Christine A. Richardson, executive director of theARTScentered, hangs an owl painting Thursday at the Vancouver Arts Hub in the former Vancouver Community Library. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)Photo Gallery
The former Vancouver Community Library is transforming into the city’s first arts and cultural center.
In 2023, the city took over the 50,000-square-foot building at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. previously leased by the FVRLibraries, and collaborated with nonprofit group theARTScentered on a plan to invite artists and community groups to use the space before it was renovated.
Individuals and groups started renting spaces in May.
“It was the vision of our Culture, Arts & Heritage Commission to have a cultural and art center,” said Stacey Donovan, the city of Vancouver’s cultural services manager. “Being able to reuse this space was really important to us. It already has some great connections with the community since they came here (when it was) a library.”
Currently, the building has two dance studios and areas on both levels for music groups and performers to practice, as well as studio and gallery spaces.
“Many of them are not used to having their voices heard, and so we’re giving them a platform to really share what their needs are,” Donovan said.
Christine A. Richardson, executive director of theARTScentered, said she has worked with people who expressed the need for such space.
“The magical part of it is when you’ve got the folkloric group in there, you’ve got the bagpipers downstairs and then you’ve got the visual arts group in the conference room across the way,” Richardson said.
Everyone who rents a space pays a fee that will go back to the art hub in some way, such as buying supplies or painting walls, Richardson said. She works with tenants to set the amount.
“Finances can be the barrier to people having access to space,” Richardson said. “So we are deploying radical hospitality, which means I’m going to have a conversation with you, and if you come and tell me what it is that you want to do and how much you’re able to afford, I’m going to get you in here.”
People can also volunteer to help with public events, including the First Friday Artwalk, to lower fees, she said.
The arts hub is already in action with a fiber arts group hosting monthly workshops and dance groups practicing in the studios. A November workshop will give dance groups the chance to learn each other’s techniques.
“A lot of groups who have never interacted before come together in a space and get to know each other and really help share their dreams and visions with each other,” Donovan said.
Renovation, restoration
The 1963 building needs a sprinkler system and asbestos abatement. Until it’s renovated, a maximum of 99 people can occupy each floor.
The city worked with a contractor who created a design, including a cafe, community kitchen, gallery, studio and classroom space. A 2023 city council memo outlines a tentative schedule for bidding and construction to begin in 2025 with an official grand opening of the Vancouver Arts Hub in 2026.
“We’re really wanting for this to be a space that you can come in and learn from different cultures and experiences,” Donovan said. “You don’t have to be an artist to come into the space. You can just come in, enjoy it and maybe take a class and see what you might be interested in for the future.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that the city of Vancouver already owned the former Mill Plain Boulevard library location.
This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.
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