Sheilagh O'Leary urges city to buy Macpherson school for artists' space
Councillor says St. John's should looks to Moncton for example
A St. John's city councillor is urging the city to purchase the former Macpherson Junior High and convert it into a production space for local artists.
"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for an arts production space that has been lobbied for at least two decades in this city," Sheilagh O'Leary said in an interview with CBC Radio's On The Go.
O'Leary said back in 2012, the city invested $50,000 in a study which examined the needs of local artists.
"There's a desperate need in the community for a space for creative innovators to actually produce the artwork that creates an economic engine for, not only the local community, but for tourism."
When I.J. Samson Junior High sold to a developer for $189,000 earlier this week, O'Leary said she and fellow councillor Jonathan Galgay agreed that "this was an opportunity" for the city to do the same.
"We know in these really tough economic times that are happening between the province and the city budgets — and all the rest of the stuff that's happened — we know that we have to get really creative and innovative about making sure we start producing," she said.
"In hard times, when opportunities arrive like this, this is the time to snatch it."
O'Leary said the Aberdeen Cultural Center in Moncton could serve as a model, as that centre was also a decommissioned school.
She added that Republic of Doyle cast and crew used Macpherson during production of the television show, adding "we know the economic benefits of that."
"If [these spaces] don't go to the city, they're going to go to a developer … so it's an opportunity to have that discussion right now, and certainly to find out where the other funding sources are to make this happen."
O'Leary said she will present the discussion at Monday's council meeting.
With files from On The Go