The clock’s ticking and the door is closing up for a new downtown arts hub, but hope still remains.
Victoria council denied a $250,000 grant request from The Other Guise for a proposed hub at 716 Johnson St. The motion for funding to help acquire and renovate a new theatre space was defeated in a tie vote on Jan. 16.
Matthew Payne, executive director of The Other Guise, expressed his disappointment following nine months of preparation.
“The results were not the outcome we were hoping for and it's a shame not just for us… but also for the city staff in the arts office and the legal department in legislative services," said Payne in an interview with Victoria News. “So much time has been spent on this and to come away with a ‘No’ is so disheartening.”
The property, valued at $1.9 million by BC Assessment, exceeds its mortgage value. City staff had proposed conditional options for the grant, including a forgivable loan that would return the funds to the municipality if the property were sold. These conditions were not supported by three councillors.
Couns. Jeremy Caradonna, Matt Dell and Dave Thompson voted in favour, while Couns. Stephen Hammond, Marg Gardiner and Krista Loughton were opposed. Mayor Marianne Alto and Coun. Chris Coleman were absent while Coun. Susan Kim recused herself.
Dell expressed his discontent following council’s decision.
“I've been pushing for this for a year, so it's a very tough loss. Hopefully, we can find a new path forward,” he said on Twitter.
Grant rejected - today Council rejected (3-3 tie) a $250,000 grant to the Other Guise theatre to help acquire and renovate a new theatre space at 716 Johnson Street. I've been pushing for this for a year, so it's a very tough loss. Hopefully we can find a new path forward. #yyj pic.twitter.com/ohTZeDlRfJ
— Matt Dell (@mattdellok) January 16, 2025
In the upcoming weeks, Payne and his team plan to ramp up public outreach, seeking private-sector support from businesses and individuals to secure a permanent downtown venue for performing arts creation and presentation.
Despite the setback, the art organization remains poised to bring its vision to life.
“We stay positive and optimistic,” said Payne. “But at the same time, this loss of this contribution from the city was a key piece of the future of the project.
“We're not gonna sit down now, but if the door was closing before, it feels like it's closing a little faster.”
Payne added that the venue would serve as “an economic generator” for the downtown core, addressing an underserved need in the arts community “in an area of the city that desperately needs it.”
The long-term vision for the arts hub includes a space for year-round performing arts development and presentation, as well as educational opportunities such as drama camps and workshops. The venue would also be available for community events, including fundraisers.
For more information about The Other Guise or to support their project, visit otherguise.ca
