Community groups are getting a new platform to share their artistic passions, charitable causes and messages with residents of Nanaimo.
On March 24, the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association will unveil the Nanaimo Community Stage.
“It is something that the city has needed for a long time. We don't have a portable community stage,” said Corry Hostetter, executive director of the business improvement association.
The community stage cost $57,000 and was paid for through contributions from the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association, the Young Professionals of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo 2014 B.C. Summer Games Society Legacy Committee. Money was also used from the Nanaimo City Centre Association, an organization that no longer exists, but there was an agreement in place for some of the association's remaining money to be used on a legacy project, said Hostetter.
“It is a lot for one organization to bear, but because we were able to come together and partner on that, it is really awesome,” said Hostetter.
The stage is 7.3 metres by 9.7m and has an adjustable 3.6m backdrop and a dance floor. Hostetter said the City of Nanaimo owned a stage previously and it worked well, but it has been out of circulation for about the past five years because it reached the end of its use and needed repairs. The new stage is dance-friendly, whereas the older stage couldn’t be used by dance groups.
The DNBIA administers the use of Diana Krall Plaza on behalf of the city and will do the same for the community stage. The stage has a branded trailer for transport and the association has a contractor who sets up and dismantles the stage for community groups, for a fee.
The unveiling is at the Diana Krall Plaza at 2 p.m. Representatives from community groups will be present.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com