Airdrie City Council recently approved a 60,000 square foot library facility which has some local artists crossing their fingers that a designated art space will be a part of it. 

Local artists Elizabeth Hall founded a Facebook Group called “The Airdrie Artist” so creative minds in the city could connect through a common interest, share pieces, and network or collaborate with each other. 

The Airdrie Artist (Photo: Elizabeth Hall)

Hall said the current library has some wall space for local artwork but she would love to see a larger designated art space, and the future library facility would make the perfect spot.

“A visual art centre; we don’t have any of that in Airdrie. I would love to see an area for all mediums of art like sculptors and those whose pieces can’t hang on the wall.” 

To create an art space that would benefit both the city and the community, avid communication from both parties on what’s needed is imperative for the process to move forward smoothly. Hall said there are a few members of the artistic community in Airdrie who've reached out to City Council before about a new space for local art, but it’s not enough.  

“It’s usually the same few people coming forward to the city to advocate for a new art centre. The city plays a big part in designating these spaces, but it’s also up to the creative community to come forward as one big voice,” says Hall. “If I could get one message across it would be that we as an artistic community need to come together to get things done.” 

A public engagement process will take place soon to help determine who would partner with the library to use the multi-purpose space, which is scheduled to open at the site of the old Main Street Fire Hall in 2025.  

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