MEDIA RELEASE

Khyber Building to Become Arts and Culture Incubator

(Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010) - Barrington Street’s iconic Khyber Building will become a vitally needed centre to help arts and culture flourish in HRM.

Regional Council voted last evening in support of a three-year operating strategy for the Khyber and directed municipal staff to begin arts and culture programming for the much-valued space at 1588 Barrington Street.

Purchased by the City of Halifax in 1986 and home to a variety of uses in the ensuing years, the Khyber now has a significant role to play in helping to address a well-identified shortage of space to foster emerging and professional artists, to generate inspiration, and nurture creative industry.

“The Khyber is already a valued piece of the cultural landscape in HRM,” said Mayor Peter Kelly. “Now it is assured a strong future that will greatly contribute to Barrington Street and help build the creative capital of this municipality.”

In February 2009, HRM collaborated with the Khyber Arts Society to issue a request for proposals for the Khyber as an artist-run centre. Consultants hired to complete a feasibility study filed their report in March 2010.

Under the three-year strategy approved this evening, the operation would evolve from HRM managing tenancy and programming to a cultural facility management agreement with an organization selected through an expression of interest. This progressive approach will
enable HRM and its cultural partners (including the Khyber Arts Society) to build the necessary capacity for effective operation and utilization of the centre.

“I am pleased that Council continues to demonstrate a commitment to the revitalization of Barrington Street and to supporting the arts that help draw people to experience our downtown,” said Halifax Downtown Councillor Dawn Sloane.

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Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-4010