Does Vancouver get enough support for its art scene?
Posted January 13, 2013 1:54 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As 60 people prepare to find new jobs when Vancouver’s Waldorf Hotel closes down, there are questions as to what kind of venue can take its place.
News1130 spoke with a local artist who feels Vancouver doesn’t do enough to support its art scene.
Andy Dixon calls the Waldorf his second home. “I had my art studio there for about two years, in one of the hotel rooms upstairs.”
He, like many, was shocked to learn the hotel, which also serves as a night club, restaurant, and art gallery, will close on January 20th. He thinks this says a lot about how Vancouver views the arts.
“Things don’t seem to survive very long; the lifespan of underground art culture seems very short in this city,” says Dixon, adding he doesn’t think any other venue in the city can replace the iconic building.
“There’s two clubs, a restaurant, a tiki bar, a functioning hotel, the [art] gallery… there was a tattoo shop,” he lists. “I can’t really imagine another space that can host all that.”
Dixon has shown his work at the Waldorf in the past, noting it an be tough to find venues where he can do so.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson has asked staff to look into options to protect the venue and arts and culture in the city, calling the Waldorf a major neighbourhood asset.
There’s been a lot of backlash over the city’s decision. There’s also an online petition in an effort to save the venue.
Solterra Group, which has bought the Waldorf Hotel, says it has no intention of demolishing the hotel at this point.
