Evans Theatre space eyed for IPC expansion
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/04/2024 (757 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon University plans to repurpose the space currently used by the Evans Theatre to expand its Indigenous Peoples Centre (IPC).
University spokesperson Grant Hamilton said the move is to address the pressing need for more room to accommodate the growing demand for cultural support for Indigenous students, faculty and staff on campus.
“We’re excited by the growth in our Indigenous Peoples Centre, which is right next door. Frankly, it’s bursting at the seams and growing more popular every year,” Hamilton told the Sun in an email.
“We have made good strides in Indigenizing many spaces across campus, but the needs filled by the IPC are real, and are growing.”
With 14 per cent of BU’s population identifying as Indigenous and seeking more cultural supports on campus, and with Indigenous applications currently up 20 per cent year-over-year, Hamilton said, the university is compelled to address the escalating need for dedicated spaces to support Indigenous initiatives.
Hamilton added BU is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, recognizing the imperative to provide adequate resources for Indigenous community members.
“We are planning to issue a Request for Proposal in the coming weeks that would explore an expansion to the IPC, including into the Evans space, what kinds of impacts that would have, and the anticipated costs,” he said. “Whatever those costs, we do not have a budget currently allocated for construction on the Evans, and significant fundraising would be required before getting underway.”
He said there will be a collaborative approach to the repurposing initiative, emphasizing the importance of extensive consultation with stakeholders.
The Evans Theatre currently serves various functions, including support for the drama program and as a venue for the Brandon Film Festival and public events like forums, and Hamilton said BU is committed to ensuring the continuity of these essential functions.
“There are no immediate changes planned for the Evans Theatre space — likely not for at least several years,” he said. “I don’t know what the RFP might propose, but expanding the IPC into the Evans would mean finding a new home for those other uses.”
Brandon Film Festival committee chair Ron McPhail did not reply to the Sun’s email.
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