Mayor Sam Sullivan is throwing his support behind new measures to increase access to art studio space in Vancouver. Limited access to studio space has been an ongoing concern for the local arts community for a number of years.
At next week’s Creative City Conversation in Vancouver, Mayor Sullivan will ask senior management at the City of Vancouver to modernize current rules that limit the ability of private entrepreneurs to convert derelict buildings into active and vibrant streetscapes.
In addition to cutting red tape and supporting cultural communities, these improvements will provide city staff with more flexibility to assist land owners interested in turning unused properties into low cost artist studios and creative space.
Some land owners and arts stakeholders have said existing city policies limit the ability of staff to approve many projects in a timely and efficient way. While some projects have proceeded, others have been discouraged by red tape.
Today’s announcement is in conjunction with the $10 million partnership announced by Mayor Sullivan and Premier Campbell earlier this year to help revitalize and animate the streetscape in Vancouver’s historic neighbourhoods.
