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Help 2b create an Arts Hub at Video Difference in Halifax NS
What We Are Creating
We are seeking support to create a new performing arts hub in Halifax. This building (former home of the iconic Video Difference) will be a home for artists in the heart of Kjipuktuk. Your contribution supports immediate construction and upgrades that convert the building from a purpose-built video store to a space that will serve the greater Halifax Performing Arts community.
The building will provide:
- Affordable rehearsal space in the Criterion Room Studio
- Two one-bedroom apartments for short-term artist accommodation
- Affordable office space
- Community meeting space
- Co-working space for local and visiting performing artists
Why We Need Your Help
The arts sector in Halifax, which performs for more than 295,000 people annually and employs 1300 full and part time Haligonians, is in the midst of a significant space crisis. The performing arts community spends substantial resource and capacity every year trying to secure safe and affordable space for creation, rehearsals, artist accommodations, offices, and community gatherings. 2b shares this experience so when the opportunity to re-activate the Video Difference building presented itself, we immediately began the exciting work to build and share this valuable resource.
Who We Are
2b is 24 years old. We are a Kjipuktuk/Halifax-based, internationally renowned theatre company creating vital, innovative, and rigorous original works that challenge what theatre is and what it can be. We create original works from scratch here in Kjipuktuk, and tour those works across Canada and around the world. We’ve been to 67 cities, in 13 countries, on five continents - from Dartmouth to Denmark, Toronto to Tazmania, and Memphis to Mumbai. We centre care for our artists and audience members and create works that are accessible to both new and artistically seasoned audiences.
Where Your Contribution is Going
We have a phased renovation plan, which allows ongoing use of the building while we make upgrades for more functional use including significant accessibility upgrades.
Renovations are estimated to cost $205,400 in total. Your contributions will allow us to continue the first phase of renovations. 2b is seeking other private and public support and has already invested $25,000+.
Here is a breakdown of the full scope of work and associated costs:
Physical Accessibility Upgrades (following the goals of Accessible NS by 2030) :
- Upgrade entrance to Powered Door (approx $8200)
- Chair Lift (1st phase: Evac chair $4300, 2nd phase: Platform lift $50-75,000)
- Addition of an Accessible Bathroom (approx $35,000)
- Accessibility Signage and door knob upgrades ($3500)
Small Renovation upgrades with a focus on access and safety, environmental and energy efficiency and health and safety including:
- Painting and cleaning, including Carpet removal and flooring replacement and upgrades (approx $26,800)
- Plumbing upgrades: Kitchen sink, Hand washing sink, Utility Sink, two non-gendered bathrooms - one accessible, one stall (Approx $5600)
- Electrical upgrades: Electrical Plan, Switch/Control improvements for 3rd floor, Electrical panel replacement, Fire Evacuation Lights, LED fixture upgrade and exterior lighting for entrances (Approx $7000)
- HVAC: Heat and Cooling Plan; including heat pump upgrades (approx 20,000)
- Carpentry/Finishing: Internal doorways, small partitions (approx $8000-20,000)
We can’t wait to share our progress with you!
Gratitude and Appreciation
After 34 years of perusing the shelves of Video Difference, we are honoured to be a part of breathing new creative life into this iconic space.
We’d like to thank our community of artists, who have already used and contributed to the vision of this space; Zuppa Theatre, Villains Theatre, Halifax Theatre for Young People, Theatre Nova Scotia, Bus Stop Theatre, LoHiFi Productions, Accidental Mechanics, Eastern Front Theatre, reWork Productions, Gale Force Theatre, Think of the Worst Theatre, Live Art Dance, Neptune Theatre, Joe Cobden, Prismatic Arts Festival, Hillsburn, The Matriarch Project. We are looking forward to working with even more organizations. We can’t wait to continue to build it with you!
Finally, THANK YOU for reading our story.
We hope you join us in this exciting new opportunity. Please share and contribute any amount you can. Help us make a positive change in our community.
Contact Us!
For all inquiries (media, bookings, sponsorship, volunteer) please visit :
Frequently Asked Questions:
I’m new to Halifax - What was Video Difference? Read about it here:
Tax receipts? Yes, if Canadian you will receive a tax receipt via email as we are a registered not-for-profit and charity.
Can I set up a monthly donation? Yes! That’s the best way to support! This can be easily done via our 2b donation page. Your donation will be acknowledged and captured in the go-fund-me profile as well.
Fundraising team (7)
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Louisa Adamson
Organizer
Halifax, NS
2B THEATRE ASSOCIATION
Beneficiary
Chelsea Dickie
Team member
Christian Barry
Team member
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Emma James
Team member
Jacob Sampson
Team member