About the Shenkman Arts Centre
The Shenkman Arts Centre is a dynamic creative hub and a community focal point where artists and audiences of all ages gather to create and explore the arts. It provides a forum for a myriad of activities under one roof in both English and French. The Centre, which opened in June 2009, plays a vital role in ensuring artists are given the forum they need to nurture creativity and audiences are given access to dynamic and thought-provoking arts programming in a facility that matches creative excellence.
The goal of the Shenkman Arts Centre is to establish a creative core within the community that will:
- provide access for east end residents to arts and culture programs close to home;
- promote the advancement of arts education;
- encourage personal development of youth through the arts;
- provide employment for artists, within a professional purpose-built facility; and
- create opportunities for the growth and development of local arts organizations.
History
The public expressed interest in an east-end arts facility about 20 years ago. City of Ottawa staff defined the need and the process culminated in the development of a P3 (public-private partnership) strategy in 2004, which was refined with the input of east-end arts groups. Ottawa City Council approved staff’s recommendation for a new facility in June 2005, and the search for a private-sector partner was launched.
Following requests for qualifications and proposals (RFP), an extensive evaluation process determined that the proposal submitted by Orléans Town Centre Partnership (OTCP) best met the requirements of the RFP. The partnership agreements between the City of Ottawa and OTCP were concluded in April 2007.
Find out how the Orléans Town Centre partnership works.
Mission Statement
To develop and promote the multidisciplinary arts through the provision of professional facilities, and to present bilingual programs and services that attract, educate and entertain a diverse public within a unique framework of artistic collaborations.
Vision
The Shenkman Arts Centre is Ottawa's east end creative hub for bilingual multidisciplinary arts.
Guiding Principles
- We are committed to nurturing creativity and excellence within a professional purpose-built facility.
- We are committed to developing a unique model of cooperative programming between the City, Resident Arts Partners and the community.
- We believe audiences should have access to dynamic arts programming.
- We provide a community focal point and gathering place for young and old, offering where possible English and French arts programs at all levels.
- We promote the advancement of arts education and encourage personal development of youth through the arts.
- We create opportunities for presentation, growth and development of local artists and arts organizations.
Partners
