When Halifax’s only independently operated black box space was granted a funding commitment of $250,000 over two years at Halifax City Council on June 4, it was greeted with an outburst of applause.
Lindell Smith, councilor for Halifax Peninsula North put forward the motion that was later passed. Only last month, a staff report recommended against the co-op’s request for $500,000.
Approximately 70 supporters of the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op showed up to the city council meeting that would discuss the theatre’s funding. After more arrived than could fit in the council room, some had to be moved to the gallery.
It’s not something that Audrey Eastwood, the venue manager of the Bus Stop Theatre thinks usually happens.
“There was such a huge wash of relief and everyone cheered, which apparently we weren’t supposed to do. There was such so much excitement and joy.”
For almost a year, members of the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op have tried to get the government and other organizations to help fund the co-op or donate money to them. The co-op wanted money to buy the theatre so they could continue to run their business.
Since their beginning, they had been renting the space from its landlord. Recently, the landlord decided to sell it. It left the co-op wondering if they would be able to continue their operations without a space.
Now with one commitment of funds, the co-op’s executive director Sebastien Labelle said there’s more on the way. He says there are now two funding commitments in support of the co-op.
A place to grow
The Bus Stop Theatre has been a place where emerging artists can get an audience, said Labelle.
From theatre shows to musicians to community gatherings, the venue hosts over 90 different groups and shows annually, according to their website. They can practice and perform there.
“The effects would be felt in many different ways if we were to lose the Bus Stop [Theatre]. It would be quite detrimental both for the social fabric of North End Halifax and for the cultural sector where emerging artists would be left without a place to present their works. And if we lose the emerging artists then there are no newer generations coming up to follow through what established artists are doing,” said Labelle.
Their struggle for funding only received widespread attention last month when last month’s staff report was released.
In response to the co-op’s request for funding, the report recommended against the original ask for $500,000.
That’s when the overflowing of support came in the form of letters, calls and emails.
“Just hearing about all the emails and calls that were made throughout the week and then seeing the room packed and overflowing on the day was really really heartwarming…I have no doubt that that demonstration of support had an impact on the decision that was ultimately made,” said Labelle.
Venue manager, Audrey Eastwood said they were used to being disappointed in their search for funding. So the city’s commitment came as a surprise.
And they’re even more delighted to see the show of support from the community.
“We’ve kind of gotten so used to being sent around in circles over the last almost year that we’ve been working on this project, and to finally have something that was a commitment and support from the city was really huge.”