Sangudo, an ACE Communities partner, has received funding from Alberta Community and Co-operative Association's Rural Co-operative Development Project. This means funding and support has been made available to Sangudo to develop a co-operative that is member owned and operated.
A Sangudo Co-Operative Center for the Arts is the project goal. The art co-operative would provide a store-front gallery-type space to showcase visual arts and a place for creative folks to gather and be inspired. Several other areas of the gallery would include a concession, consignment articles, live performances of various types, workshops, festivals, arts related classes, book signings, and a host to several other arts and culture activities.
Benefits of such a co-operative in Sangudo means increased employment, broader entertainment and activities, engagement of youth and seniors, and potential improvement and utilization of current infrastructures.
However, money is not just handed over to Sangudo and the work finished. The members of this grass-roots initiative will be using a collaborative approach. This means that the members drive the focus of Co-operative Centre for the Arts, as well as manage it. Likewise, the community will be required to bring forth local funds and resources.
The innovation and leadership that is demonstrated within this small rural Alberta community does indeed create a cause for celebration!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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