One of Vancouver's most cherished creative spaces suffered a painful blow, and is hoping the public can help in the recovery process
One of Vancouver's most cherished creative spaces suffered a painful blow recently, and now its tenants are hoping the public can help speed up the recovery process.
The historic Ellis Building , located on Main Street at National, was set ablaze by an alleged arsonist earlier this month, and many of the artists and makers with studio space at the venue have had their work destroyed or damaged.
Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to the second alarm fire at 1024 Main Street early in the morning of April 5.
The venue, which houses over a dozen artists and makers in studio space as well as event space that extends into the adjacent courtyard, was built over 100 years ago, but was renovated and repurposed in 2016. It has previously housed the Eastside Flea event, and is a popular Vancouver wedding venue.
The April 5 fire was contained mostly to the back of the building, which is situated between the Ivanhoe Hotel and pub on one side and the temporarily shuttered Campagnolo restaurant on the other.
"While the most severe fire damage was contained inside the back of the building, almost all studios suffered serious smoke and water damage. The makers whose studios were most affected had their contents almost completely destroyed," explains The Ellis Building.
In response to the fire, as well as to inquiries about how the public can offer support to The Ellis Building and its tenants in the wake of the devastating blaze, a GoFundMe campaign was launched Tuesday.
The fundraising initiative is in part the result of the limitations the current COVID-19 crisis has placed on such efforts in Vancouver.
"In the past, when our friends and community have found themselves in need, we come together to throw a party. Bands and DJs play, and we have a great time while money is raised for a worthy cause. For obvious reasons, that is just not something we can do these days," reads the GoFundMe. However, when they can, The Ellis Building intends to hold a "thank you" BBQ event for donors.
The Ellis Building is hoping that the crowdfunding platform can be where supporters offer whatever financial contribution they can, with the money raised being divided in half to go in one part to the artists and studio occupants who need to replace items, and the other portion to be shared by everyone to assist in the clean-up for smoke and water damage. All funds raised will be going to the tenants, not the building itself.
For those who would like to make purchases directly from Ellis Building tenants, here is how to find all of the artists and makers:
