Speculation has swirled about the future of Granville Island following the departure of Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Photo Dan Toulgoet, Vancouver Courier
The non-profit arts education centre Arts Umbrella will lease about 50,000 square feet of space previously occupied by the Emily Carr University of Art + Design on Granville Island, the provincial government announced November 17.
The university had occupied about 190,000 square feet in two buildings. The space Arts Umbrella plans to take possession of next year and move into in 2019 will be in the south building.
A commitment was made in March to transfer the building to Arts Umbrella, according to a November 17 press release from the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) manages the arts-oriented peninsula known as Granville Island and the B.C. government had operated the space in question.
“An October 2017 review by government found the original decision-making process was rushed and did not offer opportunities to other organizations to express interest," the government said in the release.
"However, because the review also determined Arts Umbrella has moved forward in good faith with its fundraising and planning, the B.C. government decided to support the transfer."
Founded in 1979, Arts Umbrella provides arts education for children and youth aged two to 22 years in visual arts, theatre, applied arts, media arts and dance.
The organization is currently housed in approximately 14,000 square feet of space that is also on Granville Island. It has satellite facilities elsewhere in Vancouver and Surrey.
Arts Umbrella is fundraising to support the move to the new facility.
gkorstrom@biv.com
