Things I live by:
Upon seeing light at the end of the tunnel … do order more tunnel
When treading on thin ice, you might as well dance
Having just turned 65, I decided that I needed to pursue my dreams and visions with even more intensity and gusto than previously mustered. This is how I see it:
First:
As the community based business downstairs from the Duncan Showroom at 129/131 Station Street will be leaving end of September, the opportunity to expand our potential outreach is within our grasp. Taking advantage of this situation allows us:
-ground level access for elders / handicapped / special needs / youth audiences for various educational inclusive programming and concerts
-opportunity for a dance floor in downtown Duncan for appropriate productions
- a venue for private rentals that can be catered if required
-an opportunity to create local employment through our daily café
Second:
My sense of community acknowledges that arts and cultural development needs happen at a grass roots level and that for over 12 years the Showroom experiences have shown that we are capable of fulfilling those requirements by providing:
-an all ages venue
-affordable costs to the participants,
-a committed creative production staff
- a full professional back line for all to use
Third:
A huge endeavour all of this is and a big increase in monthly rental requirements / hydro / insurance costs….but I believe it is worth it….for the true value of community.
Yes, the Duncan Showroom -upstairs would still be open and available for meetings / theatre / recording purposes / live streams on our very own Duncan Showroom Internet TV and for private functions as well. We have created a gem, recognized by many a touring musician and audience members as to the specialness of this particular venue. We will find the ways to maintain its existence
Fourth:
With the positive results from our involvement in the 4th annual 39 Days of July Cowichan Summer Festival still in the air, our diverse programming appeared to prove what can happen when music is served up in an inclusive fashion. We all discovered our neighbours and found we do live in ‘a rather fun place to be’ .
As many will attest, this Showroom experience has and will continue to benefit us all and can be a template for other communities to follow.
Please help us along financially if possible