBC is a vibrant and growing organization that has served Vancouverites for several years, consisting of a tapestry of diverse ethnic groupings, this organization lacks a space where its members can convene, showcase their art and culture and interact with one another as well as the larger Vancouver community. The African Descent community in Vancouver consists of a mixed group of communities, which hail from various countries and cultures across the globe, each group maintaining their distinct identity, but sharing a common heritage, which is the African continent. An arts and cultural centre will provide a much-needed space for the community to grow and thrive, while contributing significantly to the City’s socio-cultural development.

ADSBC arts and cultural space project has strong community impact and support. The project involves a consortium of organizations and individuals of African descent, as well as the goodwill of individuals who support the aims and visions of the ADSBC.

  • An art gallery, and archive for People of African Descent history
  • A research and Exhibition room to house the history of Vancouver’s African Descent, i.e. the Hogan’s Alley and Strathcona communities
  • Artist studio for recording, rehearsal
    s
    pace for workshops and performances for at least 150 to 200 people including rehearsal space
  • Room for Africana School of Performing Arts
  • Offices to carry out programming and operation, board room for meetings and visitors
  • Kitchen for African Descent Food Movement-ADFMBC. This will also be supported by Vancouver Parks Board Sustenance Festival as our partners
  • Afro-centric teaching of various African Languages, art and dance
  • Accessible washrooms
  • Construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose facility
  • Larger space for Art Gallery, Library and Archives
  • Performance Theatre
  • Artist’s studios
  • African Market and Food Fair with People of African Descent run businesses
  • Hair Salon, Barber shop
  • Seniors Centre
  • Child Care
  • Learning centre, with access to computers, language classes
  • Afro-centric institute for educational research and development