The Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre Society (VLACC) was founded in 2012 with the mandate of establishing a facility dedicated to the presentation, promotion and celebration of Latin American arts and culture in Vancouver. In 2014, CitySpaces was hired by VLACC to assist in the development of a feasibility study for a potential cultural facility. The purpose of this feasibility study was to confirm the vision for the Centre, analyze the demand for the Centre, prepare order of magnitude capital budget for three development scenarios (new build, buy and renovate, and lease), and outline a preliminary operating budget.
The feasibility study process included a workshop aimed at confirming and refining the original vision for the Centre. Workshop participants included the VLACC board of directors, representatives of six Latin American consulates in Vancouver, and stakeholders. The vision for the Centre that emerged was that the Centre should focus on the arts, provide opportunities to learn and explore the variety of Latin American culture, offer a social gathering place for all Latin Americans, while be welcoming and inclusive to everyone.
A survey conducted as part of this study found that there is a strong interest in having a centre that will provide a place to enjoy a variety of art forms with a Latin American focus, with a particularly keen interest in live music, food, film, and live performance. The survey also found that there is a sense that there is not enough opportunity in Vancouver to take part in these activities and that the VLACC vision would help meet this need.
Building on the vision and demand analysis, a concept for the Centre was developed, which included:
- Auditorium / Black box for theatre productions, film screenings, live music, as well as speaking events.
- Dance / Theatre Studio for dance and theatre rehearsal, classes and, perhaps, small scale performances.
- Multi-use Room for various programs, including classes, meetings and talks. Hall / Gallery for reception, lounge area, art exhibition, and private functions.
- Café with a limited menu of items, some of which may be prepared off site.
PROJECT TEAM: