The ContainR Project gets off the ground

It was like a debutante's 'coming-out' party in the spring. After more than two years work, we launched the ContainR Project officially at the Creative Construct Symposium hosted by Ottawa, and the 20th anniversary celebration for Arts Court.

The idea for the project was initially born out of a need for affordable artist live/work spaces in Ottawa. However it quickly evolved into a larger concept that also included solving the lack of space at Art's Court for the needs of it's tenants, investigating green building techniques and innovations, creating sustainable and inexpensive housing for those in need in the community, creating working relationships with educational institutions to learn about the aforementioned green building innovations, and nurturing an incentive to promote the 'Greening of the Arts'. The evolution was not conscious on our part, the project grew as we went along, with new ideas and concepts arising constantly and then becoming part of the plan.

To us, the idea never seemed too crazy or offbeat for Ottawa. It's inherent practicality and feasibility was what kept us thinking about how Ottawa would benefit from such a project, and kept us moving forward. Also, as we moved ahead, we had a surprising amount of by-in from everyone we spoke to about it - either in an informal way with friends and family and members of the community, but also in an official way - with Art's court tenants, with various city officials, and thrillingly, with an Architect and an Engineer who climbed on board with little begging on our part. We expected right from the start to have people react with incredulity, telling us we were out of minds and we should forget about it. These people have yet to materialize, but we expect them soon nonetheless. My favorite response has been from the artists themselves - they get it right away. Their eyes light up and they excitedly want to know when they can move in. Non-artists frequently have the same response. Ottawa's history of very few warehouse buildings which can be utilized by artists as in other cities (Montreal, Toronto, New York) has made it difficult and expensive to find digs in which to set up shop. These days 'warehouses' are being built new, but only for high-end condos, not for artists with low incomes. As for the subsidized housing market here in Ottawa, much is talked about, but little is done, and artists are simply left out of the equation altogether.

We had always preferred the site adjacent to Art's Court for the project, for several reasons. The first being the proximity to the creative community that now calls Art's Court home. It would add to and compliment what is already in the building. It could serve as a gallery annex space, for instance allowing Saw Gallery to feature more local up-and-coming artists than they currently are able to. It could be a wonderful location for all manner of workshops, rehearsals, small functions or events. Having a welcoming and cutting-edge-designed space for visiting Artists-in-residence rather than plunking them in hotels would be greatly appreciated, by the hosts bringing them here, and by the visitors themselves. As we knew the land was earmarked for eventual development by the city, we planned the building to be temporary and modular, allowing it to be moved when the time needed. It was never in our plan to purchase land privately to build on, as the cost would be prohibitive, especially as we wanted it to ideally be in the downtown core where many Ottawa artists live and work. If an opportunity came along that presented an alternate piece of land that could be utilized in the same way and could still be part of the downtown community, we would grab it if the Daly Avenue site proved too problematic to realize. This is the type of project that can be adapted for any location, and for any setting - urban or rural. This is another reason why we like the concept.

My personal hope has always been that Ottawa is ready for new ideas, for cutting-edge and cool design and architecture, and it could become more of a player on the world stage of design and innovation. Being born and bred in Ottawa, I have always been aware of its quiet, conservative nature. Having just moved back to live after being away for most of my adult life, and seeing as times have changed with computers and technology and such, I feel there is no reason not to try to challenge the stodgy stereotype of a boring city.

While we are happy and excited with what we have accomplished so far, and with what we presented at the conference, now the hard work begins. We have no idea where this will lead, but we will move forward. We will finalize our business plan, our building and operating budget; we will begin strategizing about raising the funds from public and private sources. We have been in contact with several people connected to existing builds of a similar nature around the world, and will continue dialogue with them about the process, the pitfalls, the tricks, and the response they have received in their communities, good and bad. We hope to attract individuals to the project with skills and talents, and passion, to help us accomplish something meaningful, helpful, cool and fun in this city. We will make it happen.

We, of course, will keep you posted.

Drew Mandigo – Chair, ContainR Project