Silk Purse Arts Centre and the Ambleside Waterfront Concept Plan

West Vancouver Community Arts Council's Silk Purse Arts Centre

It was a full house at the Silk Purse Arts Centre on April 7 as District of West Vancouver staff responded to community concerns regarding the Ambleside Waterfront Concept Plan and its potential effects on the West Vancouver Community Arts Council (WVCAC) and its facility. 

District staff Jim Bailey, director of planning and development, Doti Niedermayer, senior manager of cultural development, and David Hawkins, manager of community planning emphasized the District's commitment to work with those who currently utilize the Ambleside waterfront through the planning stages. 

As part of the transformation of the waterfront area in the years ahead, the District proposes to demolish the Silk Purse Arts Centre, WVCAC's facility for over 20 years. District staff made the assurance at the public meeting that the building will not be taken down until a suitable alternate facility can be found for the arts council. 

Over the coming months Niedermayer, new to her role as the District's cultural development manager, will work with the affected arts and culture organizations along the waterfront to plan for the future. 

The WVCAC is seeking feedback to help them adequately represent the interests of artists, performers, community members, and the organization's membership in these discussions with the District.

Use the WVCAC Feedback Form to share your thoughts on how the arts council can better serve its community and support its members. In terms of facilities, they'd like to hear how the community feels the Silk Purse currently meets the needs of artists and members, and how the WVCAC can continue to provide the best support for all those they represent. 

For more on the West Vancouver Community Arts Council and the Silk Purse Arts Centre, visit silkpurse.ca.