VMAA Metal arts hub facility plan
Project Description
Hessey Consulting + Architecture was engaged by the Vancouver Metal Arts Association (VMAA) to plan, coordinate and execute a feasibility study, including a facility plan for a new Metal Arts Hub. This work was coordinated with organizational information and operations planning by VMAA, a needs assessment conducted by City in Colour and VMAA, and ongoing Coast Salish cultural consultation with Cory Douglas. The facility plan report was one part of the larger feasibility study undertaken by VMAA and explored factors related to the facility location, programming, occupancy, composition and configuration.
About VMAA
Since 2012, VMAA has worked to promote and sustain the field of contemporary art jewellery. The organization provides a forum to exchange ideas and technical information, organizes exhibitions of jewellery art, and seeks to increase public awareness of art jewellery. Its network includes metalsmiths, jewellers, and designers across Canada and the US, with most of its active members residing in the Vancouver region.
Project Goal
The VMAA Metal Arts Hub is a response to the community need for an art jewellery regional centre and is intended to support the growth, sustainability, and vibrancy of artisan-scale metal arts practices. The Metal Arts Hub is envisioned to be composed of community-use jewellery production, presentation, gathering and education spaces. Some of the key spaces will be developed to directly serve Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Urban Indigenous practices and participation including the gallery, shared studio, and lock-off studios.
VMAA is currently decentralised, running programs at sites throughout the region, but with no administrative or operational headquarters. The Metal Arts Hub is envisioned to facilitate the following key community outcomes:
- Creating a central, safe, and supportive environment for metal arts practitioners
- Operationalize reconciliation, equity and cultural inclusion in metal arts spaces
- Meeting the needs of individual practitioners including affordability and mentorship
- Helping to foster and grow the metal arts community including knowledge-transfer
- Ensuring that the facility is financially sustainable and over the long term
Collaborators
Vancouver Metal Arts Association (VMAA)
Cory Douglas
Status
Complete
Project Type
Pre-design Services
Project Management