In the Beginning....

Is anything supposed to last 100 years?

Today is my first day on the job as the Performing Arts Manager for the Third Avenue Centre for Community Enrichment - its a non-profit organization that gives a vital space for vibrant and creative culture groups in downtown Saskatoon. 
Our home?  Third Avenue United Church.  No, we're not one in the same - we're good partners.  In this day and age - namely during a recession - cultural organizations have to partner up with anyone they can. 

It all started organically.  Third Ave United is experiencing what most large gothic churches are: its too expensive to run a building that big.  This beautiful landmark is turning 100 years young in 2012 - and you'd be hard pressed to find a music lover in Saskatoon who hasn't had a memorable moment in the gothic sanctuary.  Its acoustics are legendary.  I've performed all over Canada, and trust me - there are very few spaces in this country that have a sound like this.

We just don't build buildings like this anymore...when was the last time anyone talked about a new building standing for 100 years?  Is that even realistic anymore?  Is it realistic for a church community to have to look after a space this big and beautiful all by themselves?

We're so grateful that we get to share the space with the congregants of Thrid Ave United!  Its a great partnership - we're as passionate about the building as they are. 

The goal?  Save this landmark from becoming another building torn down to make way for the "boom".  We're here to create a meeting place for music, art, ideas, people of all walks of life, all ages, and all economics.  We want to bring world class performing arts to the people of the community.  We want to make space available for dance classes, yoga groups, young artists, groups needing rehearsal space - if you have an idea for what you'd like to do at Third Ave, we're here to make it happen.  We're looking for groups and individuals who love culture as much as we do.

Most importantly we're working on this so that years from now we'll still treasure inspiring moments at Third Ave.

As Saskatoon rides the "boom" we're all busier than ever...so taking time to refresh, re-energize, and get inspired is more important than ever before.