In Southampton (Saugeen Shores), the Southampton Arts Centre has called the Southampton Town Hall, a Heritage Building, its home since 1999.
The Centre is a not-for-profit organization that supports more than 50 local artists from the region and has become an integral part of what is known as the cultural hub of Southampton (Saugeen Shores), is also an economic driver for the community and contributes to the vibrancy and cultural quality of life.
Southampton Arts is home to the Art Gallery and Art School that feature arts programs for children and adults through artistic educational experiences, provides professional artist exhibition space and special events.
At Monday night’s meeting (Jan. 9th), Council approved the renewal of a five-year lease agreement with the Arts Centre for its space and use in the Southampton Town Hall.
In addition to the Art Gallery, the Town Hall with its multiple spaces also provides theatre space for the Bruce County Playhouse and meeting space for the Southampton Business Improvement Association (BIA). For mobility access to the upper theatre/special events floor, the Town Hall is also equipped with an elevator. The Art Gallery has a special alarm system that prevents entry to the Gallery, particularly when the elevator is in use for events.
Town staff recently met with representatives from stakeholders to consider the updating of the floor plan to ensure it reflects the appropriate use of the building. Among changes that have been decided are to move the BIA’s space from the main floor to the lower level (basement). The move will enable the Arts Gallery/Centre to assume the existing BIA space for programming and exhibition space. The new BIA space will create a “stand-alone” function with its own entrance.
In addition, a self-serve tourism brochure kiosk will also be added across from the exhibit space.
At some point in the future, as had been discussed by Council over the years, there may be future capital plans for the Town Hall that could impact the use of the gallery space. Southampton Arts is aware of the potential and would be engaged as a key stakeholder through the consultation process for capital improvements.
In the Agreement, it is stated that: The Tenant understands and agrees that minor or major renovations could occur during the term of this agreement that could potentially cause interruption of services including but not limited to hydro, sewer, water, heating, and cooling ranging in time from several days to several months, depending on the scope of renovations. The Landlord will not be held responsible for any financial losses created as a result of any shutdown caused of said renovations or additions to the Town Hall.
