221A has been invited by CMHC to Stage 2 of a competitive Expression of Interest for the potential use of the 125,000 square foot former Emily Carr North Buildings at Granville Island, which is proposed for a new “arts and innovation hub.”
In line with our organizational commitments for equity, 221A is making the early-stages of this process visible for community transparency and to invite collaborators who would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in this process.
221A is seeking collaboration with:
- Peers in our sector including arts and culture organizations representing historically-excluded communities and,
- Value-aligned infrastructure groups, who are interested in joining 221A in the pursuit of this expression of interest.
“I am so hopeful about the creative transformation that this project will bring,” says urban planner & 221A Board Member, Kamala Todd, one of the visioning and planning team for the potential project. “Repurposing the Emily Carr building into a space for cultural practice, learning, and innovation will be an incredible boost to Vancouver.”
“We started as a student-led initiative out of Emily Carr 20 years ago,” says Executive Director, Brian McBay. “If 221A is selected to develop the former Emily Carr buildings at Granville Island, we want it to be in collaboration with the arts and culture community, and make sure the outcomes are generative for working artists.”
We welcome interested collaborators to contact us at hello@221a.ca.
About 221A
221A is a nonprofit organization that works with artists and designers to research and develop cultural, social and ecological infrastructure. We keep artists in the city, through studio placement fellowships, residencies, affordable housing and work spaces, education programs, and research and advocacy. 221A envisions a pluralistic society in which all people have the means to access and make culture.
About the Arts & Innovation Hub at Granville Island
The building is located on Granville Island, which is on the traditional territory of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. The entirety of Granville Island is owned by the Government of Canada and managed by CMHC on behalf of the Federal government. Granville Island voluntarily uses the City of Vancouver’s development and building permitting processes, which it would also do in the case of this project.
The existing building offers over 11,000 square metres (125,000 square feet) over two storeys and is situated in a unique waterfront location on Granville Island. The building offers potential to be repurposed for a variety of uses, and includes some expansive open floor areas, double-height areas, and spaces with good access to natural light and/or city and water views. An expansive ground floor offers opportunities for access to the waterfront. The second floor offers a variety of spaces previously used as studios, offices, and classrooms, many having clerestory windows allowing for additional natural light access.